How Much Can Stair Risers Vary?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The stair riser code is up to 7.75 inches, and can not vary

more than 3/8 of an inch

.

How much can steps vary in height?

Per the latest edition of the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC), the maximum allowed difference in

riser height is 3/8′′

. (This means that the difference in height between the tallest and the shortest riser on your stairs can be no more than 3/8′′.)

Are all stair risers the same height?

Riser height is measured from top of tread to top of tread of the next step. If these are in the same staircase, then they

can only vary 3/8′′ between the shortest riser and the tallest riser

. Call it out.

Do all steps have to be the same size?


Every stairway is required to have a landing with a length equal to the width of the stair

, but landing lengths over 48 inches are not required.

What is the ideal stair riser height?

Stair riser heights shall be

7 inches (178 mm) maximum and 4 inches (102 mm) minimum

. The riser height shall be measured vertically between the nosings of adjacent treads.

How do I increase the height of my stairs?

Differing riser heights are a common cause of falls. … Per the latest edition of the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC),

the maximum allowed difference in riser height is 3/8′′

. (This means that the difference in height between the tallest and the shortest riser on your stairs can be no more than 3/8′′.)

Does a landing count as a riser?

Riser: A riser is the vertical

measurement

of each stair. … Landing: A landing is a platform between two flights of stairs. Nosing: The section of the tread that overhangs the riser below. Staircase width: Width refers to the length of risers and treads from side to side.

What is a comfortable step height?

Rule one says that

rise plus run (r+R) should equal 18 inches

. Why? That’s what most people find to be a comfortable stride on most stairs. You can cheat a bit up or down, but below 17” and more than 19” will result in steps that require strides either too big or too small for most people.

What is the minimum rise of a step?

Stair riser heights shall be 7 inches (178 mm) maximum and

4 inches (102 mm) minimum

. The riser height shall be measured vertically between the nosings of adjacent treads.

What is a normal stair step size?

In the United States, the step height standard should be

between 7 or 7 3⁄4 inches at the most, and no less than 4 inches

. You should follow other measurements if given by local building codes. In Canada, the maximum step riser height is 8 1⁄4 inches.

What is a comfortable stair width?

In general public spaces a minimum of 44” (112 cm) must be met—providing ample space for one person and allowing the tight passage of two people. Comfortable two person stair widths range

between 49” (125 cm) to 60” (152 cm)

. For three simultaneous users, a minimum of 74” (188 cm) is recommended.

Are stairs at 45 degrees?

A stair at a 45-degree

angle is not allowed by code due to the maximum riser and minimum tread standards

. The maximum riser allowed by the International Residential Code (IRC) is 7-3/4”, but a 7-3/4” tread is smaller than the minimum tread depth of 10”.

What is the ideal stair angle?

Stair codes and guidelines prefer an angle of

around 37°

for normal stairways (the green area in our illustration) and around 7° for ramps (the yellow area in our illustration). Steeper slopes or angles are permitted for stepladders in certain applications as you can see in the illustration.

What is the minimum number of risers in stairs?

2 Riser Height and Tread Depth. Stair riser heights shall be 7 inches (178 mm) maximum and

4 inches (102 mm) minimum

. The riser height shall be measured vertically between the nosings of adjacent treads.

What is the formula for building stairs?


You divide the height by 7 inches

; if, say, the floor-to-floor distance is 8 feet, 10 inches (or 106 inches), then you’ll need 15 treads (106 divided by 7 equals 15.14). Next, you divide the height by the number of treads (15 into 106), producing the exact tread height (7.06 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.