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CARPENTRY - HOUSING
©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division1
STAIRBUILDING
This text introduces subject matter related to the set out and construction of timberstairs. It builds on knowledge and skills acquired during the first stage, which shouldbe revised and practiced throughout the course.Reference may be made to “Basic Building and Construction Skills”, produced by TAFE and Addison, Wesley, Longman Australia Pty Limited, to re-examine andreinforce these basic skills.
The main areas covered are:
Internal and external stairs and associated balustrades.Various stair types are outlined, including dogleg, quarter space and single flights.Internal stairs will have closed risers, handrails and balusters, while the external stairswill be open riser with handrails and guardrails.
BCA requirements are covered to allow for design and construction of residentialstairs, including slope relationship formula (2R + G) and maximum spaces betweentreads to create safe open riser stairs.
Method of setting out, cutting and assembling internal and external stairs is covered aswell as the calculation of quantities and cost of materials for both internal and externalstairs.
Note: This text only covers stair types and stair requirements for residentialconstruction.
A comprehensive ‘Glossary of Terms’ is included at the end of this text, which provides a detailed description of trade terms, technical content and some trade jargon.
STAIR BUILDING
©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division2
STAIRS
A stair consists of a number of steps, made up of treads and risers, combined and supported toprovide continuous access between floors and/or landings. It may also be referred to, morecommonly, in the plural sense as a‘Stairway’.Note: It is preferable to use the terms Stair or Stairway as opposed to Staircase, whichoriginally referred to the space in which a flight was built.
Fig. 1 Stairs for residential construction
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©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division3
DEFINITIONS - Stair Types
Bracketed stair: Also referred to as‘Cut and bracketed’, it is a stair with strings having theshape of treads and risers cut out on the top edge and fitted with an ornamental bracket, or fretwork, underneath.
Circular stair: A stair with or without a central well having steps, which radiate from acommon centre.
Closed stair: A stair, which has side walls or partitions on both sides and is usually closed by adoor at one end. It may also be referred to as a‘Boxed stair’, or an‘Enclosed stair’.
Closed string stair: A stair in which the treads are not visible in a side view of the stair flight.
Dogleg stair: Also referred to as a’Half-turn stair’, it is a stair with two flights betweenstoreys, which are connected by a rectangular half landing for a 180° turn. The outer strings ofeach flight are housed into a common newel post, which does not allow for any stairwell.
Geometric stair: A continuous sweeping or flying stair, with no newel posts or landings,having a continuous curved string and handrail. It may be designed to fit a semicircular orelliptical stairwell.
Helical stair: A stair with a circular plan where all the treads are winders. This stair is alsoknown as a‘Spiral stair’or‘Winding stair’.
Open newel stair: An open stairwell with two landings between floors, short flights betweenlandings, and newel posts at the corners.
Open riser stair: A stair consisting of strings and treads with no riser boards between treads,thus leaving the risers open.
Open stair: A stair, which is not enclosed by walls or separated from the space where it isplaced.
Open string stair: A stair with a cut string to the shape of the risers and treads, on one or bothsides, facing the stairwell.
Quarter turn stair: A stair with two flights at right angles to each other with a quarter spacelanding between them.
Return flight stair: A dogleg stair where the outer strings of each flight are vertically aboveeach other.
Spine string stair: An open riser steel stair with a single central spine (spine string) andwelded tread supports.
Winding stair: A circular or curved stair, which changes direction by means of winders, withor without landings.
STAIR BUILDING
©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division4
Common Stair typesStairs may be designed in a variety of forms to provide practicality, function, decoration and/oraesthetic appeal. Some of the types available are as follows:
Fig. 2 Straight open-riser Fig. 3 Dogleg
Fig. 4 Quarter turn
Fig. 5 Geometrical circular Fig. 6 Spiral or Helical
Landing
DiagonalBracing
Housedstring
SECTION A-A
Tie bolt
First floor landing
ELEVATION 1Spandrellpanelling
Storageunder
First floorlanding
Ground Floor
First Flight Half Space Landing
Second or Return Flight
Quarter space landingSECTION B-B
Bull Nose step
Quarter space of winder preferably kept to bottom of flight orotherwise avoided
Centre level
ELEVATIONELEVATION
All treads are windersin circular and spiralstairs
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©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division5
MATERIALS USED FOR STAIRS
Stairs may be constructed from a wide range of materials, which include stone, brick, timber,steel, concrete and/or combinations of these.
