TAFE Stair Text Book

CARPENTRY - HOUSING
STAIR
BUILDING
This text introduces subject matter related to the set out and construction of timber
stairs. It builds on knowledge and skills acquired during the first stage, which should
be revised and practiced throughout the course.
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TAFE and Addison, Wesley, Longman Australia Pty Limited, to re-examine and
reinforce these basic skills.
The main areas covered are:
Internal and external stairs and associated balustrades.
Various stair types are outlined, including dogleg, quarter space and single flights.
Internal stairs will have closed risers, handrails and balusters, while the external stairs
will be open riser with handrails and guardrails.
BCA requirements are covered to allow for design and construction of residential
stairs, including slope relationship formula (2R + G) and maximum spaces between
treads to create safe open riser stairs.
Method of setting out, cutting and assembling internal and external stairs is covered as
well as the calculation of quantities and cost of materials for both internal and external
stairs.
Note: This text only covers stair types and stair requirements for residential
construction.
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a detailed description of trade terms, technical content and some trade jargon.
TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division
STAIR BUILDING
STAIRS
A stair consists of a number of steps, made up of treads and risers, combined and supported to
provide continuous access between floors and/or landings. It may also be referred to, more
commonly, in the plural sense as a
St
ai
r
way
.
Note: It is preferable to use the terms Stair or Stairway as opposed to Staircase, which
originally referred to the space in which a flight was built.
Fig. 1 Stairs for residential construction
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
DEFINITIONS - Stair Types

Bracketed stair: Also referred to as
Cutandbr
ac
k
e
t
e
d
, it is a stair with strings having the
shape of treads and risers cut out on the top edge and fitted with an ornamental bracket, or fret
work, underneath.
Circular stair: A stair with or without a central well having steps, which radiate from a
common centre.
Closed stair: A stair, which has side walls or partitions on both sides and is usually closed by a
door at one end. It may also be referred to as a
Box
e
ds
t
ai
r
, or an
Enc
l
os
e
ds
t
ai
r
.
Closed string stair: A stair in which the treads are not visible in a side view of the stair flight.
Dogleg stair: Also referred to as a
Hal
f
-t
ur
ns
t
ai
r
, it is a stair with two flights between

storeys, which are connected by a rectangular half landing for a 180 turn. The outer strings of
each flight are housed into a common newel post, which does not allow for any stairwell.
Geometric stair: A continuous sweeping or flying stair, with no newel posts or landings,
having a continuous curved string and handrail. It may be designed to fit a semicircular or
elliptical stairwell.
Helical stair: A stair with a circular plan where all the treads are winders. This stair is also
known as a
Spi
r
als
t
ai
r
or
Wi
ndi
ngs
t
ai
r
.
Open newel stair: An open stairwell with two landings between floors, short flights between
landings, and newel posts at the corners.
Open riser stair: A stair consisting of strings and treads with no riser boards between treads,
thus leaving the risers open.
Open stair: A stair, which is not enclosed by walls or separated from the space where it is
placed.
Open string stair: A stair with a cut string to the shape of the risers and treads, on one or both
sides, facing the stairwell.
Quarter turn stair: A stair with two flights at right angles to each other with a quarter space
landing between them.
Return flight stair: A dogleg stair where the outer strings of each flight are vertically above
each other.
Spine string stair: An open riser steel stair with a single central spine (spine string) and
welded tread supports.
Winding stair: A circular or curved stair, which changes direction by means of winders, with
or without landings.
STAIR BUILDING
Common Stair types

Stairs may be designed in a variety of forms to provide practicality, function, decoration and/or
aesthetic appeal. Some of the types available are as follows:
First floor landing
Landing
Diagonal
Bracing
Housed
string
SECTION A-A
ELEVATION 1
Spandrell
panelling
Storage
under
Second or Return Flight
First floor
landing
Tie bolt
Ground Floor
First Flight
Fig. 2 Straight open-riser
Half Space Landing
Fig. 3 Dogleg
SECTION B-B
Quarter space landing
Bull Nose step
Quarter space of winder preferably kept to bottom of flight or

otherwise avoided
Fig. 4 Quarter turn
Centre level
ELEVATION
ELEVATION
All treads are winders

in circular and spiral
stairs
Fig. 5 Geometrical circular
Fig. 6 Spiral or Helical
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
MATERIALS USED FOR STAIRS

Stairs may be constructed from a wide range of materials, which include stone, brick, timber,
steel, concrete and/or combinations of these.
STONE
This was probably the first material used for purpose made stairs in the history of building.
Evidence of this can be seen in such early structures produced firstly by the Egytians in many
of their temples and sarcophagi (burial tombs), then the Greeks in structures found at the
Acropolis, followed by the Romans in structures like the Colosseum and the Forum Romanum.
Spiral stone stairs were also very popular throughout history with many being used in medieval
English castles through to more modern Spanish structures, as found in the towers of Antonio
Ga
udi
sSagrada Familia in Barcelona.
Fig. 7 Detail of a typical stone spiral stair flight

