Building a functional and aesthetically pleasing staircase requires a lot of careful planning and attention to detail. On top of this, all domestic staircases must meet the necessary criteria of building regulations to ensure the occupant's safety. Familiarising yourself with the necessary measurements and understanding the UK building regulations on stairs is important. When you undertake a house build or renovation project, there are a few things you need to know.
UK Building Regulations On Staircases
Stair Regulations On Riser And Treads
Consistency in riser and tread dimensions is one of the most critical aspects of staircase construction. Humans rely a lot on consistency and intuition, It’s no exception when you use stairs, and you’d expect each step to be uniform. Any deviation in riser or tread measurements can disrupt balance and increase risk of falls.
The minimum and maximum regulations for the riser and tread of each step should fall within the specified range.
Riser: minimum 150mm and maximum 220mm
Going: minimum 223mm and maximum 320mm
In open riser stairs, the gap between them should be built so that a 100mm sphere can’t fit through them. Furthermore, the lip of the step (which is the edge that hangs over the bellow step) should be 16mm to ensure comfortable use of the steps.
Regulation Pitch Of The Stairs
In general, the pitch or the slope of your stairs should not exceed 42 degrees in steepness. However, there can be an exception if approved by the building regulation inspector. If the inspector determines that a steeper pitch is unavoidable in your specific case, it may be permitted.
2xRise+Going
According to building regulations, the sum of twice the rise and the going should be between 550mm and 700mm. (Rise x 2 + Going = 550-700mm). This approach is widely used because it results in stairs that feel familiar and comfortable to users.
Width Regulations For Staircases
In a domestic setting, there is technically no minimum width requirement for a staircase, allowing for greater flexibility in tight spaces. However, it is still essential to ensure that the stairs can be comfortably used by occupants. It's important to note that specific rules regarding minimum width apply to fire escapes and disabled accessibility, as outlined in Part M of the building regulations.
Regarding the maximum width of a staircase, the overall width can vary based on what best fits the property's layout. However, regardless of the width, it is necessary to install a handrail to ensure safe ascending and descending. This ensures that users have the necessary support and guidance throughout the staircase.
Head Room And Other Stair Regulations
Ensuring adequate headroom above a staircase is a straightforward requirement in building regulations. The regulation stipulates a minimum headroom of 2 meters above all areas of the stairs, including landings, measured from the pitch line of the stairs. Consistency is key, meaning the headroom should remain the same from the bottom of the stairs to the top.
There are also regulations regarding handrails, banister designs and fire safety for timber staircases in the UK which are covered in our previous blogs, carefully following all these specified regulations will ensure you a compliant staircase design.
Staircase Regulations Compliance Made Easy With Staircase Success
Navigating the building regulations and ensuring compliance with staircase requirements can be a challenging task, especially when considering the diverse needs of each project.
To guarantee a staircase design that meets all necessary regulations, it's advisable to consult a trusted staircase expert and let them guide you through the process.
Multi-Turn offers a one-stop staircase solution – Staircase Success. With years of expertise in staircase design and manufacturing, compliance is assured in every staircase. Speak with one of our staircase experts today, and see how we can help with your next project.