STONE
This was probably the first material used for purpose made stairs in the history of building.Evidence of this can be seen in such early structures produced firstly by the Egytians in manyof their temples and sarcophagi (burial tombs), then the Greeks in structures found at theAcropolis, followed by the Romans in structures like the Colosseum and the Forum Romanum.Spiral stone stairs were also very popular throughout history with many being used in medievalEnglish castles through to more modern Spanish structures, as found in the towers of AntonioGaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
Fig. 7 Detail of a typical stone spiral stair flight
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©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division6
BRICK
Small flights of solid brick stairs are used externally for access to and from low patios andverandahs. They are usually laid on a concrete strip footing on either side to support theenclosing wing walls and may have treads constructed of brick-on-flat, brick-on-edge or arendered brick finish. Dry pressed bricks are preferred for brick stairs and steps as they don’t have holes through them, like the extruded types, and may be laid frog down to provide a neatfinish.
CONCRETE
Reinforced concrete stairs are more commonly found in commercial construction, however thismethod of construction may also be used in residential buildings where the upper floor is alsoconcrete. The most common use of concrete stairs in residential construction, is externally frombalconies and verandahs.
Fig. 8 Small solid brick flight of stairs
Fig. 9 External reinforced concrete stairs
Brick-on-edge coping towing wall
Solid brick steps with brick-on-edgetreads
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division7
STEEL OR IRON
Steel stairs are more commonly associated with external commercial fire stairs, however theymay also be used internally.
The most common construction typeis the spiral stair, used in manyVictorian period buildings wherenarrow building designs onlyprovided compact areas for stairs.
Spiral stairs had a revival during the1960’s and early 70’s in many contemporary cottages, although theywere simplified in design and detailusing a steel spine and handrail,supporting timber treads.
Some newer versions are of all timberconstruction using modular units andspacers to construct the flight.
The tread width in the sloperelationship, i.e. the preferred goingwidth to step rise, is calculated at7/10 (seven tenths) of the distancebetween the outside of the centre poleand the inside of the handrail.This allows a person to ascend ordescend the flight safely and easily.
Fig. 10 Typical elevation and plan of an iron spiral stair
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©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division8
OTHER TYPES
Straight flight steel stairs are mostcommonly used in commercial workas fire stairs and catwalks. They arenormally constructed of galvanisedsteel with chequer-plate treads andlandings, having open risers.
Combinations of steel and timber may be used for internal stairs or steel and precast concretetreads for external use.The usual method of design is to have a steel spine or carriage piece with welded angularbrackets, to support and provide fixing for the treads.Solid or laminated timber may be used for the treads and the handrails are typically made offabricated steel.
Fig. 11 Steel external stairs
Fig. 12 Combination stairs
Chequer platetreads
RS stanchion supports
Plan
Section
10mm MS String
RS channel frame to landing
MS handrail
Solid or laminated timber treads
Welded angular brackets
Single steel spineor carriage piece
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©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division9
TIMBER STAIRS
Timber stairs are probably the most common form of stair found in a residential building. Theycomprise of strings, treads, risers, landings and handrails and are normally closed riserconstruction, for internal use, and open riser construction for external use.Where the treads and risers are to be covered with carpet the base material may be of structuralparticleboard or MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard).Timber stairs, which are to be stained or clear finished, are normally made from hardwoodtimbers, as they provide the best resistance to wear and tear. Commonly used timbers mayinclude meranti, brushbox, Sydney bluegum, jarrah, grey gum, turpentine and many otherspecies. Naturally soft timbers, such as most of the conifers, should be avoided for traffic areas.
Fig. 13 Timber stairs for residential construction
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©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division10
PARTS OF TIMBER STAIRS
String: There may be one or two strings toa flight, which are the inclined sides of thestairs designed to carry the load transferredfrom the treads and risers.
Tread: This is the wide horizontal memberbetween strings to form the top of the step.
Riser board: This is the narrow horizontalmember between strings to form thevertical face of each step.
Nosing: This is the rounded front edge ofthe tread, which projects past the face of theriser board. Its purpose is to finish the treadedge and widen the tread to prevent theriser from being kicked or scraped.
