Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Jul 09, 2011 11:35 am Hi folks We are in the very early 'ideas' stage of our future extension. We are thinking that we would like to build up, but we cannot seem to think of a suitable place for the stairs/stairwell (every place we think of runs into other problems and we want to try and reduce the disruption to the floorplan downstairs as much as possible to keep costs down). I am wondering if anyone can tell me (or point me to some guidelines) as to the minimum width stairs should be to a second storey. Keep in mind, that we think (??) the stairs would have to be enclosed (ie, wall either side - not an open ballustrade). So that obviously means any furniture etc has to fit within the two sides of the stairs as there would be no room to hang things over the side of a ballustrade as we got them up/down. Also, we image there would have to be a landing half way and then the stairs going up further on a right angle (Or potentially totally turning around 180 degrees). Or we would go straight up in one line if the space we had allowed it. Anyway, I just need some guidance as to the minimum width we should allow - and also how much actual length of space you need. For eg, I have a space that is approx. 1.6m long before it hits the wall - so, how much height would that give me before we had to put the landing and turn the stairs around? Or, a friend suggestion we could put it in one of our bedrooms but it would mean (unless we reconfigured) the stairwell could only be pretty much the width of the doorway (after removing the architraves etc) but I can't help but think this is way too narrow??? Is there a guideline anywhere or information that anyone could share. Thanks, HHCIB Re: Standard (minimum) width of stairs 2Jul 09, 2011 10:14 pm Maximum rise per single step is 190mm, minimum depth is 240mm, so you can work out the distance taken to rise. There is a maximum number of steps you can have before you have to have a landing, but can't remember how many of the top of my head. You would not be able to go straight up in one flight as a) over 1600mm you would only ride (at most) around 1140 (approx) b)you will be required to have a landing If someone has a BCA handy they could answer you exactly Re: Standard (minimum) width of stairs 3Jul 09, 2011 10:23 pm Thanks tjilpi - that's handy info and will give me an idea . I think I might have found another better location for the stairs which won't require it to be 'closed off' necessarily - and will allow it to be as wide as I want (within reason) and apart from having to close off a window, won't actually mean any disruption to downstairs floor plan. But... I would still like to hear any further info about minimum requirements (landing requirements for eg) if anyone can help. (I think in one of my other threads, someone mentioned having a BCA and offered to send me info which I declined at the time... might try and hunt them down.... if only I knew which of my numerous threads it was in ). Thanks again tjilpi... that will really give me an indication of how much space each step/stairwell would take. HHCIB Re: Standard (minimum) width of stairs 4Jul 10, 2011 1:29 am HHCIB for a comfortable stair use a riser of 172mm, going of 280mm and nothing less than 1000mm width. this is not the minimum just me trying to force my standards onto the world!! i think the BCA will say 750mm is the min. width, will check that on Monday for you. if the width is 1000, the landing should also be 1000 deep. if i am interpreting your situation correctly the 1600mm would allow 2 treads before you have the 1000 landing (the 3rd tread). This would total 1560mm instead of 1600mm. so at the landing you would be 3x172mm = 514mm above the lower level. remember you need minumum 2m clearance above all treads. doesnt always happen and doesnt help when your trying to carry a matress up there!! oops, almost forgot. You can have a max. of 18 treads before you need a landing. good luck with the reno. Re: Standard (minimum) width of stairs 5Jul 10, 2011 9:59 pm Having moved between 2 storey houses a number of times I would say at least 900mm, and wider if there is to be a landing. Take it from me maneuvering a mattress round a midway landing is no fun The following is a very interesting site http://www.stairking.com.au/ The Harder You Try - the Luckier You Get ! Web site http://www.anewhouse.com.au Informative, Amusing, and Opinionated Blog - Over 600 posts on all aspects of building a new house. Re: Standard (minimum) width of stairs 6Jul 11, 2011 11:23 am architect HHCIB for a comfortable stair use a riser of 172mm, going of 280mm and nothing less than 1000mm width. this is not the minimum just me trying to force my standards onto the world!! i think the BCA will say 750mm is the min. width, will check that on Monday for you. Thanks so much architect, that's some really helpful info. Sorry, excuse my brain, but does the above