Many owners of private houses with staircases ask a reasonable question: "What are these risers for?" On the one hand, this is an aesthetic and practical solution; it is rather difficult to make a staircase with them. In this regard, the risers cause a lot of controversy. We will try to answer the questions about what it is, what they are for and whether they are needed at all.

What are risers?

Risers are small boards that are installed at the end of each step and are located, as it were, under them. From this location they got their main name. In most cases, the risers are made of the same material as the main staircase, but if the decorative solution requires a different, for example, contrasting combination, they can be made of a different tree.

Risers are a very important element of the staircase as such. They do not allow the leg to fall inward, get stuck. This is very important for the elderly and young children who constantly strive to stick their legs, arms and even head everywhere to see what is under the stairs.

That is, the risers perform both a decorative and a practical function.

What are risers for?

Some homeowners cannot imagine a staircase without risers. This is a classic element of any large and beautiful staircase to the second floor. If you value good quality and solidity, then the risers are your choice. On the other hand, they have no special practical function. In some structures that are open in appearance, they only spoil the overall impression of the staircase.

Are risers needed?

If you stick with the classic, solid model of the stairs, then, of course, you are needed. If you have a beautiful, airy and very modern staircase installed, then the risers will be an extra decorative element that will greatly spoil the impression of the staircase. Risers are usually installed in classic wooden solutions made from expensive wood. At the same time, most of the metal stairs are without risers.

It is worth noting that stairs with run-in steps can be either with or without risers, but screw structures are almost always open.

Whether to make risers or not is a personal matter for each owner of his home. The most important thing is to determine for yourself whether you need risers or not, how close the appearance of your stairs is to the classics and whether they will interfere with your movement.

Any staircase structure consists of three main parts: a support frame, steps and a guardrail. The dimensions of each of the elements are calculated at the design stage. It is important that the staircase is not only stable and corresponding in size to the size of the room, the designer is also faced with the task of making the structure as comfortable and safe as possible. At the same time, convenience in this case is not subjective, but a very specific assessment criterion that can be calculated.

If, when climbing or descending stairs, you have to check every step so as not to stumble, then a mistake was made in determining the size of the steps. We propose to figure out together on what principle the optimal dimensions are calculated, and what comfort and safety depend on.

Key parameters of ladder structures

Recommendations and requirements for the dimensions of staircase components are determined by SNiP and GOST standards. For each parameter, minimum and maximum values ​​are provided, in addition, the dimensions of the steps may differ depending on the type of staircase structure, its functional purpose.

1. Angle of inclination

The greater the angle of inclination, the less space the staircase takes up. However, at large angles of inclination, the difficulty of ascent and descent increases. For a home staircase, an inclination of 30-45 degrees is considered optimal. Small angles of inclination make it possible for the elderly to comfortably use the stairs, but at home such designs are not always appropriate, since they are too bulky.

Other possible options:

• 75-90 0 - ladders, attached structures;
• 45-75 0 - ultra-compact, stepladders;
• less than 10 0 - ramps.

You can find out about slope calculations in this article.

2. Width of the flight of stairs

The rule for determining the optimal width is formulated quite simply: there must be enough space on the stairs for two people to climb at the same time. Except for the railings and fences, the width of the march, following the recommendations of the SNiP, should be equal to 90-100 cm.This requirement cannot always be met at home, but it is necessary to strive to maximize the passage as much as possible. The minimum recommended value is 70-80 cm.In our practice, there have been cases when the dimensions of the staircase and

3. Height and depth

The components of each step are a horizontal tread and a vertical riser. Accordingly, the height of the step means the height of the riser, whose size should be:

• Same for all elements included in one flight of stairs. Different height values ​​interfere with the rhythm of movement when lifting and can lead to injuries;
• Comfortable to climb (not too high, but not too low).

As for the depth - the size should correspond to the average step length of an adult (55-65 cm), minus the height of the riser.

4. Number of steps

One flight of stairs can contain from 3 to 16 steps. If there are more of them, it is necessary to provide a marching platform so that the ascent does not turn out to be too tiring and the person can stop and take a breath.

With an odd number of steps in the march, the user will start and end the ascent with one and the same foot, which is convenient, but this is an optional recommendation. The total number of steps is determined by dividing the height of the structure by the height of the riser. For interfloor stairs, the numerator is the height from the final floor of the lower floor to the final floor of the upper floor.

Determination of step sizes for different types of structures

The above parameters may differ significantly for different types of stairs. In this article, we will not mention specific modifications that perform auxiliary functions (attic, firefighters, etc.), focusing on the most common marching and spiral staircases, most often found in houses.