STAIR BUILDING
BRICK
Small flights of solid brick stairs are used externally for access to and from low patios and
verandahs. They are usually laid on a concrete strip footing on either side to support the
enclosing wing walls and may have treads constructed of brick-on-flat, brick-on-edge or a
r
e
nde
r
e
dbr
i
c
kf
i
ni
s
h.Dr
ypr
e
s
s
e
dbr
i
c
ksa
r
epr
e
f
e
r
r
e
df
orbr
i
c
ks
t
a
i
r
sa
nds
t
e
psa
st
he
ydon
t
have holes through them, like the extruded types, and may be laid frog down to provide a neat
finish.
Brick-on-edge coping to
wing wall
Solid brick steps with brick-on-edge

treads
Fig. 8 Small solid brick flight of stairs
CONCRETE
Reinforced concrete stairs are more commonly found in commercial construction, however this
method of construction may also be used in residential buildings where the upper floor is also
concrete. The most common use of concrete stairs in residential construction, is externally from
balconies and verandahs.
Fig. 9 External reinforced concrete stairs
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
STEEL OR IRON
Steel stairs are more commonly associated with external commercial fire stairs, however they
may also be used internally.
The most common construction type
is the spiral stair, used in many
Victorian period buildings where
narrow building designs only
provided compact areas for stairs.
Spiral stairs had a revival during the
1960
sa
nde
a
r
l
y70
si
nma
ny
contemporary cottages, although they
were simplified in design and detail
using a steel spine and handrail,
supporting timber treads.
Some newer versions are of all timber
construction using modular units and
spacers to construct the flight.
The tread width in the slope
relationship, i.e. the preferred going
width to step rise, is calculated at
7/10 (seven tenths) of the distance
between the outside of the centre pole
and the inside of the handrail.
This allows a person to ascend or
descend the flight safely and easily.
Fig. 10 Typical elevation and plan of an iron spiral stair

STAIR BUILDING
OTHER TYPES
Straight flight steel stairs are most
commonly used in commercial work
as fire stairs and catwalks. They are
normally constructed of galvanised
steel with chequer-plate treads and
landings, having open risers.
MS handrail
RS channel frame to landing
10mm MS String
RS stanchion supports
Chequer plate
treads
Section
Plan
Fig. 11 Steel external stairs
Combinations of steel and timber may be used for internal stairs or steel and precast concrete
treads for external use.
The usual method of design is to have a steel spine or carriage piece with welded angular
brackets, to support and provide fixing for the treads.
Solid or laminated timber may be used for the treads and the handrails are typically made of
fabricated steel.
Single steel spine

or carriage piece
Welded angular brackets

Solid or laminated timber treads
Fig. 12 Combination stairs
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
TIMBER STAIRS
Timber stairs are probably the most common form of stair found in a residential building. They
comprise of strings, treads, risers, landings and handrails and are normally closed riser
construction, for internal use, and open riser construction for external use.
Where the treads and risers are to be covered with carpet the base material may be of structural
particleboard or MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard).
Timber stairs, which are to be stained or clear finished, are normally made from hardwood
timbers, as they provide the best resistance to wear and tear. Commonly used timbers may
include meranti, brushbox, Sydney bluegum, jarrah, grey gum, turpentine and many other
species. Naturally soft timbers, such as most of the conifers, should be avoided for traffic areas.
Fig. 13 Timber stairs for residential construction

STAIR BUILDING
PARTS OF TIMBER STAIRS

Nosing
String: There may be one or two strings to

a flight, which are the inclined sides of the
stairs designed to carry the load transferred
from the treads and risers.
Riser
board
Tread
Tread: This is the wide horizontal member

between strings to form the top of the step.
String
Riser board: This is the narrow horizontal

member between strings to form the
vertical face of each step.
Nosing: This is the rounded front edge of
the tread, which projects past the face of the
riser board. Its purpose is to finish the tread
edge and widen the tread to prevent the
riser from being kicked or scraped.
Glue blocks: Triangular blocks of timber
fitted under the back of the tread/riser
connection to hold the two together.
Glue block
Wedge: These are tapered lengths of timber

driven into prepared tapered housings in the
string, placed behind the riser and under the
tread to ensure a tight top side gap-free fit.
Wedges
Newel post: This is an upright post, to

which the strings and handrail are attached.
Handrail: A rail fixed between newel posts
parallel to the top edge of the string, to
provide a safety rail for stair users.
Balusters: These are the small sectioned
vertical members, with a Max. 125mm
opening size placed between the handrail
and string.
Handrail
Balusters
Newel post
Brackets
Balustrade: This is the whole framing,

