TNTDIY Stair design

The author will give a basic idea for a stair design. But I should be noted that this is best done by an expert.

These are things to look for of expectation of your design.

1.      The design details of the actual stair.

2.      The minimum width 3’-0”

3.      The allowable slope (the ratio of rise to go).

4.      The number of steps without a landing 9.

5.      The height and position of the handrails

6.      The balustrades.

7.      The head clearance above the stair.

The position of the stair. In compliance with fire regulations

1.  There are minimum distances required to an exit stair
2.  It has to be structural sound, which usually means a structural engineer's approval of the design.
3.  The same as a door height, we use 80”
4.   Try to arrange good lighting, High set windows or even a skylight.
5.  You must be accurate with your calculations. 

     The author used the table below in getting get the number of riser he needed. It may not be exactly what you have to work with, but it is a good starting point.

RISER (R)	GOING (G)	SLOPE RELATIONSHIP = 2R+G

MAX	MIN	MAX	MIN	MAX	MIN
8”	5”	14	10	28”	22”

     The slope ratio of twice the RISE plus the GOING stops you from choosing a slope that is a bit extreme, like a maximum or minimum (G) and (R) together.

1. Get the total rise. Either measure on site or off the plans. Let's say that we have a total height of 9’-6”.
2. Looking at the table above I see that my choices of the rise lie between 5” and 8”.
3. 5” is a very small rise.
4. From experience, house stairs fall between the range of 7” to 8”, so get out a calculator and try them.
5. 9’-6” /7” = 16. rises

Stay tuned for more details on stair design and don't forget to write and tell us all about your design.

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