Dimensions of the elements of the flight staircase

The SNiP norms for the lifting elements of the main staircase are quite strictly defined: width 30 cm, height 14.8 cm.However, it is not always possible to fully comply with the requirements of building codes, since the height and area of ​​the room impose their own restrictions. In this regard, staircase designers use in practice a more flexible calculation system:

• The size of the tread width can be in the range of 20-32 cm. With such a tread size, reliable support for the foot is provided, while it will not be too wide, allowing you to maintain a comfortable rhythm of movement when lifting;
• Having decided on the width, you can proceed to calculating the height of the riser. On average, its size is 14-18 cm, while the value of the step height directly depends on its width. In total, these indicators should be equal to 60-64 cm, that is, the step length of an adult;
• For stairs, whose angle of inclination exceeds the recommended 25-37 degrees, the calculation of the size of the steps is different: the length and width should total 45 centimeters. Otherwise, the ascent will require excessive force, and the descent will be too steep and unsafe.

Winder steps

Staircase structures consisting of several flights are often complemented by a turning segment of winder steps that have a wedge-shaped shape. The calculation of their sizes is carried out according to a different scheme:

• The width of the inner and outer sides of the tread is different, while in the central part the width should be at least 20 cm, and in the narrow part - 10 cm or more;
• The height of the riser remains exactly the same as that of the straight steps of the flight of stairs.

Screw type stairs

This type of stairs has a significant advantage: they take up a minimum of space, while being much more convenient to use, compared to attached vertical structures. To determine the dimensions of the lifting elements of a screw shape, the rules typical for winder steps are largely true, but there are a number of differences:

• This design consists entirely of wedge-shaped steps - there are no flights of stairs with straight lifting elements;
• The ladder is attached to a pillar-support, which forms a kind of central axis, around which the rest of the elements are attached in a spiral;
• Each element should be directed with the narrow side towards the central axis;
• The riser in the form of a physical partition is absent so as not to interfere with the position of the foot.

• The optimal height is within 17-20 cm;
• The width in the middle part of the step is about 20 cm (corresponds to the average length of the foot);
• The width of the outer, most distant from the central axis, part - no more than 42 cm;
• The width of the narrowest part is at least 12 cm, otherwise there will be difficulties with fastening to the support.

Conclusion

The parameters given in the article are approximate, obtained on the basis of practical experience in the design of stair structures. When calculating the dimensions of the constituent elements of the stairs, accuracy, understanding of the general principles of ergonomics and safety rules are extremely important.

The construction of private houses is often associated with the installation of a staircase. The abundance of materials and elements allows you to easily create a staircase for the most sophisticated taste. But when designing, all requirements and instructions should be applied. An important criterion in this process is the riser height.

Requirements for the dimensions of the risers

Any type of finishing and construction work is regulated by rules and regulations. The safety of users depends on compliance with these indicators, so you should not neglect them.

The staircase is a complex architectural structure. Therefore, the convenience for users must be laid down at the stage of building design. The established requirements can be adjusted for specific building layouts.The tilt angle is between 27 and 45 degrees.

Important!

The optimal standard for the width of the steps is in the range of 270-320 mm, which corresponds to the average size of a person's foot.

The flight of stairs should not be narrower than 700 mm. This width is the most optimal for unobstructed movement. The most common dimension is 1000 mm.

Too steep metal, concrete and wood stairwells can be equipped with overhanging steps. At the same time, the size of the overhang should not exceed thirty millimeters, and for metal structures - fifty. A similar technique allows you to slightly expand the tread.

Sanitary Norms and Rules (SNiP) stipulate quantitative indicators for calculating the construction of stairs. The height of the risers is calculated depending on the category of use of the building or structure:

1. The first category is residential (in-house). The risers are made with a height of 150-220 mm. The tread is 245-300 mm.
2. The second category is public buildings and structures. The height of the risers is 13-18 cm.The depth of the treads is 28-34 cm.
3. The third category includes other structures. The size of the riser is 15-19 cm. The depth of the steps is 25-32 cm.

Important!

When designing stairs for people with reduced mobility, some deviations from the above standards are permissible.

When lifting, a person spends 2 times more energy than when walking for a walk. Therefore, the formula for creating the ideal parameters of the staircase structure was derived experimentally.

Calculations

The most common formula looks like this:

c + h = 450 ± 20mm, where

c is the width of the tread;

h - riser height.

