You are here:
- Home
- Arts/Humanities
- Visual Arts
- Architecture
- Question about staircase.
Architecture/Question about staircase.
Advertisement
Question
Could you please tell me what is the minimum, optimum and maximum values for the riser and tread for a staircase in a residential building.
Sean - thanks for your question!
The answer is a matter of building codes, which vary from region to region and from state to state. The values continue to change as new model codes are adopted in different jurisdictions.
Ultimately you'll have to check with your local building department to find the code requirements for your area.
But there are only a couple of different standards. All are generally based on studies of safety on stairs, and most are close to the general formula of (2)risers + (1)tread = 25". For example, a 7.5" riser and 10" tread ratio meets that formula.
The International Residential Code is the most widely-used model code; the current IRC standard is a maximum riser height of 8.25" and minimum tread depth of 9".
But that is on it's way out; the new standard is a 7.5" max riser and a min 10" tread - some local jurisdictions that use the IRC model have adopted this above and beyond the IRC.
Finally, commercial codes generally require a 7"/11" ratio - a very flat stair - and that is headed towards adoption in some residential model codes. I'm personally not looking forward to that, as it will add quite a bit of space to a typical home!
Hope this helps,
Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com
- View Follow-Ups
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks a lot sir for the clarity of your answer, my question was fully answered!! | ||
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Richard Taylor, AIA
Expertise
Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.
Experience
I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.
Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America
Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect
Custom Home Architect
Remodeling Architect
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.
Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.