which comprises of a handrail, balusters,
newel posts and string or kick plate for
landing balustrades.
Spandrel: This is the triangular shaped
space formed between the underside of the
string and the floor.
String
Spandrel
Fig. 14 Parts of the stairs
10
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
LANDINGS
A flight of stairs is limited to 18 risers, before it must have a break. This break may be in the
form of another floor level or a landing. A landing may take the following forms:
Halfspace landing: This is a landing formed
between flights at 180 to one another, often referred
to as a
Dogl
e
gstair.
The length of the landing is equal to the width of the
flight and the width of the landing is equal to twice
the width of the flight, plus a stairwell if required.
Fig. 15 Half-space landing
Quarterspace landing: This is a landing formed

between flights at 90 to one another, often referred
to as a
Quar
t
e
r
-t
ur
nstair.
The length of the landing is equal to the width of the
flight and the width of the landing is also equal to
the width of the flight.
Fig. 16 Quarter-space landing
Intermediate landing:
This is a landing formed between flights running in
the same direction.
The length of the landing is equal to at least the
width of the flight and the width is equal to the
width of the flights.
Fig. 17 Intermediate landing

11
STAIR BUILDING
PROPORTIONS OF STAIRS
When measuring up for stairs, it is important to know the exact measurements of the length and
height of the flight, to allow for accurate calculation of the treads and rises. The following
proportions must be obtained:
Rise of Flight:
This is the vertical distance measured between landings or between finished floor levels.
Going of Flight:
This is the horizontal distance measured between the face of the first riser and the face of the
last riser.
Rise of flight
Going of Flight
Fig. 18 Rise and Going of a flight
Rise of Step:
This is the vertical distance measured
from the top of one tread to the top of
the next tread.
Rise of
step
Going of Step:
This is the horizontal distance
measured between the face of one
riser and the face of the next riser.
(The nosing is not included in this
measurement)
Going of step
Note: The rise and going proportions

must remain the same throughout the
flight(s) of stairs.
Fig. 19 Rise and Going of a step
12
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
BCA COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

Stairs for residential use must comply with the following:
Maximum Risers: The minimum number of risers required to make a flight is two (2) and the Maximum
number of risers allowed without a break/landing/floor is eighteen (18).
Risers and Goings: All risers and goings must be equal throughout the flight or connected flights.
Open Risers: Where open risers are used, the gap between the top of one tread and the bottom of the next tread
must not exceed 125mm.
Note: 125mmi
st
hee
s
t
i
mat
e
dmi
ni
mums
i
z
eofay
oungc
hi
l
d
she
ad,whi
c
hi
fabl
et
opas
st
hr
ought
hega
pwoul
d
al
l
owt
hec
hi
l
d
sbo
dyt
of
ol
l
o
w.
Spiral Stairs: These stairs must not be wider than 1.0m and must have the allowable tread width for the stair at
seven tenths (7/10) of the flight width out from the face of the central support pole.
Flight Width: According to the BCA, there is no maximum or minimum width of a flight for residential
construction, however it is suggested that the flight be at least equal to the average width of an adult persons
shoulders, which is 600mm.
Tread Finish: Treads must have a non-slip finish or have a non-skid strip fixed close to the edge of the nosing.
Other critical dimensions are shown on the following diagram:
Ceiling line
2030 min.
125
max
Newel post
Balusters
125
Max.
865
1000 min
Handrail
Fig. 20 Critical stair dimensions

13
STAIR BUILDING
STAIRS WITH WINDERS

An alternative to a single level landing is the use of
Wi
nde
r
s
,which are normal treads with a

tapered length. They have a constant rise to match the other parallel steps and should have a
tread going to match other parallel treads, when measured at the centre of the flight width for
flights less than 1.0m wide.
Note: Flights greater than 1.0m wide should have the tread going measurement at 400mm out
from the inside handrail side.
Where winders are used instead of a landing, the tread size may be different from the parallel
treads provided all the winders are the same size and there are is a maximum of only three (3).
(Kite winder)
1.0m or less
Winders
Proportion for going measured

along this line for all treads
Equal
Equal
Fig. 21 Layout for stair winders
14
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
DETERMINING STEP PROPORTIONS

The accepted formula, as per BCA, for calculating riser and tread dimensions for stairs, often
referred to as
Eas
ygoi
ngs
t
ai
r
s
, is twice the rise plus one going, or (2R +G). The result of
this calculation must fall between 550mm and 700mm, known as the Slope Relationship.
TABLE 1
ACCEPTABLE PROPORTIONS FOR STAIRS
RISER (R)
(mm)
GOING (G)
(mm)
SLOPE RELATIONSHIP
(2R+G) (mm)
Min.
Max.
Min.
Max.
Min.
Max.
115
190
240
355
550
700
Calculating Rise and Going for a Flight

The basic information required to calculate the rise and going for any flight of stairs is:
The rise of the flight;
Going of flight and whether it is restricted or unrestricted; and
Basic knowledge of BCA requirements and formula for slope relationship.

