Any staircase structure consists of three main parts: the supporting frame, steps and railings. The dimensions of each of the elements are calculated at the design stage. It is important that the staircase not only be stable and fit the size of the room, the designer also faces the task of making the structure as comfortable and safe as possible. At the same time, convenience in this case is not a subjective, but a very specific evaluation criterion that can be calculated.
If, when climbing or descending stairs, you have to check every step so as not to stumble, it means that a mistake was made when determining the size of the steps. We propose to figure out together on what principle the optimal dimensions are calculated, and on what comfort and safety depend.
Key parameters of ladder structures
Recommendations and requirements for the dimensions of the components of the stairs are determined by SNiP and GOST standards. For each parameter, minimum and maximum values are provided, in addition, the dimensions of the steps may differ depending on the type of staircase structure, its functional purpose.
1. Tilt angle
The greater the angle of inclination, the less space the ladder takes up. However, at large angles of inclination, the difficulty of ascent and descent increases. For a home staircase, a slope of 30-45 degrees is considered optimal. Small angles of inclination make it comfortable for older people to use the stairs, but at home such designs are not always appropriate, as they turn out to be too bulky.
Other possible options:
- 75-90 0 - ladders, attached structures;
- 45-75 0 - ultra-compact, ladders;
- less than 10 0 - ramps.
You can learn about tilt angle calculations in this article.
2. The width of the flight of stairs
The rule for determining the optimal width is formulated quite simply: enough space must be provided on the stairs for the simultaneous lifting of two people. With the exception of railings and fences, the width of the march, following the recommendations of SNiP, should be 90-100 cm. This requirement can not always be met at home, but it is necessary to strive to expand the passage as much as possible. The minimum recommended value is 70-80 cm. In our practice, there were cases when the dimensions of the stairwell were not taken into account during the construction of the house and
3. Height and depth
The components of each step are a horizontal tread and a vertical riser. Accordingly, the height of the step means the height of the riser, whose size should be:
- The same for all elements included in one flight of stairs. A different height value knocks down the rhythm of movement when lifting and can lead to injuries;
- Comfortable for lifting (not too high, but not too low).
As for depth, the size should correspond to the average step length of an adult (55-65 cm), minus the height of the riser.
4. Number of steps
In one flight of stairs there can be from 3 to 16 steps. If there are more of them, it is necessary to provide a marching platform so that the climb is not too tiring and the person can stop and take a breath.
With an odd number of steps in the march, the user will start and end the ascent with the same foot, which is convenient, but not a mandatory recommendation. The total number of steps is determined by dividing the height of the structure by the height of the riser. For interfloor stairs, the height from the finished floor of the lower floor to the finished floor of the upper floor is used as the numerator.
Determining the size of steps for different types of structures
The above parameters may differ significantly for stairs of various types. In this article, we will not mention specific modifications that perform auxiliary functions (attic, fire, etc.), focusing on the most common mid-flight and spiral staircases most often found in houses.
The dimensions of the elements of the marching stairs
The norms of SNiP for lifting elements of a mid-flight staircase define the dimensions quite strictly: width 30 cm, height 14.8 cm. However, it is not always possible to fully comply with the requirements of building codes, since the height and area of \u200b\u200bthe room impose their own restrictions. In this regard, designers of stair structures use in practice a more flexible system of calculations:
- The width of the tread can be in the range of 20-32 cm. With such dimensions of the tread, reliable support for the foot is provided, while it will not be too wide, allowing you to maintain a comfortable rhythm of movement when lifting;
- Having decided on the width, you can proceed to the calculation of the height of the riser. On average, its size is 14-18 cm, while the height of the step directly depends on its width. In total, these indicators should be equal to 60-64 cm, that is, the step length of an adult;
- For stairs whose angle of inclination exceeds the recommended 25-37 degrees, the calculation of the size of the steps is different: the length and width should be equal to 45 centimeters in total. Otherwise, the ascent will require excessive effort, and the descent will be too steep and unsafe.
winder steps
Stair structures, consisting of several marches, are often supplemented by a turning segment of winder steps having a wedge shape. The calculation of their sizes is carried out according to a different scheme:
- The width of the inner and outer sides of the tread is different, while in the central part the width should be at least 20 cm, and in the narrow part - 10 cm or more;
- The height of the riser remains exactly the same as that of the straight steps of the flight of stairs.
Spiral stairs
This type of stairs has a significant advantage: they take up a minimum of space, while being much more convenient to use, compared to attached vertical structures. To determine the dimensions of helical lifting elements, the rules specific to winders are largely valid, but there are a number of differences:
- This design consists entirely of wedge-shaped steps - there are no flights of stairs with straight lifting elements;
- The ladder is attached to a pillar-support, which forms a kind of central axis, around which the rest of the elements are attached in a spiral;
- Each element should be directed with its narrow side towards the central axis;
- There is no riser in the form of a physical partition so as not to interfere with the setting of the foot.
