A spiral stairway providing access to a platform.
Calculating riser height for spiral stairs is no different from any other stairway. Building code enforcement inspectors are particularly strict regarding stair construction. Stairs must be constructed to withstand daily use and be easy to use by a variety of people with various physical abilities. People automatically expect each step to be the same height, since encountering a step that is not the same height can cause them to lose their balance and fall. For this reason, step riser heights must be easy to step up or down and be consistent in height within 1/4 inch.
Instructions
1. Measure the total rise of the stairway from the upper-floor level to the bottom-floor level. Record the total rise in inches.
2. Select an approximate riser height of 7 1/2 inches. A riser height of 7 1/2 inches is comfortable for most people. Divide the total rise by the approximate riser height to find the number of stairs. Round this number up or down.
3. Divide the total rise by the number of stairs to find the actual riser height in inches. If riser heights fall outside the acceptable range, increase the number of stairs by 1 to reduce the riser height, or decrease the number of stairs by 1 to increase the riser height.
Tips Warnings
Check with your local building department for the acceptable range of stair riser heights. Building departments differ with some allowing a riser height of 4 to 8 inches, while others are less flexible and require a narrower range.
Tags: spiral, stairs, riser height, height inches, number stairs, riser height inches, total rise, riser heights, acceptable range, approximate riser, approximate riser height
Related Posts:
Calculate Picket Spacing
Widely spaced pickets offer more visibility through the fence and a leaner look overall.For the most part, picket spacing is a matter of taste. Before you calculate the precise space dimension for...
Calculate What Size Heat Pump To Use For Swimming Pools
Heat pumps allow pool water to stay warm and pleasant, even on days when the weather is not so nice. It can be difficult, however, to determine which size of heat pump is right for your pool. If t...
Calculate A Lease Buyout
Leasing a car is a useful way to buy a new car and have a relatively low payment. When leasing, the lessor pays only for the car's depreciation and some interest. When a lease is up, the lessor ca...
Calculate The Cost Of Building A Privacy Fence
A privacy fence is often a very costly addition to a home. It does, however, afford the homeowner a sense of privacy. It makes a yard a safer place for kids to play in and gives dogs a place to ru...
Calculate A Gas Furnace Size
Calculate a Gas Furnace SizeFinding the appropriate size furnace is important. A furnace that is too small won't be able to heat the area effectively, and a furnace that is too large will short-cy...