METHOD 1
The following steps outline the method adopted to calculate the rise and going for a given flight
of stairs with an
unr
e
s
t
r
i
c
t
e
dgoing:
METHOD 2
STEP 1
Obtain the rise of the flight;
STEP 2
Assume a suitable rise, when the average rise is (190 + 115) 2 = 153mm ;
STEP 3
Establish the number of risers by dividing the assumed rise into the rise of the
flight;
STEP 4
Establish the length of the going by using the average slope relationship
measurement, i.e. ( 550 + 700) 2 = 625mm, substitute the average rise
measurement for
Rin the formula, then transpose the formula to find
G
.
The following steps outline the method adopted to calculate the rise and going for a given flight
of stairs with a
r
e
s
t
r
i
c
t
e
dgoing:
STEP 1
Obtain the rise of the flight;
STEP 2
Assume a suitable rise, when the average rise is (190 + 115) 2 = 153mm ;
STEP 3
Establish the number of risers by dividing the assumed rise into the rise of the
flight;
STEP 4
Establish the length of the going by dividing the assumed rise into the restricted
flight going. Check to see if both the rise and going measurements comply, by
substituting them for
Rand
G
, and apply the formula (2R + G).
15
STAIR BUILDING
Example 1:
Using
Me
t
hod1
, calculate the number and size of the rises and goings for a flight of stairs
with a rise of flight of 2.650m and an unrestricted going of flight.
STEP 1
Rise of flight = 2650mm
STEP 2
Assume a rise, say average = (190 + 115) 2 = 153mm
STEP 3
Number of risers = 2650 153 = 17. 320 risers

There must be full equal-sized risers, therefore round off to 17 risers.
The height of each riser = 2650 17 = 155.882, say 156mm
STEP 4
The number of goings will be one (1) less than the risers, therefore 16 goings.
The size of the goings will be based on the average slope relationship measurement
= (550 + 700) 2 = 625mm.
Now substitute the known measurements for the formula symbols:
= (2R+G) = 625
= (312 + G) = 625
No
wt
r
a
ns
pos
et
hef
or
mul
at
of
i
ndt
heva
l
ueof
G
:
G=625- 312
= 313mm
Therefore, there will be 17 risers at 156mm and 16 goings at 313mm.
313
5008
Fig. 22 Layout of stairs for an unrestricted flight
16
2650
156
Note: The total length of the flight going will be 16 x 313 = 5.008m
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
Example 2:
Using
Me
t
hod2
, calculate the number and size of the rises and goings for a flight of stairs
with a rise of flight of 1.900m and a restricted going of flight of 3.350m.
STEP 1
Rise of flight = 1900mm
STEP 2
Assume a rise, say average = (190 + 115) 2 = 153mm
STEP 3
Number of risers = 1900 153 = 12.418 risers

There must be full equal-sized risers, therefore round off to 12 risers.
The height of each riser = 1900 12 = 158.333, say 158mm
STEP 4
The number of goings will be one (1) less than the risers, therefore 11 goings.
The size of the goings will be based on the length of the flight going divided by the
number of goings:
= 3350 11 = 304.5, say 305mm
Therefore, there will be 12 risers at 158mm and 11 goings at 305mm.
Check formula for compliance with BCA
305
1900
158
(2R + G) = ( between 550 and 700mm)

= 316 + 305 = 621mm, therefore it complies.
3350
Fig. 14.23 Layout of stairs for a restricted flight
17
STAIR BUILDING
METHOD OF MEASURING UP for TIMBER STAIRS

The accuracy of the finished product will depend on the accuracy of the initial measuring up
on-site. There are several points to consider and critical information to record, as follows:
Measure the finished floor to finished floor height to establish the rise of the flight, or to
determine whether or not a landing will be required between flights. A more accurate
method of establishing the rise would be to mark the height onto a rod or batten;
Check the walls for parallel, square and straight to ensure a proper fit, or to allow for
coverstrips where the strings do not fit neatly to the walls;
Check the position of existing windows to ensure the flight(s) do not pass across an
opening;
Check the going of the flight for restrictions, e.g. doorways, walls, available headroom,
etc. and record the going of the flight, as required;
Note the bearing position for the top of the flight to allow for fixing and finishing of the
top riser and nosing, if required; and
Calculate a suitable rise and going for each step, based on the slope relationship formula,
i.e. (2R + G) = 550 to 700mm.
Finished upper floor
Measure
rise
Proposed
stair
position
Measure available going
Fig. 24 Check on-site details
18
Doorway
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
SETTING OUT THE STRINGS

Once the rise and going of each step is established, carry out the following:
STEP 1 Select string material, place
any bows up and set a
margin line from the top
edge, for closed strings, to
ensure the nosing stays
within the width of the
string.
Margin line
String
Fig. 25 Set a margin line as required
Set up a steel square with the calculated rise and going measurements for each step,
including the set back distance for the margin line.
Start from one end to allow for riser, newel post and point of attachment notch,
then mark out all the rise and tread positions.
Note: These set out positions represent the top of the tread and the face of the rise.
Steel square set up for step set out
Rise
STEP 2
Going
Margin line
String
Fig. 26 Set out the strings