- The optimal height is within 17-20 cm;
- The width in the middle part of the step is about 20 cm (corresponds to the average length of the foot);
- The width of the outer, the most distant from the central axis, part is not more than 42 cm;
- The width of the narrowest part is at least 12 cm, otherwise it will be difficult to attach to the support.
Conclusion
The parameters given in the article are approximate, obtained on the basis of practical experience in the design of staircase structures. When calculating the dimensions of the components of the stairs, accuracy, understanding of the general principles of ergonomics and safety rules is extremely important.
Whatever type of staircase and no matter what materials are used for its manufacture, one thing remains the same - the design must be convenient and safe to use. In the event that you purchase a finished product in the construction market, all the necessary requirements and GOSTs for the system have already been met by design engineers and manufacturers. But what if you are building a staircase on your own? Everything is very simple - carefully study the instructions for calculating the optimal comfortable dimensions of the structure and without errors calculate such necessary system parameters as the height of the step and riser. And the detailed instructions given in this article, illustrated with high-quality photos and a useful video, will help you in carrying out design and calculation work.
The comfort and safety of your stairs directly depend on how optimally the calculation of such parameters as the height and width of steps and risers is made.
Basic design requirements for stairs
The staircase structure that you plan to build in your house must meet the existing GOSTs according to the following parameters:
- height;
- width
- angle of inclination;
- sizes of steps and risers.
The optimal tread height, according to GOST, should be in the range from 16 to 19 centimeters Earlier in previous publications, we have already considered how to correctly calculate the main parameters of flights of stairs. Today we’ll talk about how to calculate the dimensions of the steps and risers for the stairs being built in the house without errors.
The figure shows the optimal dimensions of the structure for convenient movement of a person along it. But first, let's get acquainted with the most popular mistakes that beginner builders make when installing a ladder system with their own hands.
All steps of the product must be strictly the same size, which will ensure safety and ease of movement on the stairs. Errors in calculating the height of steps
In accordance with generally accepted standards, the height of the foot should not be more than 19 cm. Otherwise, moving up stairs with a high rise will be quite uncomfortable, especially for children and the elderly.
When carrying out the necessary calculations to determine the size of the steps, for clarity, use the diagram shown in the photo Step height according to GOST
According to the requirements of GOST, the allowable step height should be:
- for stairs located in private houses, in summer cottages, in multi-level apartments - 19 cm;
- for non-residential premises - 17 cm.
However, if your layout does not allow you to meet the established standard, then in rare cases a height correction of up to 20 cm is allowed, but no more.
The photo shows the principle of carrying out design actions when designing stairs Steps of various sizes
The unequal height of the steps of the stairs can even cause an accident. Therefore, during construction, it is very important not to experiment in this direction, but to make the steps comfortable and uniform in size in accordance with the requirements.
When building a structure, try to adhere to the established standard values. Standards
Construction, regardless of the purpose of the facility being built, must be carried out in strict compliance with established standards and GOSTs. This rule primarily applies to novice developers who like to experiment. Therefore, every builder, starting to work, must clearly understand that when building any object, it is necessary to strictly adhere to existing norms and standards.
The standard step of an adult is about 55 - 60 centimeters when moving on a flat surface, when climbing stairs, this figure is almost half that 
When calculating the height of the tread, do not forget to take into account the thickness of the material of manufacture We determine the height of the step and riser - calculation instructions
Professional builders advise beginners not to experiment when carrying out design work, but it is better to use already proven ready-made formulas to calculate the optimal and comfortable dimensions of the structure. One of these formulas is a mathematical expression for determining the optimal comfortable values for the height and width of the steps. This formula looks like:
A + B = 450 ± 20 mm, where:
B - tread width,
The staircase is an important element of any home. It can be of various types, it can be located inside or outside the building. The main requirements for such a design are reliability and comfortable use. So that a person moving along this staircase does not feel discomfort, it is necessary to pay special attention to the size of the tread and riser.
What is tread and riser?
These terms refer to the vertical and horizontal elements of the step. The riser is its height. In order for the stairs to be as comfortable and safe as possible, the height of the riser should be in the range of 15-18 centimeters, while the double height of this parameter, which is folded with the size of the tread (the horizontal part of the step), should be equal to the average step of a person. According to statistics, this parameter should be in the range of 60-64 centimeters.
SNiP provides for the following optimal dimensions:
- when it comes to residential and public premises, the riser should be 14.8 centimeters, and for basements and attics - 17.1 cm;
- the tread should have a width of 30 and 26 centimeters, respectively.
