Replies

1. 
   Michael_Rimoldi | Nov 13, 2001 03:24am | #1

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   Dan,

   I just built a 19 step, single-landing staircase for my home with 10 foot ceilings. I'm not at the job but can give you exact measurements if you like.

   The treadriser ratio is quite nice with the risers being around 7.25" and the treads being 11.25"

   I can measure everything tomorrow if you are interested or if someone else doesn't post the info first.

   Mike

1. 
   Boss_Hog | Nov 13, 2001 03:36pm | #2

   *I always figure a minumum 10' hole through the floor system for the stairs. But that depends on the depth of your floor system, and how wide you want the treads to be. Michael makes a good point - figure out how wide you want your treads, and how many you want, and you basically have the length of your stairs. And - as always - Check your local codes to see if they have anything to say about it.

1. 
   Schelling_McKinley | Nov 14, 2001 02:50am | #3

   *You will need at least 14 risers. Two runs of six treads would be a little longer than 60 inches each. A landing is at least 3 ft square with an L turn and 3x 6ft+ with a switchback. These are the absolute minimums. I always build it bigger because you lose width with the railings and wall finishes. The building inspectors vary in their insistence on clearances.

1. 
   piffin_ | Nov 14, 2001 05:17am | #4

   *You need to start with the floor to floor measurement. How thick is the floor system? A sixteen inch web truss or a 2x10 solid joist are going to give you different answers to this question.

1. 
   blue_eyed_devil_ | Nov 14, 2001 01:29pm | #5

   *Dan, do the math. You need 84" of head room minimum. They'll allow 6-8, but that's too tight.Divide the 84 by the unit rise (stay below 8- preferably close to 7). Multiply by the tread run ( don't include the nosing. Your run is usually 9 (2x10.25 tread stock) or 10 (2x12 tread stock). I'd use 10 if there was room. Add 3" for nosing/framing. The sum is the minimum clearance. It does not include the 3-6 landing. I agree with Ron. A 10' hole will usually get you through.blue

2. 
   Boss_Hog | Nov 14, 2001 03:48pm | #6

   *> I agree with RonDang, Blue. Isn't that a first???I'm gonna have to write that down on my calendar...............(-:

3. 
   Mr._Pita | Nov 14, 2001 08:04pm | #7

   *Blue, (and everyone else)How is the head room for stairs measured? I know (I think) it's from the nose or edge of the tread. Is it vertical from the edge (like | ) of the tread (this kinda makes the most sense to me) or perpendicular to the centerline of the stringer (like )?I have a set of basement steps that are a bit steep and somewhat uneven, and I'd like to rebuild them one of these days, but I'll need them to fit in the existing hole. (So, if they have to be steep, they're steep, but at least I'd finally have a regular rise and run, instead of feeling for the steps if I'm carrying something)Of course, when I finally get around to this, I'll be back asking all this over again and more.

4. 
   Mike_Smith | Nov 14, 2001 09:20pm | #8

   *pita.. drop a straight edge on the front edge of the stair run...nosing to nosing... now plumb up from there 6'-8" a line passing thru this point and parallel to the straight edge is the head clearance..and .. the platform or landing has the same requirement....CABO section 314.3

5. 
   blue_eyed_devil_ | Nov 15, 2001 12:57pm | #9

   *Mr Pita, Mike is right. The headroom is measured like this ¦.ON the steeper stairs, the minimum 6-8 headroom becomes deceiving. You maight have the 6-8 headroom, but don't lean forward, even a little bit, or you'll be banging your head.Rebuilding a set of stairs into an existing structure can be challenging. You might not end up with an ideal set, but often you can make significant improvements. In these situations, every inch becomes critical. Throw out the rules and let common sense prevail.blue

6. 
   blue_eyed_devil_ | Nov 15, 2001 12:58pm | #10

   *C'mon Ron, we've never butted heads have we? I love trusses and think floor trusses make nice firewood!blue

7. 
   Mr._Pita | Nov 15, 2001 07:23pm | #11

   *Thanks.

2. 
   Dan_Sweeney | Nov 15, 2001 07:23pm | #12

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   I'm planning to have 9 foot ceilings on the first floor of my home. How much space do I need for steps in a L shape, or switchback shape?