Glue blocks: Triangular blocks of timberfitted under the back of the tread/riserconnection to hold the two together.
Wedge: These are tapered lengths of timberdriven into prepared tapered housings in thestring, placed behind the riser and under thetread to ensure a tight top side gap-free fit.
Newel post: This is an upright post, towhich the strings and handrail are attached.
Handrail: A rail fixed between newel postsparallel to the top edge of the string, toprovide a safety rail for stair users.
Balusters: These are the small sectionedvertical members, with a Max. 125mmopening size placed between the handrailand string.
Balustrade: This is the whole framing,which comprises of a handrail, balusters,newel posts and string or kick plate forlanding balustrades.
Spandrel: This is the triangular shapedspace formed between the underside of thestring and the floor.
Fig. 14 Parts of the stairs
String
Nosing
Tread
Riserboard
Glue block
Wedges
Handrail
Newel post
String
Spandrel
Brackets
Balusters
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division11
LANDINGSA flight of stairs is limited to 18 risers, before it must have a break. This break may be in theform of another floor level or a landing. A landing may take the following forms:
Half–space landing: This is a landing formedbetween flights at 180° to one another, often referredto as a‘Dogleg’ stair.The length of the landing is equal to the width of theflight and the width of the landing is equal to twicethe width of the flight, plus a stairwell if required.
Quarter–space landing: This is a landing formedbetween flights at 90° to one another, often referredto as a‘Quarter-turn’ stair.The length of the landing is equal to the width of theflight and the width of the landing is also equal tothe width of the flight.
Intermediate landing:This is a landing formed between flights running inthe same direction.The length of the landing is equal to at least thewidth of the flight and the width is equal to thewidth of the flights.
Fig. 15 Half-space landing
Fig. 16 Quarter-space landing
Fig. 17 Intermediate landing
STAIR BUILDING
©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division12
PROPORTIONS OF STAIRS
When measuring up for stairs, it is important to know the exact measurements of the length andheight of the flight, to allow for accurate calculation of the treads and rises. The followingproportions must be obtained:
Rise of Flight:This is the vertical distance measured between landings or between finished floor levels.
Going of Flight:This is the horizontal distance measured between the face of the first riser and the face of thelast riser.
Rise of Step:This is the vertical distance measuredfrom the top of one tread to the top ofthe next tread.
Going of Step:This is the horizontal distancemeasured between the face of oneriser and the face of the next riser.(The nosing is not included in thismeasurement)
Note: The rise and going proportionsmust remain the same throughout theflight(s) of stairs.
Fig. 18 Rise and Going of a flight
Fig. 19 Rise and Going of a step
Going of Flight
Ris
eof
fligh
t
Going of step
Ris
eof
step
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division13
BCA COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS
Stairs for residential use must comply with the following:
Maximum Risers: The minimum number of risers required to make a flight is two (2) and the Maximumnumber of risers allowed without a break/landing/floor is eighteen (18).
Risers and Goings: All risers and goings must be equal throughout the flight or connected flights.
Open Risers: Where open risers are used, the gap between the top of one tread and the bottom of the next treadmust not exceed 125mm.Note:125mm is the estimated minimum size of a young child’s head, which if able to pass through the gap would allow the child’s body to follow.
Spiral Stairs: These stairs must not be wider than 1.0m and must have the allowable tread width for the stair atseven tenths (7/10) of the flight width out from the face of the central support pole.
Flight Width: According to the BCA, there is no maximum or minimum width of a flight for residentialconstruction, however it is suggested that the flight be at least equal to the average width of an adult personsshoulders, which is 600mm.
Tread Finish: Treads must have a non-slip finish or have a non-skid strip fixed close to the edge of the nosing.
Other critical dimensions are shown on the following diagram:
Fig. 20 Critical stair dimensions
Ceiling line
Handrail
2030
min
.
Newel post
Balusters
865
125Max.
125max
1000
min
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©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division14
STAIRS WITH WINDERS
An alternative to a single level landing is the use of‘Winders’, which are normal treads with atapered length. They have a constant rise to match the other parallel steps and should have atread going to match other parallel treads, when measured at the centre of the flight width forflights less than 1.0m wide.
Note: Flights greater than 1.0m wide should have the tread going measurement at 400mm outfrom the inside handrail side.
