1. Stairs Function Common stairway Private stairway
provide safe, easy walking access between levels
Common stairway
In public buildings
In building used by more than one family
Private stairway
In buildings intended solely for use by one family

2. Definitions
Stairway
Includes stairs, landings balconies forming part of the stairway
Flight
The part of a stairway or ramp between landings

3. Stair types
Straight Flight

4. Straight Flight with
Winders at the top

5. Quarter space landing
Quarter space landing

6. Elevation
Dog-leg stair with
Half-space landing
Plan

7. hand rail
string
newel post

8. Nosing 16mm min
Pitch line
Going
220mm
min
Rise
220mm
max
Pitch 420 max

9. Landings Landing width not less than 800mm or width of stairway
Or whichever is greater.

10. Landing at bottom of stairs at
Least 400mm clear of door swing

11. Regulations Guarding Ensure that a 100mm Diameter sphere cannot
Pass through any opening
In the balustrade or guarding

12. Balustrade

13. Handrail
Handrail mm
Measured vertically
Above the pitch line
Pitch line

14. Headroom 1.5 m measured
Perpendicular to the pitch
line
Headroom 2 m
Measured vertically
Above the pitch line
Pitch line

15. 1.8 Min – short flights only
Danger
Zone
1.8 Min – short flights only

16. Partition
Possible cupboard
space
Stud
Shelf
Trimmer
Void
Headroom
Decking
Plaster board soffit
Joist
bearer
Stair pitch
Trimmer

17. Handrail morticd
And housed into
Newel post
100 x 100
Newel post
Top tread rebated
Over trimmer
Upper floor landing
150 x 75mm
trimmer
String housed and
Morticed into newel

18. Top tread rebated
Over trimmer
Upper floor
landing
150 x 75mm trimmer

21. Calculations for threads and risers.
Commonly used measurements:
Thread = 220 mm
Riser = 175 mm
The above measurements may vary slightly from building to building, as long as the satisfy the following formula:
G + 2R = 550mm – 700m
G = Going (Thread)
R = Riser