Stair Construction

&
Layout
 Stairwell Opening

*The minimum stairwell opening width is 3 feet.

3'
 Tread length & Riser Height
Avoid any variation in tread length or riser height of more than 3/8th
of an inch.
 Tread length & Riser Height
*The UBC states that the minimum tread depth is 9 inches and the maximum riser
height is 8 inches
 Stringer
*A stringer is a usually a 2” x 12” board that is cut to form the risers and treads for
the stairs.

*Stringers are made out of hard woods like birch, maple, and oak.
 Landings
Landings at the top and bottom of stairs should be at least equal in length to
the width of the stairway.

If there is a landing in the middle of the stairs it should also be at least equal
in length to the width of the stairway.
 Headroom Height
The minimum headroom height on a flight of stairs is 6'-8”.
 Riser

A note of DN 14R on your floor plan stairs means: Down 14 Risers.

A note of UP 14R on your floor plan stairs means: Up 14 Risers.

 Riser
If you have 13 treads in a stair unit there are 14 risers.
 Total Length
To find the total length of the stairway simply multiply the tread length
times the number or runs (treads).
 Residential Handrails
The minimum height of a residential handrail is 34 inches. The maximum
height is 38 inches.
 Residential Guardrail
The minimum height for a residential guardrail is 36 inches.
 Spiral Staircases
*Most spiral staircases are made out of steel
 Gypsum Board

The UBC states that 5/8

inch type X gypsum
board is required for
enclosing all usable
storage space under the
stairs. The IRC states
that the gypsum board
must be 1/2 inches thick.