19
STAIR BUILDING
STEP 3 Set out for the thickness of each rise and tread, including a stopped housing for the
end of the tread nosing, ready to be trenched. The strings should be set out and
trenched as a pair.
Thickness of tread marked
Thickness of riser marked
Fig. 27 Set out positions for treads and risers
STEP 4 Set out the complete string with allowances for wedges under treads and behind
risers, tenons into newel posts and reduction of string length to fit between newel
posts.
Top newel post position
End of tenon
Shoulder of tenon
Bottom newel post

position
Treads, risers
and wedge
allowance
Shoulder of tenon
End of tenon
Level cut to bottom of string
Fig. 28 Complete string set out
20
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
STRING SET OUT TEMPLATE

An alternative to setting out individual treads and risers is to use a template, which has the
tread, riser thickness and wedge allowance prepared ready to be traced onto the string to suit
the particular set out required.
The adjustable guides are set to suit the string width being used, which allows the template to
slide along after each set out is made. The template may be reversed to set out both left and
right strings.
The detail below provides set out details to allow for the fabrication of a standard template.
Note: A similar template may be fabricated for use with a router. The opening sizes are
increased to allow a template guide to be fitted to the base plate of the router, which runs
around the tread, riser and wedge outline within the template.
200
65
Wingnut
100
Wingnut
100
30
65
30x18
425
30mm long
Slotted
hole
6mm
Plywood
100
Sharpened nails in predrilled holes
60
80
30x18
30
Wingnut
275
550
220
60
34
380
DETAIL FOR TREAD and RISER

35
Fig. 29 Typical stair set out template
21
STAIR BUILDING
ROUTER AND TEMPLATE

The quickest way to remove the waste from string set outs and cut neatly to the outline is to use
a router fitted with a template guide.
A string template may be made by increasing the size of the string template to allow for the
thickness of the protruding router template guide. This allows the router cutter to cut neatly
along the set out lines and remove the waste at the same time.
Step template
String
Template guide
Outline for router template

guide
Fig. 30 Router fitted with template guide
Allowance for template guide
Original step outline
Fig. 31 Step template for router guide
22
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
STRING / NEWEL POST SET OUT

The newel posts are positioned to allow the face of the bottom riser and the face of the top riser
to be in line with the centre of the newel post. This means that both these risers will be housed
into the newel posts, as well as a portion of each tread and nosing. The ends of the strings are
double tenoned, or have a full width tenon, and morticed into the newel posts.
Shoulder line on string material
Newell is positioned with centre line on

face of the riser board
Newel
String
Housing to take
nosing and riser
Double
tenon
Tread
Newel notched for

landing trimmer
Newel
Housing to take
tread and riser
String
Detail at top of Newel

Fig. 32 Set out and jointing of strings and newels
23
STAIR BUILDING
HANDRAILS/NEWELS/BALUSTERS
There are many different profiles available for handrails, newel posts and balusters. They may
be of solid timber sections or be built-up in laminations. Handrail edges are rounded to prevent
sharp edges and splintering.
Fig. 33 Typical handrail profiles
Newel Posts
Balusters
Fig. 34 Newel posts and balusters

24
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
OPEN RISER STAIRS

Open riser stairs are more typically used in external situations and are constructed of durable
hardwoods or treated pine timbers. The strings are housed to take treads and prevented from
spreading with the use of threaded booker rods.
Some suitable Class 1 durability timbers for external stair use, as per AS 1684Part 2, which
may be fully exposed or in contact with the ground, are as follows:
Treated radiata pine

Coastal grey box
Grey gum
Forest red gum
Red and grey ironbark
Messmate
Tallowwood
Note: Handrails for decks and

external stairs are not required
unless the top of the landing, or any
tread, is more than 1.0m above the
finished ground level, or paving.
Rise of step
Max 125mm space

Booker rod
tension bolts
Ground level
Rise
of
step
Dowel into concrete pad
Fig. 35 Section through open riser stairs
Horn for fixing
Booker rod
tension bolts
Concrete pads
Fig. 36 Isometric view of completed external stairs

25
STAIR BUILDING
OPEN RISER STAIRS - Alternative fixing

Traditionally, external stairs are fixed using a non-corrosive dowel into a concrete pad, at the
bottom of each string, and a timber horn at the top of each tread.
However, an alternative
method of fixing would be to
use galvanised metal fixing
plates, or shoes cast into a
concrete pad at the bottom of
the strings, and galvanised
metal fixing plates bolted
between the top of the strings
and ends of floor joists.
Fixing plate
String
Tread
Max. 125mm
12mm bolt through

strings (tension rods)
Fixing plate
SECTION - CLOSED STRING

OPEN RISER STAIR
ISOMETRIC VIEW
Fig. 37 Use of galvanised metal fixing plates
26
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
CONSTRUCTING OPEN RISER STAIRS

