​STAIRCASE TERMINOLOGY & BASIC CODE

This page provides some basic terms and principals. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or even entirely accurate resource for staircase building codes which may change and/or vary by region, culture, etc. Can be found in Architectural Building Standards, ADA Guidelines, UBC, CalDAC, etc.

 

DEFINITIONS

BALUSTERS. Vertical bars between the steps and handrail. May be attached to the side of the stringer or flush.

CIRCULAR STAIRS. Similar to Spiral Stairs, however the circle is much more open and does not overlap on itself causing headroom clearance issues.

HANDRAIL. A vertical barrier that prevents allowing one a hand-hold as they ascend or descend the staircase. Typically 34" to 38" above the steps, running parallel to the staircase slope. May be a glass panel, or use balusters or bars which run parallel to the staircase slope. Codes regulate the maximum space allowable between bars and balusters. Handrail Diameter should be between 1.25 and 2.68" (ADA).

HEADROOM. The overhead clearance above the steps to minimize danger of hitting one's head on the ceiling. Minimum of 6'-8".

LANDING. A level between floors designed to break-up a long continuous set of steps, offering a rest and reducing fatigue. If the staircase has a Total Rise of more than 12'-0" you must insert a landing.

NOSE. The outside corner where the Tread and Riser meet.

RISER. The vertical height of each step. Not to exceed 8-1/4".

RUN. The total horizontal length the staircase will occupy. May be used in reference to the Total Run of the Staircase, or may be used synonymously with Tread.

SLOPE. The overall angle at which the staircase rises relative to its length.

SPIRAL STAIRCASES. Generally restricted to residential use only. 9-1/2" step rise. 6'-6" min headroom.

STRINGER. The support that runs under or along the sides to support the staircase.

TREAD. The horizontal surface one steps on. May be made of wood, glass, steel, concrete, etc. Typically, 9" min.

TOTAL RISE. The total staircase height from Floor-to-Floor. Remember to calculate to the next floor level, no to the ceiling. 12'-0" max rise without a landing.

WIDTH. Staircase width should be 35" or more. Round up to 36" for your drawings.

 

 

Helpful Staircase Calculator Site: http://www.calculator.net/stair-calculator.html

 

How to do Staircase Math. Video available here

We often come across images like this of beautiful and minimalist stairs with no handrails such as this Circular staircase at Brasilia by Oscar Niemeyer, however we simply can't build stairs without handrails due to public safety.
Be realistic in your work.

* Estimate only. See instructor and calendar for specific due dates. Summer Session schedule is more compressed with one week equal to approximately two and half semester weeks.

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