The maximum tread width of 300mm, despite the fact that not all feet fit on the step, is the most comfortable. The graphic image greatly simplifies the design of the entire building, therefore, the sketches of the structures are initially considered, and then the dimensions are transferred to the drawing plans.

The formula for designing a staircase structure and the calculation of steps, risers

Possible design errors

The dimensions of the steps must be precisely calibrated during production. Different size of treads is the most common mistake in the construction of a staircase.

Violation of the standard dimensions leads to inconvenience in operation. High steps are inconvenient for children and the elderly.

The second design mistake is the unequal dimensions of the risers. The muscular memory of a person lowers the leg to the next step, knowing the distance of the first tread. Different heights can cause a lot of inconvenience when moving on a staircase.

Incline

SNiP regulates the angle of inclination up to 42 degrees. This parameter applies only to the intra-house stair category. When designing structures for other categories, the following dimensions should be adhered to:

• 33 degrees for public places;
• 38 degrees for other structures.

If the floor area is less than 100 square meters, then the tread can be reduced to 250 mm. In this case, the tilt angle will change to 36 degrees.

Risers of stairs of all categories must comply with the design formula.

The tilt angle is not provided by the standards. Therefore, the suggested sizes of treads and risers should be respected.

Flight of stairs

SNiP regulates the use of 3 to 18 treads in one flight of stairs. But in practice, it has been proven that the use of more than ten steps makes it difficult for a person to move. This march length is especially inconvenient for children and the elderly. The recommended maximum number of steps in the march is up to 15.

Advice!

It is better to make the number of steps in a flight of stairs odd. This technique allows a person to start and end up stairs with one foot.

When designing a staircase in your home, you need to carefully consider the design, slope, width and height of the staircase opening. These parameters are laid down during the design of the building. Risers and treads must be calculated and ordered in their exact quantity. The entire staircase structure should appear in a single space in the room, fit well into the interior design.

The importance of precision in building a structure

Precision in architecture and design plays a key role. Therefore, in order to avoid traumatic situations, the following rules for designing ladder structures should be adhered to:

• The width of the march should not be more than 1000mm.
• Stairways must have the same number of steps.
• Railing height 900mm.

• In childcare facilities, open stairs are designed in size 120mm - the height of the riser, the distance between the balusters should not exceed 100mm.
• Ladder load - 180 - 220 kg.
• The risers must be of the same height.
• The radius of curvature of winder structures must exceed 300mm.
• The level of the last tread must match the level of the site.
• The passage height must exceed 2000mm.
• The passage to the stairs should be at least 1 meter wide and have round-the-clock lighting.

Applying in practice all the norms and rules for the design of structures, you can achieve safe, comfortable and functional architectural structures.

Diy installation of steps and risers

The construction of private houses is often associated with the installation of a staircase. The abundance of materials and elements allows you to easily create a staircase for the most sophisticated taste. But when designing, all requirements and instructions should be applied. An important criterion in this process is the riser height.

Any type of finishing and construction work is regulated by rules and regulations. The safety of users depends on compliance with these indicators, so you should not neglect them. The staircase is a complex architectural structure. Therefore, the convenience for users must be laid down at the stage of building design. The established requirements can be adjusted for specific building layouts. The tilt angle is between 27 and 45 degrees.

Important! The optimal standard for the width of the steps is in the range of 270-320 mm, which corresponds to the average size of a person's foot.

The flight of stairs should not be narrower than 700 mm. This width is the most optimal for unobstructed movement. The most common dimension is 1000 mm.

Too steep metal, concrete and wood stairwells can be equipped with overhanging steps. At the same time, the size of the overhang should not exceed thirty millimeters, and for metal structures - fifty. A similar technique allows you to slightly expand the tread. Sanitary Norms and Rules (SNiP) stipulate quantitative indicators for calculating the construction of stairs. The height of the risers is calculated depending on the category of use of the building or structure:

1. The first category is residential (in-house). The risers are made with a height of 150-220 mm. The tread is 245-300 mm.
2. The second category is public buildings and structures. The height of the risers is 13-18 cm.The depth of the treads is 28-34 cm.
3. The third category includes other structures. The size of the riser is 15-19 cm. The depth of the steps is 25-32 cm.

Important! When designing stairs for people with reduced mobility, some deviations from the above standards are permissible.

When lifting, a person spends 2 times more energy than when walking for a walk. Therefore, the formula for creating the ideal parameters of the staircase structure was derived experimentally.