Where winders are used instead of a landing, the tread size may be different from the paralleltreads provided all the winders are the same size and there are is a maximum of only three (3).
Fig. 21 Layout for stair winders
(Kite winder)
Winders
Proportion for going measuredalong this line for all treads
1.0m
orle
ss
Equal Equal
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division15
DETERMINING STEP PROPORTIONS
The accepted formula, as per BCA, for calculating riser and tread dimensions for stairs, oftenreferred to as‘Easy going stairs’, is twice the rise plus one going, or (2R +G). The result ofthis calculation must fall between 550mm and 700mm, known as the Slope Relationship.
TABLE 1ACCEPTABLE PROPORTIONS FOR STAIRS
Calculating Rise and Going for a Flight
The basic information required to calculate the rise and going for any flight of stairs is:
The rise of the flight; Going of flight and whether it is restricted or unrestricted; and Basic knowledge of BCA requirements and formula for slope relationship.
METHOD 1The following steps outline the method adopted to calculate the rise and going for a given flightof stairs with an‘unrestricted’ going:METHOD 2
The following steps outline the method adopted to calculate the rise and going for a given flightof stairs with a‘restricted’ going:
RISER (R)(mm)
GOING (G)(mm)
Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.
SLOPE RELATIONSHIP(2R+G) (mm)
115 190 240 355 550 700
STEP 1 Obtain the rise of the flight;
STEP 2 Assume a suitable rise, when the average rise is (190 + 115) ÷ 2 = 153mm ;
STEP 3 Establish the number of risers by dividing the assumed rise into the rise of theflight;
STEP 4 Establish the length of the going by using the average slope relationshipmeasurement, i.e. ( 550 + 700) ÷ 2 = 625mm, substitute the average risemeasurement for ‘R’in the formula, then transpose the formula to find ‘G’.
STEP 1 Obtain the rise of the flight;
STEP 2 Assume a suitable rise, when the average rise is (190 + 115) ÷ 2 = 153mm ;
STEP 3 Establish the number of risers by dividing the assumed rise into the rise of theflight;
STEP 4 Establish the length of the going by dividing the assumed rise into the restrictedflight going. Check to see if both the rise and going measurements comply, bysubstituting them for‘R’ and‘G’, and apply the formula (2R + G).
STAIR BUILDING
©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division16
Example 1:
Using‘Method 1’, calculate the number and size of the rises and goings for a flight of stairswith a rise of flight of 2.650m and an unrestricted going of flight.
Therefore, there will be 17 risers at 156mm and 16 goings at 313mm.
Note: The total length of the flight going will be 16 x 313 = 5.008m
STEP 1 Rise of flight = 2650mm
STEP 2 Assume a rise, say average = (190 + 115) ÷ 2 = 153mm
STEP 3 Number of risers = 2650 ÷ 153 = 17. 320 risersThere must be full equal-sized risers, therefore round off to 17 risers.
The height of each riser = 2650 ÷ 17 = 155.882, say 156mm
STEP 4 The number of goings will be one (1) less than the risers, therefore 16 goings.The size of the goings will be based on the average slope relationship measurement= (550 + 700) ÷ 2 = 625mm.
Now substitute the known measurements for the formula symbols:
= (2R+G) = 625= (312 + G) = 625
Now transpose the formula to find the value of ‘G’:’G’ = 625 - 312= 313mm
Fig. 22 Layout of stairs for an unrestricted flight
5008
313
156
2650
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division17
Example 2:
Using‘Method 2’, calculate the number and size of the rises and goings for a flight of stairswith a rise of flight of 1.900m and a restricted going of flight of 3.350m.
Therefore, there will be 12 risers at 158mm and 11 goings at 305mm.
Check formula for compliance with BCA
(2R + G) = ( between 550 and 700mm)= 316 + 305 = 621mm, therefore it complies.
STEP 1 Rise of flight = 1900mm
STEP 2 Assume a rise, say average = (190 + 115) ÷ 2 = 153mm
STEP 3 Number of risers = 1900 ÷ 153 = 12.418 risersThere must be full equal-sized risers, therefore round off to 12 risers.
The height of each riser = 1900 ÷ 12 = 158.333, say 158mm
STEP 4 The number of goings will be one (1) less than the risers, therefore 11 goings.