mean a 'comfortable' rise would be 172 but you could go up to 280?? (Just not sure what "172, going of 280mm" means Bashworth - thanks heaps also. Had a quick sneak peek at that site but will get back to it properly later (today I am meant to be lodging our formal complaint with BACV regarding our ensuite bathroom leak which the OB refused to rectify after our initial contact - it requires me to dig out heaps of paperwork so that's the task for today). I appreciate your input though..... it's good to start formulating some ideas for when we are ready to proceed. HHCIB Re: Standard (minimum) width of stairs 7Jul 11, 2011 12:15 pm Going in the architects comments refers to the size of the tread Rise is Tread height Going is tread depth The Harder You Try - the Luckier You Get ! Web site http://www.anewhouse.com.au Informative, Amusing, and Opinionated Blog - Over 600 posts on all aspects of building a new house. Re: Standard (minimum) width of stairs 8Jul 11, 2011 3:46 pm Aaah, got ya! Thanks Bashworth, you learn something new every day HHCIB Re: Standard (minimum) width of stairs 10Jul 15, 2011 10:29 pm Architect, the minimum width is not in the BCA. You have to refer to the Aust. Standards. Sounds crazy they cover most other items but not the clear width. (Unless its a required fire egress then it would be 1000mm clear between obstructions.) I just measured my stairs and they are 920mm clear. Re: Standard (minimum) width of stairs 11Jul 15, 2011 10:37 pm david, you are correct. i had a look this morning and couldnt find anything in there. the 750mm that i thought existed related to min landing length. i am used to looking at the BCA Class 2-9 and not 1-10. 2-9 more comprehensive on stairs as you pointed out with widths for egrees outlined HHCIB looks like you can make the choice here. from most comments made I think most people are in agreeance 900-1000mm min in width. Good luck with the reno. Re: Standard (minimum) width of stairs 12Jul 16, 2011 2:48 pm Thanks David and Architect.... very helpful and very much appreciated... thanks guys. HHCIB Re: Standard (minimum) width of stairs 13Jul 17, 2011 12:30 pm architect david, you are correct. i had a look this morning and couldnt find anything in there. the 750mm that i thought existed related to min landing length. i am used to looking at the BCA Class 2-9 and not 1-10. 2-9 more comprehensive on stairs as you pointed out with widths for egrees outlined HHCIB looks like you can make the choice here. from most comments made I think most people are in agreeance 900-1000mm min in width. Good luck with the reno. I agree with architect, when I was looking for this info I couldn't find any reference to width only risers and goings and of course ceiling height - which isn't under 'stairs'. I think there used to be a minimum width but got changed over time Also I think the reason is that for example if you are accessing a non habitable room like an attic then the width doesn't come into it because an attic ladder is only around 400mm wide. Habitable rooms have different specifications. We will be putting in stairs instead of an attic ladder but will only have 700mm (all enclosed) - this will be difficult for getting anything up there that is large but we plan to lift things in via a large dormer window or during the build, 900mm+ would be far better if you can Re: Standard (minimum) width of stairs 14Jul 17, 2011 3:03 pm As tricky as it might be... do you think that 900mm (potentially all enclosed) would be adequate for getting furniture up/down - not huge almighty pieces but say a standard sofa/beds/mattresses/bath etc? We might be able to lift stuff in prior to finishing off but in the long run, you need to be able to get things up/down the staircase if need be. So... anyway, would 900mm be ok do you think (and like I said, possibly fully enclosed, so no room to hang things over the side of ballustrades). HHCIB Re: Standard (minimum) width of stairs 15Jul 17, 2011 10:44 pm Ok, dont quote me but i think the minimum is 630mm. I will check tomorrow. Re: Standard (minimum) width of stairs 17Jul 19, 2011 9:28 am Thanks architect. Just about to reply. HHCIB Re: Standard (minimum) width of stairs 19Jul 20, 2011 3:30 pm Stair regs. Are mainly about tread/rise and pitch also min. Headroom off bulkhead. Twice the rise + going must fall between 550 - 700 mm. Keeps angle correct. I think around 42 degrees is optimal. Width is up to you, but consideration for furniture access is your main concern, 950 over stringers is pretty common I think. My land is 260m2 (10m x 26m) located in claymore NSW. Under campbelltown council. I know in general the following setbacks would apply ground floor side setback =… 0 6908 Hi, only for walking. It is a narrow 1.5m paved area next to house. 2 5417 Thanks Draftroom that definitely helps a heap. We are still at the very early stage of planning to see what kind of house would fit on our plot. While we are on a… 3 15759 |