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What is the minimum depth of a step?

4 min read

Asked by: Tameka Hernandez

OSHA 1910.25(c)(3) requires standard stairs to have a minimum tread depth of 9.5 inches (24 cm). IBC 1011.5. 2 requires that stair treads be 11 inches (279mm) minimum measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the foremost projection of adjacent treads and at a right angle to the treads leading edge.

What is the standard depth of an outdoor step?

You can choose what’s comfortable for you but generally outdoor steps have a rise of 5 ½ to 7 inches and a tread of 12 to 18 inches.

How do you calculate step depth?


Run so for example if I had four steps one two three four and I had a 40 inch horizontal measurement from here to here then and I divided it by the four steps then that would give me ten.

What is the minimum width of a step?

Local codes typically specify stair step width limits. Usually the minimum for residences is from two feet eight inches to three feet six inches.

What is the lowest rise for a step?

Stair ” tread depth” is measured from the front edge of the step to the back of the step being measured. The general rule in the United States is a 7″ rise and 11″ tread depth.

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 perfect step height?

7 ¾ inches

Riser Heights



In the United States, the step height standard should be between 7 or 7 ¾ inches at the most, and no less than 4 inches. You should follow other measurements if given by local building codes.

How deep should stair treads be?

11 inches

International Residential Code (IRC)



There are also section codes in place for standard stair tread dimensions. The tread depth code for residential stairs should be no less than 10 inches with nosing, no less than 11 inches without nosing, and maximum tread depth variation should also be less than 3/8 of an inch.

What is the normal rise and run for stairs?

The general rule (in the US) is 7-11 (a 7 inch rise and 11 inch run) (17.78cm-27.94cm). More exactly, no more than 7 3/4 inches (19.7cm) for the riser (vertical) and a minimum of 10 inches (25.4cm) for the tread (horizontal or step). You can find some more information here as well on other stair-related dimensions.

How thick do stair treads need to be?

The standard thickness of stair tread is up to 1-1/16” of an inch, although 1” stair treads are extremely common and found at all big box home reno stores. Remember also that stairs must have a minimum depth of 10” and minimum width of 24”. Many stores offer treads that are ¾” thick.

What is the standard step height for stairs?

7.5 inches

The average step height in America is 7.5 inches. The depth is generally around 9 inches. As far as width goes, or the long part of the stairs, it’s primarily up to the homeowner. But when it comes to the height and the depth, it’s important to follow the guidelines to prevent accidents.

What is the minimum tread length?

10 to 11 Inches

Staircase Tread (Run) Depth: 10 to 11 Inches, Minimum



This distance must be at least 10 inches. However, the ICC notes that if the steps do not have nosings, and the steps have solid risers, not open risers, the minimum tread depth is 11 inches.

How wide should a step be for a walker?

Each stair should be a minimum of 11” deep and at least 36” wide. Each rise (amount of travel, up & down between steps) should be no more than 7”, and no less than 4”. They should vary only ¼” difference between each step’s height (rise) from top to bottom.

How do you make stairs easier for seniors?

Here are some ways that you can make the stairs safe for seniors, so that you or your loved one can live independently and safely.

  1. Get a stairlift. …
  2. Add railings. …
  3. Eliminate carpet runners. …
  4. Add non-slip strips. …
  5. Add a resting spot. …
  6. Check the lights. …
  7. Keep the path clear. …
  8. Use contrasting colors.

How do I make my stair treads deeper?

Plywood you don't need to find two one inch boards. For three inches. We have two two by um sixes let's say two inch and a half members pieces of lumber.

How do you make outdoor steps safe for elderly?

How to Make Stairs Safer & Easier for Seniors

  1. Install and Check Handrails. If your loved one’s stairs have an existing handrail, check it for stability. …
  2. Look for Tread Options. Wooden stairs are beautiful, but they can also be slick and easy to slide off of. …
  3. Consider a Wheelchair Ramp. …
  4. Install a Stair Lift.


Can 80 year olds climb stairs?

The authors showed that regular stair climbing can be done by older adults and can limit aging-induced physiological decline [17]. Popular walking programs use a pedometer to encourage older adults to be more physically active.

Why old people Cannot climb stairs?

There are many reasons why seniors and older people have difficulty with stairs. The majority have trouble because their joints are stiff and their muscles are weak. As we age our muscles atrophy and our joints become stiff unless they are exercised regularly.