11 replies to this topic

[Keith Almond]

I can't decide whether I'm having a senior moment, or this can't be done. How would I create a staircase like this?

 

[Yvon Gonthier]

It seems unless mistaken that you can only do a square Wrap Around Stair.

[randolph cohn]

showing the stairs you illustrate made

with lines and arcs

and

than use

EDIT / FORM SOLID POLYGON

 

left CLICK to enlarge

 

 

 

 

NOTE:

not sure we can do them with the "stair" program but could be wrong.

NOTE 2:

if we can't do them,  i'm sure softplan tech will add this feature

to the next upgrade.

[Jim Johnson]

This is done with 3 sections of flared stairs. Setting the flare to "0".  Using the appropriate "alignment". and adding a deflection to the center section.  It works for the 3D but you would have to do the plan view with lines and make the stairs hidden.

 

It might just be quicker with Randy's method.

 

 

[Keith Almond]

James,

 

Thanks, that's exactly what I was trying to do. I could easily make lines and arcs work, but somehow it seems more right to draw stairs as stairs if I can.

 

However, I may be thick, but I can't see what you did to make that work, that I haven't tried, but my attempts aren't even close to that. Can you explain in a little more detail please. Obviously, I'm missing something fundamental.

 

Thanks.

 

... It works for the 3D but you would have to do the plan view with lines and make the stairs hidden ...

 

I ALWAYS make my 3D stairs hidden and then draw them as lines on the plans otherwise they just look bad/wrong on the plans. Typically on the basement you have to show what's under them, and on the main floor they are invariably partly under the framed opening. neither of which Softplan can cope with and still show the plans neatly in my opinion. The generated staircase section line is just awful.

[Jim Johnson]

Keith,

 

Here are screenshots of my settings.  I adjusted the top and bottom width of the stairs by trial & error.  It could be refined.  Hope this helps.

 

 

 

 

[Keith Almond]

James,

 

Thank you. Now I see what you did. I couldn't see how the 4th riser was curved - I always ended up with it straight - but it's part of the deck ... clever, I hadn't thought of that.

[Yvon Gonthier]

I hate drawing stairs as lines that is why I often draw partial stairs.

 

That's why my suggestion was that stairs should have an option for an adjustable section line meaning that you can adjust the height at which it cuts thru your stair (same principal as walls). Then, for the portion above the section line, you have the option to show dashed lines or nothing. Oh yes, and improve the section line.

[randolph cohn]

james,  nice thinking outside the "stair box"

for this particular stair design,

I like the way the wood curves with the steps.

 

I use the line and arc method because I've been doing

it for almost 20 years and can do it fairly fast.

too much thinking for me using your method

but the finished result is very good.

 

you should send a "suggestion"  to softplan tech

about adding these types of steps to the stair menu(s).

 

I do think softplan users should learn how to use

lines and arcs / form solid polygon /

 for many of their 3d objects.

note: the lines and arcs that you draw work well

for your 2d con docs as well as the 3d models

you can get from them.

[Tom Rogers]

the problem Randy comes when you generate a material list.  About half my projects I do a take off for.  Solids don't always cut it when you order the materials.  Now for a Rendering-absolutely!

[randolph cohn]

I hear you tom,  but I only design >

would never do take offs for my clients

OR contractors',

can only get me into trouble.

 

don't want the liability.

 

how accurate can SP do stairs ?

 

btw,

you can save the 3d model you make as a 3d symbol

for use in future projects with a similar design.

you could build this stair with individual pieces

just like you'd build it so it could work with soft list.

[Tom Rogers]

Actually the take-offs are pretty good.  Our rules are a little bit more relaxed than Cailifornia.  And I always tell my builders that there is not wastage factor in there since I cant tell the framer how to cut the pieces so that usually takes care of them coming back and crying about it.  But when I had one builder complain that he took back a semi full of stuff I tell him that my builders who use my material list return about oine bundle of shingles, they are happy for the money I can save them. 

 

I do like the idea of using it as a symbol. And if I can get a set price for a turn-key stair price that would be perfect.