What are the current UK stair regulations for staircases?
Stair design must comply with UK regulations for rise, going and pitch to be safe, with specific measurements for each.
The minimum width for staircases is 800mm for main stairs and 600mm for secondary stairs to be accessible and safe.
Handrails must be between 900mm and 1000mm, with specific requirements based on staircase width to support and prevent falls.
Domestic staircases should not have more than 36 steps without a landing. (For more detailed information refer to Approved Document K on the Government’s website).
Stair Pitch, Rise and Going
Understanding stair pitch, rise, and going is the basis of any staircase design. These aren’t just technical terms; they’re key to safe and useable stairs. Consistent rise and going are vital as any variation can cause imbalance and falls.
UK regulations state that all steps must have the same rise and going to prevent accidents and stability.
Rise of each step
The rise of each step must be between 150mm and 220mm and the going (the horizontal part of the step) between 223mm and 300mm. This ensures each step is comfortable and safe to use.
Also, the regulation states that twice the individual maximum rise plus the going must be between 550mm and 700mm. This formula helps with a balanced and ergonomic stair design.
The pitch of each step
The pitch of the stairs (the angle of the staircase) must not be more than 42 degrees.
Following these measurements and guidelines means the stairs are compliant and safe to use daily.
Minimum and Recommended Staircase Widths
What is the minimum width of a staircase in the UK?
Staircase width is important for safety and accessibility. For a main staircase in a domestic property, the minimum width is 800mm, the average is 860mm. This is comfortable and safe even in emergencies. For loft conversions the minimum width is 600mm as spaces are usually restricted.
Secondary Staircases
Secondary staircases used less often should have a minimum width of 600mm to be safe and functional. Staircases for fire escapes must comply with specific building regulations to be safe during evacuations. These widths ensure the staircases are functional and safe for everyone.
Following staircase width guidelines is key to compliance with staircase building regulations and width regulations. This helps prevent hazards and ensures the design meets all safety requirements, users and legal compliance in construction or renovation projects.
Headroom for Staircases
Headroom is crucial for staircase design so users can navigate without head injuries. UK regulations state a minimum clear headroom of 2 metres across all staircase locations, for even the tallest people.
Loft Conversions
In loft conversions, the headroom can be slightly reduced to accommodate the sloping ceilings found in these areas. The headroom can be reduced to 1.8 meters at the sloping sides and 1.9 metres at the central part of the staircase. This allows for practical use of space while still meeting safety standards.
Headroom is measured from the pitch line of the staircase, with a clear space above this line of 2,000mm. Building control officers may be flexible with headroom regulations during conversions but the main goal is safety and compliance.
Handrail Regulations for staircases
Handrails are an essential safety feature for any staircase, providing support and stability. UK regulations state handrails must be installed between 900mm and 1000mm from the pitch line to be accessible and effective in preventing falls.
For staircases less than 1 metre wide, a handrail is required on at least one side. For staircases wider than 1 metre handrails must be on both sides to be maximum safe. This ensures users have support regardless of the width of the staircase.
Handrails are not required on the first 2 steps of a staircase but must be on the rest of the staircase for continuous support. When measuring handrail height consider the diameter as it affects the overall measurement. Following these regulations means the staircases are safe and accessible.
Landing Requirements
Landings are a crucial part of staircase design, a safe place to pause and change direction. All landings must be level and have enough space, with the minimum width and length equal to the narrowest part of the staircase to allow comfortable and safe movement.
Slight gradients are acceptable for ground floor landings but otherwise landings must be level to prevent tripping hazards. And doors must not open more than 400mm onto the front of any step to avoid obstruction, so landings are safe and functional.
Landing requirements are key to staircase safety and functionality. Following these guidelines means your staircase design is practical and compliant with building regulations, safer and more user-friendly.
Kite Winder Stairs Regulations
Kite winder stairs are for spaces where a straight staircase won’t fit, designed to take up minimal space while providing a turn. The relationship between rise and going is a general rule: double the individual rise plus the going must be between 550mm and 700mm to be safe and comfortable to use.
In kite winder stairs at least 4 steps must be within a winder box for optimal design. All risers must be the same height to be uniform and safe, to prevent accidents and for smooth transitions between steps.
Winder treads in kite winder stairs must be the same or larger than straight treads for enough stepping surface. The narrow end of a winder tread must be at least 50mm wide. Following these dimensions means the stairs are safe and compliant with building regulations.
Open Riser Staircases
Open riser stairs look modern and create a sense of openness. But they have specific safety requirements. Open risers are generally discouraged in public spaces, however there are specific exceptions, such as in heritage buildings or where there are safety measures in place to prevent people from falling through the gaps. Public staircases with open risers must have a 100mm sphere that cannot fit through the gaps to prevent accidents, especially for small children. Other safety features, such as handrails and non-slip treads, are also crucial considerations.
For private stairs and domestic staircases, the gaps must be small enough that a 100mm sphere cannot fit through to be safe for all users especially children, especially on the domestic staircase, according to UK staircase regulations and UK building regulations.
Open riser staircases look great in a home but safety implications must be considered and regulations followed. Following these guidelines balances style and safety.
Other Considerations
Beyond main regulations, other key considerations in staircase design are stair nosings with a tread width of 50mm to 65mm and a riser height of 30mm to 55mm to be safe and comfortable.
Building Regulations Part M and BS8300 give guidance on the dimensions and positioning of contrasting materials on stair nosing. Compliance requires a durable contrasting strip across the full width of the stair tread and riser to help visually impaired people identify step edges, to be safe, according to UK building regulations part.
Wooden staircases must follow the same regulations as other staircases. Following these guidelines means your staircase design will be compliant, safe and functional for all users.
DDA Compliant Stair Nosing
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) affects stair design, especially stair nosing. DDA compliant stair nosing must have high contrast in colour and texture with the surrounding floor material to be visible to people with impaired vision to detect step edges.
Stair nosing tread surfaces must be designed to prevent slips using materials tested for slip resistance to prevent slips, trips and falls to be safe. DDA compliant stair nosing usually has non-slip properties and tactile surfaces to be inclusive in public spaces.
Following DDA guidelines means safety, accessibility and inclusivity in public and commercial buildings. Including these features in stair design makes the space safer and more welcoming for all users.
Summary
Knowing and following stair regulations is key to your staircase design being safe and functional.
From pitch, rise, going to minimum and recommended widths, headroom requirements, handrail regulations and more each part plays a role in a safe and compliant staircase. Follow these guidelines and you’ll avoid common mistakes and have beautiful and safe staircases.
Safety and compliance in your staircases will not only protect the users but also your construction or renovation project will meet all the legal requirements. Remember a well designed staircase is not just about looks; it’s about creating a safe and accessible space for everyone.
FAQs
What is the maximum pitch for a staircase in the UK?
The maximum pitch for a staircase in the UK is 42 degrees.
What is the minimum width for a main staircase in a domestic property?
The minimum width for a main staircase in a domestic property is 800mm. This is for safety and accessibility for all users.
How much headroom is required for a staircase in the UK?
The minimum clear headroom of 2 metres is required for all staircases in the UK. This is for safety and comfort.
Do I need handrails on both sides of a staircase?
Handrails are required on both sides of staircases wider than 1 metre to be safe and compliant with building regulations. For narrower staircases, at least one handrail is recommended.
What is DDA compliant stair nosing?
DDA compliant stair nosing must have high contrast in colour and texture with the surrounding floor and slip resistant tread surface to be safe.