The size of the goings will be based on the length of the flight going divided by thenumber of goings:
= 3350 ÷ 11 = 304.5, say 305mm
Fig. 14.23 Layout of stairs for a restricted flight
305
3350
158
1900
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©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division18
METHOD OF MEASURING UP for TIMBER STAIRS
The accuracy of the finished product will depend on the accuracy of the initial measuring upon-site. There are several points to consider and critical information to record, as follows:
Measure the finished floor to finished floor height to establish the rise of the flight, or todetermine whether or not a landing will be required between flights. A more accuratemethod of establishing the rise would be to mark the height onto a rod or batten;
Check the walls for parallel, square and straight to ensure a proper fit, or to allow forcoverstrips where the strings do not fit neatly to the walls;
Check the position of existing windows to ensure the flight(s) do not pass across anopening;
Check the going of the flight for restrictions, e.g. doorways, walls, available headroom,etc. and record the going of the flight, as required;
Note the bearing position for the top of the flight to allow for fixing and finishing of thetop riser and nosing, if required; and
Calculate a suitable rise and going for each step, based on the slope relationship formula,i.e. (2R + G) = 550 to 700mm.
Fig. 24 Check on-site details
Finished upper floor
Proposedstairposition
Doorway
Mea
sure
rise
Measure available going
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division19
SETTING OUT THE STRINGS
Once the rise and going of each step is established, carry out the following:
STEP 1 Select string material, placeany bows up and set amargin line from the topedge, for closed strings, toensure the nosing stayswithin the width of thestring.
Fig. 25 Set a margin line as required
STEP 2 Set up a steel square with the calculated rise and going measurements for each step,including the set back distance for the margin line.Start from one end to allow for riser, newel post and point of attachment notch,then mark out all the rise and tread positions.Note: These set out positions represent the top of the tread and the face of the rise.
Fig. 26 Set out the strings
String
Margin line
String
Margin lineGoing
Ris
e
Steel square set up for step set out
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©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division20
STEP 3 Set out for the thickness of each rise and tread, including a stopped housing for theend of the tread nosing, ready to be trenched. The strings should be set out andtrenched as a pair.
Fig. 27 Set out positions for treads and risers
STEP 4 Set out the complete string with allowances for wedges under treads and behindrisers, tenons into newel posts and reduction of string length to fit between newelposts.
Fig. 28 Complete string set out
Thickness of tread marked
Thickness of riser marked
Top newel post position
End of tenon
Shoulder of tenon
Treads, risersand wedgeallowance
Bottom newel postposition
Shoulder of tenon
End of tenon
Level cut to bottom of string
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©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division21
STRING SET OUT TEMPLATE
An alternative to setting out individual treads and risers is to use a template, which has thetread, riser thickness and wedge allowance prepared ready to be traced onto the string to suitthe particular set out required.The adjustable guides are set to suit the string width being used, which allows the template toslide along after each set out is made. The template may be reversed to set out both left andright strings.The detail below provides set out details to allow for the fabrication of a standard template.Note: A similar template may be fabricated for use with a router. The opening sizes areincreased to allow a template guide to be fitted to the base plate of the router, which runsaround the tread, riser and wedge outline within the template.
Fig. 29 Typical stair set out template
2006565
Wingnut
100Wingnut
100
30
30mm longSlottedhole
6mmPlywood
60
3010
0
80
275
550
Wingnut
Sharpened nails in pre-drilled holes
30x18
35
380
60
34
220
DETAIL FOR TREAD and RISER
425
30x18
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©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division22
ROUTER AND TEMPLATE
The quickest way to remove the waste from string set outs and cut neatly to the outline is to usea router fitted with a template guide.A string template may be made by increasing the size of the string template to allow for thethickness of the protruding router template guide. This allows the router cutter to cut neatlyalong the set out lines and remove the waste at the same time.
Fig. 30 Router fitted with template guide
Fig. 31 Step template for router guide
Step template
Template guide‘X’String
Outline for router templateguide
‘x’
Allowance for template guide
Original step outline
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STRING / NEWEL POST SET OUT
The newel posts are positioned to allow the face of the bottom riser and the face of the top riserto be in line with the centre of the newel post. This means that both these risers will be housedinto the newel posts, as well as a portion of each tread and nosing. The ends of the strings aredouble tenoned, or have a full width tenon, and morticed into the newel posts.
