A private staircase is a stairway which serves one
dwelling. The majority of staircases used in domestic
construction are made from solid timber with,
manufactured board such as Medium Density
Fibreboard (MDF) used for the Goings and Treads.
They are usually manufactured in a workshop to
specified dimensions. The flights of stairs are then
delivered to and installed on site prior to plastering.
Hardwood stairs may not be installed until all
plastering has been completed.
Newel post
Tread
Private Stairway
A private stairway is a series of steps with straight nosings on
plan intended for use solely in connection with one dwelling.
Stair Function
• The function of a stairs is to
allow easy pedestrian
access from one floor level
to another in safety.
• Stairs must be strong
enough to carry weight of
people, furniture and
equipment.
• A private stairway is a series
of steps with straight
nosings on plan intended for
use solely in connection
with one dwelling.
Private Stairway
Handrail
Balusters should have no opening of such
a size as to permit the passage of a sphere
of 100mm diameter.
Stairs should be designed, arranged and
installed to afford safety, adequate
headroom and space for the passage of
furniture. Stairs should be designed to
provide ease and comfort, hardwood stairs
are often a design feature and should be
pleasing to look at.
Baluster
String
Stairs should be designed to comply with
the building regulations.
Tread Detail
Minimum Going for
domestic stairs is 220mm.
Maximum Rise is 220mm
string and handrail.
In consecutive flights of
stairs, each step shall have
the same rise and the same
going.
Handrail to be provided on
both sides of stairs if width
is 1.0 metres wide or more.
Stair Detail
Stair Terms
• Stairwell
The space in which the stairs and landing are housed.
• Tread
Upper surface of a step on which the foot is placed
• Riser
The vertical member between two treads
• Step
Rise plus tread
• Nosing
The exposed edge of tread usually rounded or splayed.
Stair Terms
• Handrail
Member parallel to the string and spanning between newels or
fixed to the wall.
• Baluster
Vertical infill members between string and handrail.
• Newel
Post at bottom and top of flight supporting handrail.
• String
Members into which the ends of treads and risers are housed and
wedged.
• Pitch line
Line connecting the nosing of all treads in one flight.
Stair Terms
• Margin
Space left between edge of nosing and edge of string.
• Rise
Vertical distance from top of one tread to top of the next.
• Going
Horizontal distance from face of one riser to face of the next.
• Total going of flight
Horizontal distance from face of first riser to face of trimmer (landing).
• Total rise of flight
Vertical distance from surface of floor to surface of landing.