Stair & Railing Plans

Building Codes

• Stairs need to take on the right dimensions to be safe for all users. The International Residential Code details specific measurement restrictions that all stairs and railings must comply with. For example, exterior deck stairs must be at least 36 inches wide. The riser height, which is the height between adjacent steps, can be no more than 7 3/4 inches, and should be at least 4 inches. Check with your local building code office to ensure that your stair plans comply with applicable codes.

Shape and Style

• Stairs and railings are decorative elements as well as functional parts of homes. This means that the overall look of your stairs should be something you consider from the first stages of the planning process. The shape of a staircase is one major consideration, whether it is a straight staircase, a curved or spiral staircase, or a staircase that includes one or more 90-degree turns. Railings can be attached directly to a wall or attach to vertical posts that rise out of the stairs.

Calculations

• Drawing up plans for stairs and railings includes a series of mathematical calculations. You need to perform these calculations before you begin work in order to know how to prepare the site for stairs and how much material to buy. The number of steps in your stairway will depend on the total height of the stairway divided by the riser height of each step. A staircase's length depends on the tread depth, or depth of each step, and the number of steps. The length for a railing is measured as the hypotenuse of a right triangle whose legs are the height and length of the staircase. Spiral staircases and other complex designs involve additional calculations.

Materials

• Stairs and railings can be made from several types of construction materials. Structural integrity and durability are important parts of the planning process, but most types of wood are appropriate for residential stairs. Hardwoods with attractive grain patterns are good options if you plan to stain the wood or seal it to show off its natural finish. If you plan to paint your stairs or install carpet over them, pine is a common choice. Outdoor stairs can use concrete blocks, bricks and mortar or pressure treated lumber. Metal, including wrought iron, is another option for both indoor and outdoor stairs and railings.