Fig. 32 Set out and jointing of strings and newels
Shoulder line on string material
Newell is positioned with centre line onface of the riser board
Newel
Housing to takenosing and riser
Newel notched forlanding trimmer
String
Detail at top of Newel
String
Tread
Doubletenon
Newel
Housing to taketread and riser
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©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division24
HANDRAILS/NEWELS/BALUSTERS
There are many different profiles available for handrails, newel posts and balusters. They maybe of solid timber sections or be built-up in laminations. Handrail edges are rounded to preventsharp edges and splintering.
Fig. 33 Typical handrail profiles
Fig. 34 Newel posts and balusters
Newel Posts Balusters
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©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division25
OPEN RISER STAIRS
Open riser stairs are more typically used in external situations and are constructed of durablehardwoods or treated pine timbers. The strings are housed to take treads and prevented fromspreading with the use of threaded booker rods.Some suitable Class 1 durability timbers for external stair use, as per AS 1684—Part 2, whichmay be fully exposed or in contact with the ground, are as follows:
Treated radiata pine Coastal grey box Grey gum Forest red gum Red and grey ironbark Messmate Tallowwood
Note: Handrails for decks andexternal stairs are not requiredunless the top of the landing, or anytread, is more than 1.0m above thefinished ground level, or paving.
Fig. 35 Section through open riser stairs
Fig. 36 Isometric view of completed external stairs
Rise of step
Max 125mm space
Riseofstep
Booker rodtension bolts
Ground level
Dowel into concrete pad
Horn for fixing
Booker rodtension bolts
Concrete pads
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©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division26
OPEN RISER STAIRS - Alternative fixing
Traditionally, external stairs are fixed using a non-corrosive dowel into a concrete pad, at thebottom of each string, and a timber horn at the top of each tread.
Fig. 37 Use of galvanised metal fixing plates
However, an alternativemethod of fixing would be touse galvanised metal fixingplates, or shoes cast into aconcrete pad at the bottom ofthe strings, and galvanisedmetal fixing plates boltedbetween the top of the stringsand ends of floor joists.
Fixing plate
String
Tread
12mm bolt throughstrings (tension rods)
Fixing plate
SECTION - CLOSED STRINGOPEN RISER STAIR
ISOMETRIC VIEW
Max. 125mm
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CONSTRUCTING OPEN RISER STAIRS
Open riser stairs are measured up and constructed in a similar way to closed riser stairs,although connection between the newels and strings tends to vary. The balustrade is normallysimpler in design, consisting of a handrail, guard rail and newels.The treads may be housed through to the string top edge or they may be housed to take the endsection of the tread only.
Fig. 38 Typical open riser flight of stairs onto a verandah
Fig. 39 Optional fitting of treads
Handrail
Guard rail
Landing deck
Boltedconnections
Galv. Postshoes
Verandah balustrade
Verandahdeck
Threadedbookerrod
ThreadedBookerrods
G.L.
END ELEVATION ELEVATION Through housed treads
PLAN
125mmmaxThreaded
Booker rodPreferred20mm overlap
TREADS - Stop housedTREADS - Through housed
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©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division28
CALCULATION OF STRING LENGTH
Calculation of string length is similar to the calculation of a common rafter. A triangle isformed by the rise of flight, the going of flight and the hypotenuse or string length.An allowance of one (1) step going is added to the going of flight to allow for fitting andfinishing of the strings, where they are not mortice and tenoned into the newel posts.Note: Where the going of flight is not restricted, calculation of a suitable step going will haveto be calculated, to suit the slope relationship formula (2R + G), then multiplied by the numberof treads to obtain the flight going.
Rise of flight =
1.020m, Going of flight = 1.425m ( Rise = 170mm, Going = 285mm)
STEP 1 Check and record measurements for the rise and going of flight.(Calculate going of flight if required)
Fig. 40 Obtaining rise and going of flight
STEP 2 Calculate the length of the string using the following formula:
Length of String = √ ( Rise of flight )² + ( Going of flight + One going of step)²
= √ 1.020² + 1.710²
= √ 1.040 + 2.924
= √ 3.964
= 1.991m
Order 2/ 2.1Therefore,
Landing and newel posts
Proposedstairs
1020
(Ris
eof
fligh
t)
1425(Going of flight)
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©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division29
CALCULATION OF STAIR QUANTITIES
Example 1: SINGLE OPEN RISER FLIGHTCalculate the quantity and cost of dressed tallowwood required to construct a single flight ofstairs with open risers, when:
Note: Cost of material includes GST
Specification: Rise of flight = 1.550m;Going of flight (restricted) = 2.800m;Rise of step to be around 160mm;String material o/o 250 x 50 DAR tallowwood @ $12.80/m;Treads o/o 325 x 50 DAR tallowwood @ $16.50/m; andWidth of flight = 1500mm.
