shkallët

Shkallët is the Albanian term for stairs or a staircase, the sequence of steps that connects two levels within a building. A staircase provides vertical circulation and can be interior or exterior.

In Albanian, shkallë is the singular noun for a step, while shkallët refers to stairs collectively or to a defined flight of stairs. The term is used in everyday language and in architectural descriptions.

Staircases vary in form: straight flights, L- or U-shaped configurations, and spiral staircases. They comprise treads (horizontal parts) and risers (vertical parts), with railings or balustrades for safety. Materials range from wood and stone to concrete and metal, reflecting regional building practices and climate.

Practical design follows guidelines for comfortable ascent: uniform riser heights, adequate tread depth, and headroom. Handrails are typically required on at least one side and sometimes on both.

Across Albanian-speaking regions, stair construction shows local variation, from simple wooden interior stairs in rural houses to more complex stone or reinforced concrete stairs in urban settings.