As we are often asked whether certain staircases comply with building regulations, we thought it may be useful to inform our clients as to the restrictions and requirements surrounding many aspects of home improvements as well as the building regulations pertinent to staircases. Although we sell stairs of diameter 100cm on this site, that does not necessarily mean they comply with all regulations.

Staircase category                i.e.                 Min-max rise per tread      Min clear widths per tread      Min centre goings per tread

A                                 Small private stair                170-220mm                                600mm                                      145mm

B                                 Main stair of a house          170-220mm                                800mm                                       190mm

C                                 Semi Public                          170-220mm                                800mm                                       230mm

We always suggest you contact your local council prior to any work. However click below for part K of the building regulations section BS5395 charting all the relevant information with regard to the building regulation requirements for staircases.

TERMINOLOGY

String / Stringer - the structure that supports the treads and risers which can be in wood or steel
Tread - the part of the stair that you walk on
Going - The individual going is the horizontal measurement from face of riser to face of riser
Riser - the vertical portion between each tread on the stair.  There are closed or open risers
Rise - The individual rise is the vertical measurement from top of tread to top of tread
Nosing - the front part of the tread that overhangs the riser, they actually overlap each other slightly.