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 Before
stair building, make Your own Family
Survey...
Apparently, some survey was done which indicates
that riser heights between 6-8 inches and tread
widths of 10 to 13 inches are most comfortable and
fit most people's preferences. A good average for
stair dimensions would be 7.2 inch riser heights
with either an 11 or 12 inch tread width. A good
rule of thumb is that the sum of the rise and tread
should be between 17 and 18 inches. For older
folks, the rise might be 6 inches which means that
the tread should be between 11 and 12 inches.
Now that you know what your limits are for the rise
and tread from your local building codes, do a
little survey with your family to establish what
feels the most comfortable for the adults and the
children. Simply carry a small pocket scale with
you, measuring different stairs you and your family
walk up and down. Try to determine which works best
for all.
Whatever dimensions are chosen, do your best to see
that is no more deviation than a 1/4 inch between
steps. More than that can make it easier for people
to trip. You can understand this, as people take a
few steps and then expect them all to be virtually
the same.
How To Build
Stairs...
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