Public Exterior Stairway Tips - Stair Step Building Code Violations
Stair building is a craft that demands precision, and one of the most critical aspects to get right is riser height consistency. Maintaining uniform riser heights throughout a staircase is essential for safety, comfort, and code compliance. As a stair builder, understanding the importance of this seemingly minor detail can make a big difference in the quality and safety of your work.
The 3/8" Rule and the 7" Maximum For Public Stairs
Maximum Variation: The difference in height between any two risers in a staircase should not exceed 3/8 of an inch.
Maximum Riser Height: Individual risers typically cannot exceed 7 inches in height.
These regulations are in place for good reason:
Preventing Trips and Falls: Inconsistent riser heights disrupt the natural rhythm of walking up or down stairs. Even a small variation can cause someone to trip or misjudge a step, leading to falls.
Ensuring Comfortable Use: Uniform risers create a predictable and comfortable experience for users, allowing them to ascend or descend the stairs with ease.
Meeting Code Requirements: Failing to meet these standards can result in code violations, potentially leading to fines or the need for costly rework.
Landings For A Smooth Transition
When connecting stairs to uneven surfaces like gravel walkways, patios, or sloping landscapes, incorporating landings at the top and bottom of the staircase is highly recommended.
Why Landings Matter:
Transitional Space: A landing provides a stable and level platform for users to adjust to the change in elevation before stepping onto the stairs or the walkway.
Design Flexibility: Landings can help accommodate changes in grade and allow for more design flexibility when integrating stairs with the surrounding landscape.
Enhanced Safety: Landings offer a visual and physical break, reducing the risk of tripping and improving overall safety.
Alternative Landscaping Solutions
While landings can effectively address transitions to uneven surfaces, consider these alternative landscaping approaches to minimize the need for complex stair designs:
Grading and Leveling: Adjust the grade of the surrounding landscape to create a more level transition between the walkway and the stairs.
Retaining Walls: Use retaining walls to create terraced levels, minimizing elevation changes and reducing the number of steps required.
Ramps: In some cases, ramps might be a more suitable alternative to stairs, especially for people with mobility challenges.
Pathways: Consider creating winding pathways with gentle slopes to gradually transition between different elevations.
By prioritizing riser height consistency and incorporating design elements like landings, stair builders can create safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing staircases that meet both building codes and user expectations.
