1m2 Stairs Dimensions
Flaviano Bada
Stair widths in construction are crucial in ensuring safety, accessibility, and efficient flow of foot traffic. In residential settings, stairs are generally narrower, catering to fewer occupants. Conversely, in commercial or public buildings, wider stairs are necessary to accommodate a larger number of people and to facilitate swift evacuation in emergencies. In venues like theaters or stadiums, where there is high foot traffic, even wider stairs are needed. Additionally, stair width must account for individuals using mobility aids, ensuring their safe and unhindered passage. Local building codes often dictate specific requirements for stair widths.
Stairs have been with us since ancient times, allowing people to navigate vertical spaces. From simple stone steps in ancient civilizations to intricate wooden staircases in medieval castles, they evolved to match the era's architectural style. The Industrial Revolution brought metal and cast iron designs, often seen in urban settings. Over time, the purpose of stairs expanded beyond utility to include artistic expression, with designs reflecting cultural tastes and advances in engineering. Today, they're integral to our built environment, showcasing both function and beauty.
As we move forward, stairs are not just about getting from one floor to another; they're becoming pieces of art and interaction. The rise of smart homes brings stairs with LED lighting and sensors, lighting up each step as you walk. In urban homes, floating staircases and glass treads offer a modern aesthetic, maximizing space and light. Eco-friendly materials, like bamboo or recycled metal, are becoming popular, aligning with sustainability goals. Multi-purpose stairs with in-built storage or seating are on the rise, maximizing utility in compact spaces. These evolving designs merge form, function, and innovation, making stairs central to architectural expression.
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The purpose of this study was to provide a kinematic description of the task of stair ascent and descent. Fifteen women were divided into short, medium, and tall subject groups. Three testing staircases of different riser and tread dimensions were used. Temporal and cinematographic data were collected simultaneously via switchmats and a high-speed camera, respectively. Measures of stairclimbing gait cycle duration, swing and stance phase durations, cadence, and velocity appeared to be systematically related to subject height. Stance (19% to 64%) and swing (36% to 81%) phase durations varied considerably depending on stair dimensions during stair descent. Less variation was observed in stance (50% to 60%) and swing (40% to 50%) values during tasks of stair ascent. Individuals appeared to adjust to stair dimensions by varying the flexion/extension patterns of the knee rather than those of the ankle or hip. Depending on the staircase climbed, knee flexion angles ranging from 83 degrees to 105 degrees were required. Stair dimensions, therefore, appeared to influence the temporal and angular kinematics of the lower limb during stairclimbing.
Whether you are building new stairs or renovating old stairways, it is important to understand applicable stair codes. Codes vary by type of stair (residential stair codes versus commercial stair codes and interior versus exterior). In this article, building codes for stairs will be broken down to give a general understanding of stair code requirements. Remember to check your local building codes for stair specifications to ensure proper compliance.
What is a stair tread and stair riser? The tread and riser are referred to in all building codes. The stair tread is the horizontal portion of the staircase on which people walk, the stair riser is the vertical portion of the staircase between each tread. Stair treads and stair risers can be made of a variety of materials with treads often having a partial or total surface with some non-slip properties for safe egress.
Another important question is: what is stair nosing? Stair nosing can refer to two things. First it refers to the front portion of a stair tread, this can extend over the riser, meet at a 90 degree angle with the riser, or be angled back at a slight return.
The second definition of stair nosing is a piece of non-slip and/or color contrasting material embedded in or secured onto the front of a stair tread. Usually these stair nosings are from just under 2 inches to as much as 5 inches deep. They can contain material that will help prevent slips, provide a visual aid in seeing the next tread and even glow in the dark properties to help in power outages and emergency evacuations. If people need to exit the building these safety features can allow them to egress quickly via an exterior exit.
Stair code requirements vary slightly between commercial and residential buildings. When beginning construction on a new building or doing renovations on an existing structure, it is important to be familiar with the different regulations and inspector practice. This includes ensuring that the correct dimensions are being used, based on the type of building or home. This applies to both an interior or exterior stair. The International Code Council (ICC) supervises many various codes, including two which are specific to stairs.
The International Residential Code dictates stair code requirements specific to residential buildings. The IRC stairs code states that, to comply with stairway requirements, the minimum width for residential stairs be no less than 36 inches. The stair riser code is up to 7.75 inches, and can not vary more than 3/8 of an inch. There are also section codes in place for standard stair tread dimensions. The tread depth code for residential stairs should be no less than 10 inches with nosing, no less than 11 inches without nosing, and maximum tread depth variation should also be less than 3/8 of an inch.
Alternately, there are commercial stair code regulations to comply with as well. There are small variations in stair tread dimension for residential vs. commercial buildings. The International Building Code sets the commercial building code for stairs. The IBC stair codes are slightly different than the ones set by the IRC. For example, the maximum stair riser height is 7 inches, and minimum is 4 inches. The stair tread code requirements are also slightly different, with a minimum depth of 11 inches. For both of those codes, the maximum tolerated difference in height and depth is 3/8 of an inch, the same as for residential stair code measurements. Another stair specification section by the IBC commercial stair codes is that stair tread nosing is not required as long as the minimum depth is 11 inches.
The building code for steps are in place for the safety of everyone that may use those stairs. It is important to remember that uniformity is perhaps the most important thing to take away from this and that your inspector will be watching for you to comply. If all step & stair measurements are the same for tread depth and riser height, any safety risk will be greatly reduced. Stairway code requirements are in place for a reason, and with stairs that fall into the mandatory dimensions specified by the IRC and IBC, the worry for any hazard should be eliminated.
Amstep 300 Series stair nosings go over existing stairs and provide 3 to 5 inches of durable non slip surface superior to standard rubber stair treads. They can go over worn out existing embedded stair nosing or provide a new non slip front edge to a worn or slippery step. They can go over wood, metal and even vinyl stairs. They come in many colors and provide a visual contrast to the front edge of your steps. They are also available with Sightline and Glowline options for increased visibility even in the dark.
Typically, the standard size of steps is around 7 inches in height (rise), 9-10 inches in depth (run), and 22-36 inches in tread length for maximum convenience among family members of all ages. However, checking your local building codes can sometimes provide a more specific size recommended for your home!
For accurately calculating stair dimensions, begin by dividing the rise of your step by the number of steps that was determined in the section above. This will tell you exactly how tall each stair step can be! Next, find the total run of each step by multiplying the individual run of the step by the number of intended steps on the staircase that was determined earlier.
While some aspects of measuring the standard size for staircases can be easily done yourself, renovation design and installation is often best left to the professionals. At TurnTech, we highly recommend every homeowner partner with a local contractor to ensure precision when calculating stair dimensions and building with safety.
The Stair Calculator is an online tool for calculating various parameters involved in the construction of stairs. Refer to the figure adjacent to the calculator as a reference. A fraction to decimal conversion table for common fractions used in measurements is also provided at the bottom of the page.
Stairs come in many different forms, and while building a basic staircase may appear to be a simple task, there are actually a number of parameters, calculations, and building codes that must be considered. These range from the length, width, and height of specific parts of the stairs, to where doors are placed in relation to stairs; the arc of a door must be completely on the landing or floor and not be allowed to swing over steps. Below is a list of some of the most common terminology regarding stairs, as well as some commonly used building codes. Building codes or requirements can differ at a local level, and a person building a staircase should refer to the codes specific to their locations.
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