Are Spiral Stair Cases Legal?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

All building regulation spiral staircases should comply with the 100mm sphere rule, i.e there

must be no gaps greater than 99mm anywhere

on the spiral staircase. … However, your building control surveyor may still allow these types and designs of balustrade if you ask.

Are spiral staircases to code?

The California Code of Regulations for commercial buildings, for example, allows spiral staircases to be used as

an exit if the minimum tread width is at least 10 inches

and if the inner radius of the staircase is at least twice the width of the stairway.

Are spiral staircases legal in Ontario?

(1)

A curved or spiral stair is permitted in a stairway not required as an exit provided the stair has

, … 4.5., angled treads in other than required exit stairs shall have an average run of not less than 200 mm and a minimum run of 150 mm.

Can you put a spiral staircase in a house?

A spiral staircase is a staircase with one central newel post, with which the treads all branch off of and are supported by. … A spiral staircase is mainly used in homes

where space is at a minimum

, with the staircase rotating on top of itself, the footprint of the staircase is actually less than a traditional staircase.

What is a code compliant spiral staircase?

Spiral Stair Building Code Compliance

Minimum stair diameter of 60′′ for a metal stair and 64′′ for a wood stair. Tread path between handrail and center column a minimum 26′′ Center tread width, 7 1/2′′ in from the narrow end of the tread d.

Headroom minimum of 6’6′′ Riser height cannot exceed 9

1/2′′

How big of an opening do you need for a spiral staircase?

3’6” translates to 42 total inches in diameter and therefore the MINIMUM opening size that you need MUST be

44 inches x 44 inches (44”x44”)

. You need at least 44”x44” opening because you’ll need two extra inches for your fingers to travel along the handrail as you walk up and down the stairs.

How much clearance do you need for a spiral staircase?

If you are going through a hole in the floor your finished floor opening should be

two inches greater than your stair’s diameter

. For example, if you are using a 3’6” spiral stair to get you access to an attic through a hole in the floor then you would need a finished floor opening of 44 inches x 44 inches.

Do you need building regulations for a spiral staircase?

All building regulation spirals must comply with the

100mm sphere rule

, i.e there must be no gaps greater than 99mm anywhere on the spiral staircase.

Do spiral staircases need landings?

Landings, where required, are

attached to the top of the staircase

and provide the path to the upper level. Landing are required when a staircase is installed through a hole in the floor. … Landings are not required if the staircase is attached to the corner of a balcony face application.

How narrow can a spiral staircase be?

Current code regarding spiral stairs says that the

tread width must be at least 7.5 inches at a point 12 inches from the narrow end

. Risers can be up to 9.5 inches, and like any stair, the riser height must be consistent.

Are spiral staircases a bad idea?

Safety:

Spiral staircases are by no means dangerous

and when engineered and installed by a professional staircase company, they are just as safe and secure as any other stair design; however, homes with small children or people with mobility issues may find a straight staircase a better fit for their needs.

Is a spiral staircase a good idea?

Spiral staircases generally have a

steeper incline

which means that they take up less area and are ideal if you want extra room downstairs. They can also let in more light because of this and can definitely become a great centre point for any room. … They make great second staircases and can add value to any home.

Are spiral staircases bad?

They are

generally installed due of their reduced footprint

and because there is insufficient space for a conventional staircase. … Providing spiral staircases are constructed to the required regulations that are designed to give comfort to the user, then spiral staircases are perfectly safe.

How are spiral staircases supported?

The primary support for a spiral staircase is

a pole in the center around which the stair treads spiral

. The pole is anchored at the bottom via a bracket bolted to the floor; the top of the pole is free-standing. The stair treads are attached to the pole at their inner edges.

How do you plan a spiral staircase?

  1. Ceiling opening measures.
  2. Number of steps per 360 degrees.
  3. Floor to Floor measure.
  4. Determine the location of the top landing platform.
  5. Draw the spiral staircase.
  6. Check the head clearance (head room).
  7. Check Building Regulations.

What is the minimum width of a spiral staircase?

Spiral stairways must have a 7.5 inch minimum clear tread depth at a point 12 inches from the narrow edge. Riser heights are required to be the same and are not to exceed 9.5 inches. Minimum headroom of 6 foot 6 inches is required. The minimum stairway width shall be

26 inches

.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.