Stair Construction and Design

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a stair?

To connect different levels of a structure (correct)

To provide headroom

To support the weight of the building

To provide a platform for decoration

What is the term used to describe a stairway with no landings or turns?

Straight-run stairway (correct)

Platform type

L-type stair

Winding stair

When should basement stairs be installed?

After the stairwell length has been calculated

Before the interior wall surfaces are complete

After the concrete floor has been placed (correct)

After the finish flooring or underlayment has been laid

What is the term used to describe a stairway that is not built or installed until after interior wall surfaces are complete?

Main stairway Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe a stairway with landings where the direction of the stair run is usually changed?

Platform type Signup and view all the answers

Why are stair runs of the platform type usually located in split-level houses?

To allow for short and generally straight runs Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe a stairway that is used for functional purposes only?

Service stair Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the vertical distance between two consecutive steps?

Rise Signup and view all the answers

What is the disadvantage of a long run of 12 to 16 steps?

It is tiring Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main components of a typical staircase?

Stringers, treads, and risers Signup and view all the answers

Why are wider staircases considered safer?

They are more comfortable and safer to walk on Signup and view all the answers

What determines how easily the stairs can be negotiated?

The relationship between the riser height and the tread width Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal riser height according to research?

7 inches Signup and view all the answers

What is headroom measured from?

A line along the front edges of the treads to the enclosed surface above Signup and view all the answers

What must be carefully laid out and constructed during stair building?

The rough openings for the stairwell Signup and view all the answers

What should a carpenter follow during stair building?

Local building codes and recognized standards Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important aspect in stair design?

The mathematical relationship between the riser and tread Signup and view all the answers

What is the sum of two risers and one tread according to the first rule?

24ʺ–25ʺ Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum width of a winder tread along the line of travel?

Equal to the tread width in the straight run Signup and view all the answers

Where are winder stairs often used?

In narrow spaces Signup and view all the answers

What type of stair is used when attics are used primarily for storage and space for a fixed stairway is not available?

Hinged or disappearing stairs Signup and view all the answers

Why should the attic floor be designed for regular floor loading when using disappearing stairs?

To allow for regular floor loading Signup and view all the answers

What is the height of the riser times the width of the tread equal to according to the third rule?

70ʺ–75ʺ Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to maintain a winder-tread width along the line of travel in winder stairs?

To ensure safe and comfortable travel Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stairs

A stair is a series of steps, each elevated at a measured distance, leading from one level of a structure to another.

Types of Stairs

According to function, there are two categories: service stairs and main stairs.
Service stairs can be closed, open, or a combination of open and closed.
Main stairs can be platform, straight run, or winding.

Components of Stairs

A typical staircase consists of three main components: stringers, treads, and risers.
Stringers are sloped boards that support the other components and carry the weight of people walking on the stairs.
Treads and risers are sets supported by stringers, with the relationship between riser height and tread width determining how easily the stairs may be negotiated.

Stair Design

The ideal riser height is 7ʺ, while the ideal tread width is 11ʺ.
The sum of two risers and one tread should equal 24ʺ–25ʺ.
The sum of one riser and one tread should equal 17ʺ–18ʺ.
The height of the riser times the width of the tread should equal 70ʺ–75ʺ.

Winder Stairs

Winder stairs are frequently regarded as undesirable due to stair conditions.
Check local codes before using winder stairs, and maintain a winder-tread width along the line of travel equal to the tread width in the straight run.

Disappearing Stair Units

Disappearing stairs are often used in attics with limited space, where a fixed stairway is not available.
They operate through an opening in the ceiling and swing up into the attic space when not in use.

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Description

This quiz covers the basics of stair construction, including types of stairs, stair parts, and calculations for rise-run ratio, risers, and stairwell length. It also touches on preparing sketches of stringers.