Building a Safe Staircase

Building a Safe Staircase

Posted By: Blue Print Blog on 24th of October 2013

The staircase in a building is one means whereby one may travel from the level of one floor to another. The ease with which a stairway can be traveled depends upon the proper proportioning of the riser and tread of each step and the number of steps in one series or flight. The design of the building and the space allowed for stairs will control the type of staircase which may be built. The staircase, when carefully designed and built, adds dignity and charm to a home. The quality of craftsmanship displayed reflects the character of the entire interior of the building. In general, stair-work is considered a special field of carpentry. Stairways can be the cause of the greatest number of accidents in the home. These accidents can be attributed to various factors; some, of course, are beyond the control of those who design and build the stairways. However, there are far too many accidents due directly to faulty construction. The carpenter can make a worthwhile contribution toward accident prevention if he plans and does his work well. The following standards and suggestions should be observed when building the staircase to help avoid some of the causes responsible for the accidents; Stairways should be free from winder The dimensions of landings should be equal to or greater than the width of stairways between handrails (or handrail and wall) Landings should be level and free from intermediate steps between the main up flight and the main down flight. All treads should be equal and all risers should be equal in any one flight. The sum of one tread and one riser, exclusive of the nosing, should not be more than 18 inches nor less than 17 inches. (Stair ratio). The nosing should not exceed 13/4 inches. All stairways should be equipped with permanent and substantial handrails 36 inches in height from the center of the tread. All handrails should have rounded corners and a surface that is smooth and free from splinters. The angle of the stairways with the horizontal should not be more than fifty degrees nor less than twenty degrees. Stair treads should be slip proof, firmly secured and with no protruding bolts, screws, or nails.