Primary requirements
The manufactured staircase must meet the established GOST parameters regarding:
- height;
- width;
- tilt angle;
- the size of the steps and risers of the structure.
Consider the optimal dimensions of the elements of the stairs.
- The marching platform must have a minimum width of 80 centimeters. It is measured from the surface of the wall, taking into account the thickness of the finish, to the inside of the handrails.
- The width of the march, which will be convenient for a person, is in the range from 90 to 100 centimeters. It must be taken into account that one march should not include more than 17 and at least 3 steps.
- The parameters of 17 cm, but not less than 12 cm, are taken as the optimal height of the steps.
- The optimal width of the steps is in the range of 25-32 cm.
The riser can be ready-made or made independently. Today, ceramic products or MDF options are often used, light with dark or white stripes.
Common mistakes
Before starting the actual construction of the stairs, you should definitely familiarize yourself with the most common mistakes that often occur when installing stairs on your own. In this case, it is worth highlighting a few.
- Incorrect step height. The current standards stipulate that it should not exceed 19 centimeters, otherwise the design will be inconvenient to use. Such steps will bring discomfort to small children and the elderly. When it comes to residential premises, the maximum step height is 19 cm, and for non-residential buildings 17 cm. It should be noted that if the layout does not allow compliance with these parameters, it is allowed to adjust the step height to 20 cm.
- Uneven step size. Differences in height and width can lead to accidents.
If they are different, then the optimal rhythm of a person's walking will be violated.
Instruction
Experts in the field of construction of stair structures do not advise beginners to experiment with design work. It is recommended to use proven formulas, thanks to which you can determine the optimal and comfortable dimensions of the structure. It is believed that the height and width of the steps in total should be 43-47 cm.
Determine the width of the steps and their number. This option is best viewed with a specific example.
The steps for performing the calculation are as follows. First of all, you need to measure the distance from the floor to the ceiling. In our example, we will take 2.5 meters as a basis. The interfloor overlap in our case is 35 cm.
As a result, the height of our structure will be the sum of the two previous parameters, namely 2.85 meters. The height of the risers provided by the standard is 17 centimeters. We will stick to this setting. It is necessary to determine the number of required steps by dividing the height of the stairs by 17 cm. In our case, the number of steps will be 17 when rounded off.
It is necessary to determine the height of the tread, based on the area in which our design will be used. There are several options.
- Ladder design for private houses, dachas and apartments. In this case, the height of the riser should be 15.5-22 cm, and the tread should be in the range of 24.5-26 cm.
- For public buildings, stair risers should be slightly lower. They should be 13.5-18 cm. At the same time, the tread is wider than in residential buildings, that is, 28-34 cm.
- In other rooms, the standard height of the riser is 15-19 centimeters, and the width of the tread should be in the range from 25 to 32 cm.
Particular attention should also be paid to the optimal slope of the stairs. Unfortunately, there are no building standards in this matter. The slope of the stairs is based on the ratio of riser to tread. Emphasis is placed on the maximum and minimum height and depth of the step. Based on these parameters, based on the dimensions of the tread and riser, it can be noted that the angle of inclination ranges from 33 to 45 degrees. When it comes to internal stairs, this value should be up to 38 degrees. When it comes to utility or attic stairs, which are characterized by a steeper descent, the optimal angle of inclination is up to 45 degrees.
You must take into account that the wider the angle of inclination, the more space the staircase will occupy.
Why do we need accurate calculations?
It is important that the parameters of each step in the ladder structure are as accurate and uniform as possible. This will allow a person to go up and down stairs without much care, based on leg muscle memory. If the established rules are not followed, a person will experience discomfort when using the stairs. This is especially acute when the steps have different heights.
In such a situation, injuries often occur. If you carry out the correct calculation of the risers, you can avoid various damages.
Compliance with existing norms and rules regarding the construction of stair structures will make it as safe and convenient as possible.
Riser attachment
This process can be carried out in various ways. It depends on what material your stairs are made of, taking into account whether it will be hemmed from below. The fastening parameter is also influenced by the arrangement of stringers.
There are three main methods of fastening. Let's consider each of them.
- Classic installation, where fastening is carried out in a groove.
- Fastening to the end using self-tapping screws. The same method involves the installation of fittings using glue.
- Installation of risers with the use of a corner.
You should stop your choice on one or another method, based on your own preferences and the scope of use of the staircase structure.
When building stairs, be sure to consider the most effective advice from experts.
- In order to replace the tread, it is recommended to remove the old flat elements of the steps located on top. Make sure that the wedge does not move during use.
