0

I'm designing a stairs in a very tight space that has an upper landing and a lower landing, each segment requires a 90 deg turn. If the landing riser heights are different from the main run - does this present a hazard? If so - why?

Presently the upper landing is 10.5" drop, followed by steps of ~9.5", and back to 10.5" on the lower. The stair runs are 11.5"

Improve this question
6
  • 1
    My thought is - once the walking gait pattern in broken - you effectively have a different stairs. For example, the stairs in my home go to a small landing at the front door - then there is a step out of the front door that drastically different height. 10.5 is a large drop (although the step stool I use is 14") - but you fall into the landing - not the stairs. I'm aware of the code - but by code a stairs are not possible - so I've been using a ladder. Code is also based on average size of people - how well would code stairs work for small or large people?
    – pathfinder
    Apr 20, 2018 at 13:54
  • What do you mean by the "landing risers"? Are you referring to entire stair runs between landings, or the single rise above or below a landing?
    – isherwood
    Apr 20, 2018 at 13:56
  • @isherwood The first step down would be 10.5", followed by a 90 deg turn, followed by steps ~9.5", followed by a 90 deg turn, followed by what I call 2 steps to the floor. Maybe riser isn't the correct word - so I call them drops.
    – pathfinder
    Apr 20, 2018 at 14:01
  • I think the answer has been given - diy.stackexchange.com/questions/38128/…
    – pathfinder
    Apr 20, 2018 at 14:06
  • 1
    If that's a duplicate, please delete your question.
    – isherwood
    Apr 20, 2018 at 14:12

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
4

Code says risers can’t be more than 8” high and can’t vary from the largest to smallest by more than 3/8”. (See IRC R311.7.5.)

Treads can’t be less than 9” and can’t vary by more than 3/8”.

Improve this answer
2
  • The question was does it present a hazard - not what does code say.
    – pathfinder
    Apr 20, 2018 at 13:47
  • There are “exceptions”: If it’s just access to mechanical space, spiral stairs, etc.
    – Lee Sam
    Apr 20, 2018 at 13:52

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.