Stairs

Design
Why Stairs
1) Important consideration in a home
2) Accommodate flow traffic
3) Key to circulationshould be close to axis
of plan
Stair Groupings
Groupings by Material
1) Wood
2) Steel
3) Concrete
Stair Terminology
KICKER
Stair Term Definitions
Run (total run)--horizontal distance from end
to end of the stairs
Rise (total rise)--vertical distance from
finished floor to finished floor
Unit run--the design size of one horizontal
step
Unit rise--the design size of the vertical
distance between each step
Stair Term Definitions
Tread--complete horizontal size of the step, that
is, the size of one unit run plus the nosing
Riser--the back portion between each tread, it is
equal to the unit rise
Stringer, carriage, or stair jack--the saw tooth
shape support for tread and riser
Kick block or kicker--used to keep the bottom of
the stringer from sliding on the floor when a
downward load is applied
Kicker
Stair Term Definitions
Headroom--vertical distance measured
from the tread nosing to the structure (wall
or floor) above the stairs. Code required:
6-8min
Stair Term Definitions
Handrail--the support on the
sides of the stair that you
grab with your hand to aid
walking up and down the
stairs. Code required: 34
Guardrail--the railing placed
around an stair opening or
balcony. Code required: 36
Stair Term Definitions
Newel post--the vertical post used to support the
handrail at its end, also the post intersecting the
handrail and guardrail
Baluster--smaller vertical supports of the handrail or
guardrail. Code spacing requirement: 4-O.C. max 6
where a triangle is formed by the tread and riser.
Elevation of stairs
With newel post,
Balusters, and
handrail
BALUSTER
Stair Terminology
Nosing
projection of
tread beyond
riser
3/8 or less
Stringer Types
Plain or Made On-
Site Stringer
Closed/Housed or
Mill Made Stringer
Stair Terminology
Plain or On-Site Stringer
Notched out 2x12 to support the treads and
risers
Closed/Housed or Mill-made Stringer
Stringer where ends of risers and treads are
not exposed, usually routed so the treads and
risers will fit into it
Types of Stairs
Basic types
straight run
right angle or L
double L
reverse or U
winder
spiral
Type of Stairs--Straight Run
Straight in design
and does not
change direction
Typical minimum
width 3-0,
sometimes where
space can be
justified 3-6 or
more
Type of Stairs--Right Angle or L
A 90 degree
directional change
occurs
usually occurs near
the center
Platform at direction
change
intermediate landing
between floors
Type of Stairs--Double L
Same as L but
with multiple
platforms
Type of Stairs--Reverse or U
A 180 degree
directional turn
occurs, usually
near center
Platform at
direction change
Type of Stairs--Winder
Steps continue in pie
shape fashion at
landing area
Not desirable
because steps are
wedge shaped
The arc at the
winders is 12 and
the tread design not
less than 10
Handrail located
where the tread is
narrower
EQUAL
Type of Stairs--Spiral
Additional stair--not used as the main stairs
Used for unique design requirements
tight space
aesthetics
Framing Stairs
Note
double
header
double
trimmer
stringer
s
joist
hangers
Design Considerations
Stairs should be comfortable to climb
30 - 35 degree angle is optimum
Design Considerations
Codes influence Sizes of Risers and Treads
Maximum angle
7 3/4 riser with 10 tread
Recommended (Common) Size Ranges
riser = 7 to 7 1/2
tread = 10 to 10 1/2
Design Rules
When: Unit rise = R
Unit run = T
R+ T = 17 to 18
2R + T = 24 to 25
R (x) T = 70 to 75
Design Rule Example
If unit run is unknown
unit rise = 7 (low limit of recommended)
(high) R + T = 18 (therefore) 7 + T = 18 (then) T = 11
(low) 2R + T = 24 (therefore) 2*7 + T = 24(then) T = 10
(high) 2R + T = 25 (therefore) 2*7 + T = 25(then) T = 11
(low) R (x) T = 70 (therefore) 7 * T = 70(then) T = 10
(high) R (x) T = 75 (therefore) 7 * T = 75(then) T = 10.7
Design Rule Example
If unit run is unknown
unit rise = 7.5 (high limit or recommended)
(low) R + T = 17 (therefore) 7.5 + T = 17 (then) T = 9.5
(high) R + T = 18 (therefore) 7.5 + T = 18 (then) T = 10.5
(low) 2R + T = 24 (therefore) 2*7.5 + T = 24(then) T = 9
(high) 2R + T = 25 (therefore) 2*7.5 + T = 25(then) T = 10
(low) R (x) T = 70 (therefore) 7.5* T = 70(then) T = 9.33
(high) R (x) T = 75 (therefore) 7.5* T = 75(then) T = 10
Stair Calculations
Necessary to determine exact riser height and total
run
1. Determine vertical distance between finished floors
2. Divide vertical distance by approximate desired riser
height to set approximate number of risers
3. Round to number of whole risers
4. Divide vertical distance by number of risers to get actual
riser height
5. Number of unit runs = number or unit rise minus 1
6. Total run: use design rule to determine unit run size then
multiply by the number of unit runs
Stair Calculations Example
Given: vertical distance = 102(Total rise)
1--Approx # unit rise = 102 / 7.5 = 13.6
2--Round 13.6 to 14
3--Unit rise height = 102 / 14 = 7.286
4--14 unit rise (-) 1 = 13 unit runs
5--Design rule: R + T = 17.286
(therefore) 7.286 + T = 17.286(then) T = 10
6--Total run = 10 * 13 = 130 = 10-10
Solution: 14 R @ 7.286 and 13 T @ 10
Stairs Layout Procedures
1) Calculate the
how many and
size of Risers and
Treads
2) Create box
showing total rise
and total run
Total Run
Total Rise
Stairs Layout Procedures
Divide the total rise
into number of
Risers (actual
value of Riser)






Example:
R=14, T=13
Line at any
angle divided
Into equal
Parts, points
Transferred by
Parallel lines
Stairs Layout Procedures
Another
approach
to get
equal
risers
14 equal risers
Stairs Layout Procedures
Divide the total
run into number
of Treads
(actual value of
calculated
Treads)
Line at any
angle divided
Into equal
Parts, points
Transferred by
Parallel lines

Stairs Layout Procedures
Another approach to get equal treads
13 Equal Treads
Stairs Layout Procedures
Draw grid
using riser and
tread divisions
determined
previously
Stairs Layout Procedures
Starting
point: Head
or Foot of
Stairs
Follow grid
and mark
the design
of stairs
Stair Design
Stairs Layout
Procedures
Add actual
tread
boards and
riser boards
Add
stringer
board
Material Sizes
Tread Thickness
Nosing Value Riser Thickness
Stringer Size
Stairs Section Complete
(Your drawing should look like handout)
Find the
headroom
location for
structure
Locate headers
to determine
stairwell
dimension
Add notes and
dimensions
Place title and
scale below
drawing
Class Lab
Work on
Stair Detail/Section
Assignment