- If the wedge has been lost, the element can be supported on a block. Flat elements of the stairs must be overlapped. Thus, they will partially overlap each other, if you look at them from above. Their width may not be the same in places that serve to support the right and left legs. In order to install the fence, you need to drill holes along the edges of the steps.
Many owners of private houses with stairs ask a reasonable question: “what are these risers for?”. On the one hand, this is an aesthetic and practical solution, but making stairs with them is quite difficult. In this regard, risers cause a lot of controversy. We will try to answer questions about what it is, why they are needed and whether they are needed at all.
What are risers?
The risers are small boards that are installed at the end of each step and are located, as it were, under them. From this location they got their main name. In most cases, the risers are made from the same material as the main staircase, but if the decorative solution requires a different one, for example, a contrasting combination, they can be made from a different tree.
Riser - a very important element of the stairs, as such. They do not allow the leg to fall inward, get stuck. This is very important for the elderly and young children, who constantly strive to stick their legs, arms and even their heads everywhere to see what is under the stairs.
That is, the risers perform both a decorative and practical function.
What are risers for?
Some homeowners cannot imagine a staircase without risers. This is a classic element of any large and beautiful staircase to the second floor. If you value good quality and solidity, then risers are your choice. On the other hand, they do not carry a special practical function. In some structures that are open in appearance, they only spoil the overall impression of the stairs.
Are risers needed?
If you stick to the classic, deaf staircase model, then you certainly need it. If you have a beautiful, airy and very modern staircase installed, then the risers will be an extra decorative element that will greatly spoil the impression of the stairs. Risers are usually installed in classic wooden solutions made from expensive wood. At the same time, most metal stairs come without risers.
It is worth noting that stairs with winder steps can be with or without risers, but spiral structures are almost always open.
Whether to make risers or not is a personal matter for each owner of their home. The most important thing is to determine for yourself whether you need risers or not, how close the appearance of your stairs is to the classics and whether they will interfere with your movement.
Staircase design is an important attribute of any home. It can be internal and external, marble, wood, concrete or metal. The main requirement is comfortable movement on it. In order for the person walking up the stairs to enjoy movement, the dimensions of the tread and riser are taken into account during the construction of this structure.
"Deaf" march with risers
Ladder device
Each march consists of several details. The tread of the stairs is the place where the foot is placed. It has its own standard sizes. Usually they are designed for the average length of the foot and make up the width of the step from 25 to 30 cm, but no more.
The riser is the height of each tread. It is on him that both the convenience of the entire ladder and the size of each step depend. According to accepted standards and norms, it should not be lower than 14 cm, but should not exceed 17 cm. With other indicators, the device for lifting becomes uncomfortable.
The correct calculation when planning a march is made up of twice the sum of the height of the riser and the width of the tread based on the standard step sizes of 60-66 cm accepted in all countries. For example, the height is 15 cm, which means the doubled amount is 30 cm. The width is determined by subtracting from the accepted standard norms, that is, 60 - 30 \u003d 30 cm tread width.
For convenience and beauty, a visual separation of vertical and horizontal elements is practiced.
Each staircase structure must perform one function - a quick and convenient ascent to the desired floor or elevation.
These dimensions directly depend on the type of object. They are:
Interlevel
Those that lead from one floor of the room to another. They are divided into several types:
- The screw design is the most economical for a small scale room, but not the best in terms of moving around it. When installing it, a very careful calculation of the size of the tread and riser is required. It is the correct ratio of the height and width of each step that can reduce its inconvenience.
- A multi-flight staircase can be hinged, this is when the spans diverge from the intermediate platform in different directions, and semi-reversible. The latter is used in multi-storey high-rise buildings. The tread and risers of this design have standard dimensions, and it is convenient both for moving and for carrying oversized cargo.
- The intermediate type is a combination of screw and march structures. She does not have an intermediate platform for rest, like a marching staircase, but she does not go in a circle, like a spiral one. The height of the riser at such a structure is calculated for the marching part and the screw part separately.
street structures
Most often, this is the porch of the house and it consists of several steps and a platform. The riser of such a structure is calculated based on the surrounding landscape. The tread is completely focused on these values. In some projects, there may be no riser at all. Most often these are metal objects. But at the same time, the riser of the stairs is calculated in the same way as if it were present.
The architecture of lifting structures should be in harmony with the building or natural landscape and serve as their decoration.
If the ladder is designed for climbing a hill or moving from one street level to another, then the riser on different marches may have a different digital indicator. Incorrect calculations for such structures make the ascent uncomfortable, and even dangerous for people with cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, such, at first glance, an insignificant touch in the structure of the lifting device dictates its own rules for the design of stair structures - like, and the width of the tread, and much more.
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