Stair Riser & Going Regulations: Essential Safety Guidelines

When it comes to home safety and accessibility, staircases often pose significant challenges. Understanding and adhering to stair riser and going regulations is crucial for ensuring the safety and comfort of users. These regulations, set by the International Residential Code (IRC) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), aim to prevent accidents and facilitate ease of use for all individuals.

Proper stair construction involves two key components: the riser and the going. The riser is the vertical distance between two consecutive treads, while the going is the horizontal distance from the nosing of one tread to the nosing of the next. Both these elements play a pivotal role in determining the usability and safety of a staircase.

Understanding Stair Risers

The riser height is a critical factor in stair safety. If the risers are too high, users may struggle to lift their feet, leading to trips and falls. Conversely, if they are too low, users may stumble or catch their toes, also resulting in falls.

According to the IRC, the maximum riser height should not exceed 7 3/4 inches (199 mm), with a tolerance of 3/8 inch (9.5 mm). The ADA, on the other hand, sets the maximum riser height at 7 inches (178 mm), with a tolerance of 1/4 inch (6.4 mm). It's essential to note that these measurements are inclusive of the nosing projection, which should not exceed 1 1/4 inches (31.8 mm).

Riser Height Variations

While the IRC and ADA provide maximum riser heights, variations are allowed to accommodate specific design needs. However, these variations must not exceed the given tolerances and should not create a 'stair-step' effect, which can be hazardous.

To maintain consistency and safety, it's recommended to keep riser heights as uniform as possible. If variations are necessary, they should be gradual and not exceed the allowed tolerances. Always ensure that the risers are high enough to provide adequate support but not so high that they pose a safety risk.

Open Risers: A Design Option

Open risers, where the riser is omitted and the treads are attached directly to the stringers, can create a modern, open feel. However, they must meet specific criteria to ensure safety. The opening between treads must not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through, preventing small children or pets from falling through.

Moreover, open risers should not create a hazard due to the space between treads. To mitigate this, some jurisdictions require a solid surface or a barrier at the open riser to prevent falls. Always check local building codes when considering open risers.

Stair Going: The Horizontal Dimension

The going, or run, of a staircase refers to the horizontal distance between the nosings of two consecutive treads. This measurement significantly impacts the comfort and usability of a staircase, as it determines the length of each step.

The IRC and ADA provide minimum going requirements to ensure adequate space for each step. The IRC sets the minimum going at 9 inches (229 mm), while the ADA requires a minimum going of 10 inches (254 mm). These measurements are inclusive of the nosing projection, which should not exceed 1 1/4 inches (31.8 mm).

Maximum Going: A Matter of Comfort

While there are minimum going requirements, there are no maximum going limits set by the IRC or ADA. However, from a usability perspective, excessively long steps can be uncomfortable and difficult to navigate, especially for individuals with mobility challenges.

To ensure comfort and safety, it's recommended to keep the going within a reasonable range. A common practice is to keep the going between 9 inches (229 mm) and 12 inches (305 mm). This range provides adequate space for users while maintaining a comfortable step length.

Stair Going Variations: A Word of Caution

While variations in going can be used to create interesting staircase designs, they must be approached with caution. Sudden changes in going can create tripping hazards, as users may not anticipate the change in step length.

If variations are necessary, they should be gradual and clearly indicated. One way to achieve this is by using a landing to transition between different goings. Always ensure that any variations in going do not create a safety hazard and are clearly visible to users.

In conclusion, understanding and adhering to stair riser and going regulations is not just about meeting building codes; it's about creating safe, comfortable, and accessible spaces. By carefully considering these factors, we can design staircases that serve their purpose effectively and enhance the usability of our homes and buildings.