Design Suggestions For Straight Stairways Connecting To Odd Shaped or Angled Upper Floor And Landing
The video highlights several challenges that arise when attempting to build straight staircases that connect to angled upper floors and landings that are not 90 degrees:
Non-uniform steps: Constructing a staircase directly onto an angled landing will result in steps with varying sizes. Building codes typically require consistent step sizes for safety reasons.
Building code compliance: Building codes often mandate minimum step and landing dimensions. In some cases, the available space might not permit accommodating a code-compliant landing with a straight staircase.
Door swing limitations: Building codes also restrict where doors can swing. In some cases, having a straight staircase with an angled landing might not leave enough space for a door to swing according to the code.
Design Solutions for Overcoming Challenges
Verify Building Code Allowances: Before commencing construction, consult with local building authorities to confirm if variations from the standard staircase design are permitted in your area.
Incorporating a Landing: If there is sufficient space, introduce a landing at the top of the stairs. This landing should meet the minimum depth requirement specified in your local building code, which is typically 36 inches or more. By incorporating a landing, you can create uniform steps that comply with building codes.
Reshaping the Wall Framing: If there's limited space for a landing, you can explore reshaping the wall framing to create a 90-degree angle for the stairs. This might involve adding an extra step to create a landing that is flush with the upper floor.
Door Swing Considerations
Greg emphasizes building code restrictions on door swing direction relative to the staircase. Doors are generally not allowed to swing over stairs but can swing over landings. This might influence your staircase design.
The video concludes by recommending that you redesign the staircase altogether if the aforementioned solutions are not feasible for your project.
