Architecture

Intro to Creating Stairways

Terms for Stairs
Handrail
30 high on slope
34 high on landings
Landings
Flat floor area connected to stairs


Cast Concrete Stairs
Terms of Stairs
Baluster
Vertical member holding handrail
Tread
Horizontal parts of the steps
1 to 1.25 thick
10.5 to 11.5 deep
Terms for Stairs
Riser
Vertical parts of the steps
.75 thick
7 to 7 5/8 high
Nosing
Overhang of the tread
Approximately 1
Terms for Stairs
Stringer
Diagonal members, notched to hold risers
and treads
Min. of 2 needed
If over 3, then 3 is needed
Terms for Stairs
Headroom
Minimum distance from slope to ceiling is
66 minimum
Total Rise
Floor to floor measurement
Total Run
Distance from front of first step to end of
last (landing to landing)
Types of Stairs
Straight
L
Double L
U
Winder
Spiral
Circular
4 Rules to calculating stairs
Slope must be 30-40 degrees
2 risers and 1 tread=close to 25
1 riser X 1 tread=close to 75
1 riser + 1 tread=close to 17
Procedure in Planning Step 1
Determine the total rise (floor to floor)
Example:
Floor to ceiling 8
Ceiling
Ceiling joist 9
2
nd
floor sub floor
2
nd
floor, floor
Total rise= 107
Procedures in Planning Step 2
Figure out NUMBER and SIZE of risers
Divide total rise by 7 (for starters)
Round this number to an exact # (15, 16)
Divide this # into total rise to get actual
size of risers
Example Cont.
107 divided by 7=15.28
Round this number to 15 or 16
Divide 107 by 15=7.13
Divide 107 by 16=6.6
This is the actual size of the risers!!!!!
Procedures in Planning Step 3
Figure out NUMBER and SIZE of tread
Use rule #2 to find size (around 10.5-11)
Recheck with rule 3 and 4
Always one less tread than riser
# of treads x tread size must equal total
run
Things you have to calculate
Total rise=
Total run=
Rise of step=
Run of step= (tread)(10.5-11.5)
# of risers=
# of treads=
Angle of stairs=
Handrail height=
Other Steps
4. Draw riser, tread grid pattern
5. Darken riser, tread and nosing
6. Draw stringer (usually 12)
7. Find rough opening (min 66)
8. Recheck
Detail with balusters, handrails, etc.

Other steps
810=106
106 divided by 7=15.14
Round down to 15
106 divided by 15=7.06 actual riser height
10.5 tread
15 risers
14 treads