Open riser stairs are measured up and constructed in a similar way to closed riser stairs,
although connection between the newels and strings tends to vary. The balustrade is normally
simpler in design, consisting of a handrail, guard rail and newels.
The treads may be housed through to the string top edge or they may be housed to take the end
section of the tread only.
Handrail
Verandah balustrade
Guard rail
Verandah
deck
Landing deck
Threaded
Booker
rods
Bolted
connections
Galv. Post
shoes
G.L.
END ELEVATION
ELEVATION
Threaded
booker
rod
Through housed treads
PLAN
Fig. 38 Typical open riser flight of stairs onto a verandah
125mm
max
Threaded
Booker rod
Preferred
20mm overlap
TREADS - Through housed
TREADS - Stop housed
Fig. 39 Optional fitting of treads

27
STAIR BUILDING
CALCULATION OF STRING LENGTH

Calculation of string length is similar to the calculation of a common rafter. A triangle is
formed by the rise of flight, the going of flight and the hypotenuse or string length.
An allowance of one (1) step going is added to the going of flight to allow for fitting and
finishing of the strings, where they are not mortice and tenoned into the newel posts.
Note: Where the going of flight is not restricted, calculation of a suitable step going will have
to be calculated, to suit the slope relationship formula (2R + G), then multiplied by the number
of treads to obtain the flight going.
STEP 1
Check and record measurements for the rise and going of flight.
(Calculate going of flight if required)
Proposed
stairs
1020
(Rise of flight)
Landing and newel posts
1425
(Going of flight)
Rise of
flight
Fig. 40 Obtaining rise and going of flight
1.020m,
Going of flight = 1.425m ( Rise = 170mm, Going = 285mm)

STEP 2
Calculate the length of the string using the following formula:
Length of String
= (Ri
seoff
l
i
ght)
+ ( Going of flight + One going of step)
= 1.
020 + 1.710
= 1.
040+2.
924
= 3.
964
=
Therefore,
28
1.991m
Order 2/ 2.1
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
CALCULATION OF STAIR QUANTITIES

Example 1: SINGLE OPEN RISER FLIGHT
Calculate the quantity and cost of dressed tallowwood required to construct a single flight of
stairs with open risers, when:
Specification: Rise of flight = 1.550m;
Going of flight (restricted) = 2.800m;
Rise of step to be around 160mm;
String material o/o 250 x 50 DAR tallowwood @ $12.80/m;
Treads o/o 325 x 50 DAR tallowwood @ $16.50/m; and
Width of flight = 1500mm.
No. of Risers:
= 1.550 = 9.688, say 10 risers

0.160
Height of Risers:
= 1.550 = 155mm
10
No. of Goings:
= (One less than rises), therefore 9
Length of Goings:
= 2.800 = 311mm
9
Check:
= (2R + G) = between 550 to 700

=
310 + 311 = 621mm
OK!
Length of String:
= (Ri
seoff
l
i
ght)
(
1.
550)
+ ( 2.800 + 0.311)
2.
403+9.
678
12.
081
3.476m
Order - 2/ 3.6
Timber Order:
= Strings - 250 x 50 DAR Tallowwood - 2/ 3.6

Treads - 325 x 50 DAR Tallowwood - 9/ 1.5 or 3/ 4.5
Cost:
= Strings - (2 x 3.6) = 7.2 x $12.80 = $92.16

Treads - (3 x 4.5) = 13.5 x $16.50 = $222.75
Total Cost:
= 92.16 + 222.75
= $314.91
Note: Cost of material includes GST

29
STAIR BUILDING
Example 2: SINGLE OPEN RISER FLIGHT WITH BALUSTRADE

Calculate the quantity and cost of dressed tallowwood required to construct a single flight of
stairs with open risers, including newel posts, handrails and guard rails, when:
Specification:
1020
(Rise of flight)
1000
(Height of handrail)
Rise of flight = 1.020m;

Going of flight (determined) = 1.425m;
Rise of step to be 170mm;
Going of step to be 285mm;
Width of flight = 1000mm.
Size of landing = 1000 x 1000mm;
String material o/o 250 x 50 DAR tallowwood @ $12.80/m;
Treads o/o 300 x 38 DAR tallowwood @ $11.60/m;
Handrail o/o 125 x 38 DAR tallowwood @ $5.30/m;
Guard rail o/o 75 x 50 DAR tallowwood @ $3.90/m; and
Newel posts o/o 100 x 100 DAR tallowwood @ $7.85/m.
1000
(length and width of landing)
1425
(Going of flight)
Fig. 41 Open riser flight with balustrade
No. of Risers:
= 1.020 = say 6 risers @ 170mm high

0.170
No. of Goings:
Length of Goings:
= 1.425 = 285mm
5
Check:
= (2R + G) = between 550 to 700

340+ 285 = 625mm
30
OK!
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
(Ri
seoff
l
i
ght)
1.
020 + 1.710
1.
020 + 1.710
3.
964
1.991m
Order - 2/ 2.1
Length of String:
=
=
=
=
=
Treads:
= Order - 5/ 1.0 or 1/ 5.1
Handrail:
= Stairs - (same as string), say 1/ 2.1

