How wide is a stair step?

Asked by: Stephanie Smith

Stair treads come in a variety of widths. The width of the tread will determine how much of the stair is covered. Stair treads can be as narrow as 22.5 inches or as wide as 36 inches. Wider stair treads are typically used outdoors while narrower designs between 22.5 inches and 30 inches are more commonly used indoors.

What is the standard width of a stair step?

The average stair width in America is about 36″ wide which is actually the minimum according to most building codes. Though the entire 36″ isn’t used, it is enough to account for handrails which can take up a few inches.

How deep is a step on stairs?

A stair tread should be a minimum of 11″ deep for stairs used as a means of egress under the 2018 IBC building code. A stair tread should be a minimum 9.5″ deep for stairs used as equipment access under the OSHA standards for stairways.

What is a good width for a step?

Staircase Width: 36 Inches, Minimum
According to the IRC, this distance must be at least 36 inches and does not include handrails.

What is the average size of a step?

What is the average step length and stride length? According to the University of Iowa, the average person’s walking step length is 2.5 feet (30 inches), so the average stride length would be approximately 5 feet (60 inches). There are a number of factors that can impact stride length including: height.

How long do stairs need to be to go up 8 feet?

For most homes, the length of a flight of stairs is between 9 and 12 feet long. The total length of a flight of stairs for an 8-foot ceiling is approximately 9-feet long.

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 standard size of stair riser?

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 leading edges of adjacent treads.

What is a standard step tread?

Most stair treads measure between 8 and 10 inches long, with longer treads being used on larger staircases. Nine-inch stair treads are the most common lengths.

What is the minimum step tread width?

Riser height shall be from 6 to 7.5 inches (15.24 to 19.05 cm), stair width a minimum of 22 inches (55.88 cm) between vertical barriers, tread depth a minimum of 12±2 inches (30.48±5.08 cm), and tread nosing shall be straight leading edges. Stair landings shall be at least 20 inches (50.8 cm) in depth.

Can I use 2×10 for stair treads?

It is acceptable and within building code guidelines to use either 2×10 or 2×12 dimensional lumber to create a set of stairs; however, a stair stringer should not be less than 3.5 inches wide at its narrowest point to provide adequate strength for the load the stairs will be supporting.

How thick is a stair riser?

If you are planning on building a closed riser staircase, then what should the riser thickness be? According to general specifications, your stair riser thickness should be no less than ½”. In fact, many professionals recommend risers with a thickness of ¾”.