Calculations

The most common formula is as follows: c + h = 450 ± 20mm, where c is the width of the tread; h - riser height. The maximum tread width of 300mm, despite the fact that not all feet fit on the step, is the most comfortable. The graphic image greatly simplifies the design of the entire building, therefore, the sketches of the structures are initially considered, and then, the dimensions are transferred to the drawing plans.

The formula for designing a staircase structure and the calculation of steps, risers

Possible design errors

The dimensions of the steps must be precisely calibrated during production. Different sizes of treads are the most common mistake in the construction of a staircase.

Violation of the standard dimensions leads to inconvenience in operation. High steps are inconvenient for children and the elderly.

The second design mistake is the unequal dimensions of the risers. The muscular memory of a person lowers the leg to the next step, knowing the distance of the first tread. Different heights can cause a lot of inconvenience when moving up stairs.

Incline

SNiP regulates the angle of inclination up to 42 degrees. This parameter applies only to the intra-house stair category. When designing structures for other categories, the following dimensions should be adhered to:

• 33 degrees for public places;
• 38 degrees for other structures.

If the floor area is less than 100 square meters, then the tread can be reduced to 250 mm. In this case, the tilt angle will change to 36 degrees.

Risers of stairs of all categories must comply with the design formula. The tilt angle is not provided by the standards. Therefore, the suggested sizes of treads and risers should be respected.

Flight of stairs

SNiP regulates the use of 3 to 18 treads in one flight of stairs. But in practice, it has been proven that the use of more than ten steps makes it difficult for a person to move. This march length is especially inconvenient for children and the elderly. The recommended maximum number of steps in the march is up to 15.

Advice! It is better to make the number of steps in a flight of stairs odd. This technique allows a person to start and end up stairs with one foot.

When designing a staircase in your home, you need to carefully consider the design, slope, width and height of the staircase opening. These parameters are laid down during the design of the building. Risers and treads must be calculated and ordered in their exact quantity. The entire staircase structure should appear in a single space in the room, fit well into the interior design.

The importance of precision in building a structure

Precision in architecture and design plays a key role. Therefore, in order to avoid traumatic situations, the following rules for designing ladder structures should be adhered to:

• The width of the march should not be more than 1000mm.
• Stairways must have the same number of steps.
• 900mm.

• In childcare facilities, open stairs are designed in size 120mm - the height of the riser, the distance between the balusters should not exceed 100mm.
• Ladder load - 180 - 220 kg.
• The risers must be of the same height.
• The radius of curvature of winder structures must exceed 300mm.
• The level of the last tread must match the level of the site.
• The passage height must exceed 2000mm.
• The passage to the stairs should be at least 1 meter wide and have round-the-clock lighting.

Applying in practice all the norms and rules for the design of structures, you can achieve safe, comfortable and functional architectural structures. Diy installation of steps and risers

Risers are a strange and incomprehensible word to many that needs to be deciphered. In the world of private construction, there is a lot of controversy as to whether risers are needed under the stairs or not. In this article, we will dot the "and" in order to talk about what risers are and in what cases they should be used.

What are risers?

Strictly speaking, the name directly refers us to the definition. Risers are small planks under the steps that are installed vertically and close the space between the steps, making it impossible to see what is happening under the stairs.

Almost all classic wooden staircases were made with risers, since earlier servants usually lived under the stairs and noble people were not supposed to see them. Today there are no more servants, she does not live under the stairs, but gets to work by public or private transport. Beauty standards have changed. Light, airy, open interiors are appreciated. As a result, the need for risers as an element of staircase design has largely disappeared.

When will risers be good for you?

If you have a classic marching staircase, under which you plan to place a small pantry, then the risers will be an excellent decorative element that covers the pantry from prying eyes. The same can be said about a private office or a small library under the stairs. Risers will help your child safely descend stairs. Thanks to them, he will not stick his legs and arms under the steps, trying to understand what kind of unknown world is hidden there.

When are risers not needed?

If your interior is made in an avant-garde style or a tough high-tech style, the risers will be an extra element of decor, a relic of the past. Any modern interior with a spiral staircase does well without risers.

Sometimes, however, lately, the risers are made of glass to create the feeling of a large space and, at the same time, increase the safety of the stairs. Such elements, for example, are installed on glass staircases, which appear completely transparent.

It turns out that the traditional risers appear before us in a completely different guise - new, bright and modern. In some cases, the risers are also an element of the decor of the premises, for example, they can be designed like black piano keys in contrast to the white "keys" of the steps. Such interesting design solutions make risers a popular element of home decor.