Landing - 2 sides at 100mm, say 1/ 2.1
Order - 2/ 2.1
Guard rail:
= (allow same as for handrails),

Order - 2/ 2.1
Newel posts:
= (allow 2 for landing), 1.000 + 1.020 = 2.020, say 2/ 2.1

(allow 1 for stairs), 1.000 + (1 rise) 0.170 = 1.170, say 1/ 1.2
Order - 1/ 3.3, 1/ 2.1
Timber Order:
= Strings - 250 x 50 DAR Tallowwood - 2/ 2.1

Treads - 300 x 38 DAR Tallowwood - 1/ 5.1
Handrail - 125 x 38 DAR Tallowwood - 2/ 2.1
Guard rail - 75 x 50 DAR Tallowwood - 2/ 2.1
Newel posts - 100 x 100 DAR Tallowwood - 1/ 3.3, 1/ 2.1
Cost:
= Strings - (2 x 2.1) = 4.2 x $12.80 = $53.76

Treads - 5.1 x $11.60 = $59.16
Handrail - (2 x 2.1) = 4.2 x $5.30 = $22.26
Guard rail - (2 x 2.1) = 4.2 x $3.90 = $16.38
Newel posts - (3.3 + 2.1) = 5.4 x $7.85 = $42.39
Total Cost:
= 53.76 + 59.16 + 22.26 + 16.38 + 42.39

= $193.95
31
STAIR BUILDING
Example 3: SINGLE CLOSED RISER FLIGHT WITH BALUSTRADE

Calculate the quantity and cost of dressed Meranti required to construct a single flight of stairs
with closed risers, including newel posts, handrails and balusters, when:
Rise of flight - 2.500m
Going of flight (restricted) - 3.800m
Rise of step - around 170mm
Strings - 300 x 50 DAR Meranti @ $47.15/m
Treads - 325 x 38 DAR Meranti (joined) @ $38.00/m
Riser boards - 175 x 25 DAR Meranti @ $10.16/m
Nosing - 20mm
Width of stairs - 1.100m
Handrails - o/o 100 x 75 moulded Meranti @ $35.75/m
Newel posts - 100 x 75 DAR Meranti @ $28.28/m
Balusters - 30 x 30 DAR Meranti @ $8.04/m
Note: Balustrade required on one side only and balusters are spaced at
approx. 135mm centres to maintain the 125mm max. space between balusters (BCA requirement).
135
1120
2500
770
400
1000
40
Specification:
3800
Fig. 42 Detail of closed riser stairs
32
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
No. of Risers:
= 2.500 = 14.71, say 15 risers

0.170
Height of Risers:
= 2.500 = 167mm
15
No. of Goings:
Length of Goings: = 3.800 = 271mm

14
Check:
= (2R + G) = between 550 to 700

= 334 + 271 = 605mm
OK!
Length of String:
= (Ri
seoff
l
i
ght)
(
2.
500)
+ ( 3.800 + 0.271)
6.
250+16.
573
22.
823
4.777m
Order - 2/ 4.8
Treads:
= 14/ 1.100
Order - 4/ 3.3, 1/ 2.4
Risers:
= 15/ 1.100
Order - 5/ 3.3
Newel posts:
= 1.440 + 1.120 = 2.560

Order - 1/ 2.7
Handrail:
= (allow same length as string)

Order - 1/ 4.8
Balusters:
= (3.800 - 2)
0.135
= 28.148 - 2
= 29 - 2
= 27 (@ 0.770 long)
Order - 3/ 5.4, 1/ 4.8
33
STAIR BUILDING
Timber Order:
= Strings - 300 x 50 DAR Meranti - 2/ 4.8

Treads - 325 x 38 DAR Meranti (joined) - 4/ 3.3, 1/ 2.4
Riser boards - 175 x 25 DAR Meranti - 5/ 3.3
Newel posts - 100 x 75 DAR Meranti - 1/ 2.7
Handrail - o/o 100 x 75 moulded Meranti - 1/ 4.8
Balusters - 30 x 30 DAR Meranti - 3/ 5.4, 1/ 4.8
Cost:
= Strings - (2 x 4.8) = 9.6 x $47.15 = $452.64

Treads - ( 4 x 3.3) + 2.4 = 15.6 x $38.00 = $592.80
Riser boards - (5 x 3.3) = 16.5 x $10.16 = $167.64
Newel posts - 2.7 x $28.28 = $76.36
Handrail - 4.8 x $35.75 = $171.60
Balusters - (3 x 5.4) + 4.8 = 21.0 x $8.04 = $168.84
Total Cost:
= 452.64 + 592.80 + 167.64 + 76.36 + 171.60 + 168.84

= $1629.88
34
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
PATENT-TYPE STAIRS
There are patent-types of stairs available, which are pre-fabricated or modular in design. Attic
ladders are available, which fold up flush with the ceiling and are easily pulled down when
required.
Other types include metal modular brackets, which are simply attached to timber strings,
similar to those produced by BHP and known as Kwi
k
-s
t
e
p.
These brackets are nail-fixed on the inside of the string with galvanised roofing nails. The angle
is the same for all stairs and the rise may be adjusted to suit by sliding the brackets down the
string. Timber treads are bolted through the brackets on the underside. The brackets should be
painted for protection from the weather, when the stairs are fully exposed.
Fixing
Bracket.
Newel post
bracket.
Bottom step podium

Fig. 43 Patent-type modular steps
35
STAIR BUILDING
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Aesthetic:
This refers to the appearance of an object or its finish.
Attic:
This is an accessible area inside a roof space used for storage.

Access is normally provided via a fold down Attic ladder.
Booker rod:
This is a mild steel or brass rod, which has been threaded for its full
length to allow fixing nuts to be placed at any position. These rods
are commonly used as tensioning rods to hold open-riser stair
strings tightly together and prevent spreading.
Catwalk:
Also known as a Crawlboard, it is a narrow, elevated walkway

within or above a building or structure, used mainly for
maintenance access to plant and equipment.
Chequer(ed):
This refers to the non-slip pattern formed on steel or cast-iron plate.

It is mainly used on external stair treads and landings.
GST:
This stands for Goods and Services Tax, which is a new

government tax added to the value of goods, i.e. timber, which was
introduced in July 2000.
Spiral:
This is a geometric shape made up of a continuous curved line

formed by wrapping around a solid or imaginary cylinder.
Winders:
These are tapered or triangular-shaped treads formed where the

stairs are continuous around a corner to negate the requirement of a
l
a
ndi
ng
.Themi
ddl
ewi
nde
ri
sc
ommonl
yr
e
f
e
r
r
e
dt
oa
sa
Ki
t
e
wi
nde
r
36
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
FURTHER READING
Australian Building Codes Board, 1999, BCA (Building Code of Australia), GPO Box 9839
Canberra, ACT.
Staines, Allan, Fifth Edition, 1986, The Australian Owner Builders Manual, Pinedale press,
Caloundra, QLD.
Bloomfield, F. C. and E. Peterson, Revised by B.S. Brown and H. A. Slatyer, First Edition
1958, Fifth edition 1985, The Australian Carpenter and Joiner Volume 1, Standard Publishing Co. Pty Ltd., Naremburn, NSW.
Ma
nuf
a
c
t
ur
e
r
sors
uppl
i
e
r
sbr
oc
hur
e
sf
orpa
t
e
nt
-type stairs.
VIDEOS
Construction and Transport Division, Staircasesmeasuring up (CTV23) available from Resource Distribution, Yagoona.
37

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CARPENTRY - HOUSING

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

Fig. 1 Stairs for residential construction

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

DEFINITIONS - Stair Types

, it is a stair with two flights between

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

Common Stair types

Second or Return Flight

Fig. 2 Straight open-riser

Half Space Landing

Quarter space landing

Bull Nose step

Quarter space of winder preferably kept to bottom of flight or

Fig. 4 Quarter turn

All treads are winders

Fig. 5 Geometrical circular

Fig. 6 Spiral or Helical

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

MATERIALS USED FOR STAIRS

sSagrada Familia in Barcelona.

Fig. 7 Detail of a typical stone spiral stair flight

Solid brick steps with brick-on-edge

Fig. 9 External reinforced concrete stairs

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

Fig. 10 Typical elevation and plan of an iron spiral stair

RS channel frame to landing

Single steel spine

Welded angular brackets

Fig. 12 Combination stairs

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

Fig. 13 Timber stairs for residential construction

PARTS OF TIMBER STAIRS

String: There may be one or two strings to

Tread: This is the wide horizontal member

Riser board: This is the narrow horizontal

Wedge: These are tapered lengths of timber

Newel post: This is an upright post, to

Balustrade: This is the whole framing,

Fig. 14 Parts of the stairs

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

Fig. 15 Half-space landing

Quarterspace landing: This is a landing formed

Fig. 16 Quarter-space landing

Fig. 17 Intermediate landing

Fig. 18 Rise and Going of a flight

Note: The rise and going proportions

Fig. 19 Rise and Going of a step

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

BCA COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

Other critical dimensions are shown on the following diagram:

Fig. 20 Critical stair dimensions

STAIRS WITH WINDERS

,which are normal treads with a

Proportion for going measured

Fig. 21 Layout for stair winders

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

DETERMINING STEP PROPORTIONS

Calculating Rise and Going for a Flight

The rise of the flight;

Going of flight and whether it is restricted or unrestricted; and

Basic knowledge of BCA requirements and formula for slope relationship.

Obtain the rise of the flight;

Obtain the rise of the flight;