No. of Risers: = 1.550 = 9.688, say 10 risers0.160
Height of Risers: = 1.550 = 155mm10
No. of Goings: = (One less than rises), therefore 9
Length of Goings: = 2.800 = 311mm9
Check: ==
(2R + G) = between 550 to 700
310 + 311 = 621mm OK!Length of String: = √ ( Rise of flight )² + ( Going of flight + One going of step)²
√ (1.550)² + ( 2.800 + 0.311)²√ 2.403 + 9.678√ 12.081
3.476mOrder - 2/ 3.6
Timber Order: = Strings - 250 x 50 DAR Tallowwood - 2/ 3.6Treads - 325 x 50 DAR Tallowwood - 9/ 1.5 or 3/ 4.5
Cost: = Strings - (2 x 3.6) = 7.2 x $12.80 = $92.16Treads - (3 x 4.5) = 13.5 x $16.50 = $222.75
Total Cost: ==
92.16 + 222.75$314.91
STAIR BUILDING
©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division30
Example 2: SINGLE OPEN RISER FLIGHT WITH BALUSTRADECalculate the quantity and cost of dressed tallowwood required to construct a single flight ofstairs with open risers, including newel posts, handrails and guard rails, when:
Specification: Rise of flight = 1.020m;Going of flight (determined) = 1.425m;Rise of step to be 170mm;Going of step to be 285mm;Width of flight = 1000mm.Size of landing = 1000 x 1000mm;String material o/o 250 x 50 DAR tallowwood @ $12.80/m;Treads o/o 300 x 38 DAR tallowwood @ $11.60/m;Handrail o/o 125 x 38 DAR tallowwood @ $5.30/m;Guard rail o/o 75 x 50 DAR tallowwood @ $3.90/m; andNewel posts o/o 100 x 100 DAR tallowwood @ $7.85/m.
Fig. 41 Open riser flight with balustrade
No. of Risers: = 1.020 = say 6 risers @ 170mm high0.170
No. of Goings: = (One less than rises), therefore 5
Length of Goings: = 1.425 = 285mm5
Check: = (2R + G) = between 550 to 700
340+ 285 = 625mm OK!
1000
(Hei
ght o
fhan
drai
l)
1020
(Ris
eof
fligh
t)
1425(Going of flight)
1000(length and width of landing)
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division31
Note: Cost of material includes GST
Length of String: =====
√ ( Rise of flight )² + ( Going of flight + One going of step)²√ 1.020² + 1.710²√ 1.020² + 1.710²√ 3.964
1.991mOrder - 2/ 2.1
Treads: = Order - 5/ 1.0 or 1/ 5.1
Handrail: = Stairs - (same as string), say 1/ 2.1Landing - 2 sides at 100mm, say 1/ 2.1Order - 2/ 2.1
Guard rail: = (allow same as for handrails),Order - 2/ 2.1
Newel posts: = (allow 2 for landing), 1.000 + 1.020 = 2.020, say 2/ 2.1(allow 1 for stairs), 1.000 + (1 rise) 0.170 = 1.170, say 1/ 1.2Order - 1/ 3.3, 1/ 2.1
Timber Order: = Strings - 250 x 50 DAR Tallowwood - 2/ 2.1Treads - 300 x 38 DAR Tallowwood - 1/ 5.1Handrail - 125 x 38 DAR Tallowwood - 2/ 2.1Guard rail - 75 x 50 DAR Tallowwood - 2/ 2.1Newel posts - 100 x 100 DAR Tallowwood - 1/ 3.3, 1/ 2.1
Cost: = Strings - (2 x 2.1) = 4.2 x $12.80 = $53.76Treads - 5.1 x $11.60 = $59.16Handrail - (2 x 2.1) = 4.2 x $5.30 = $22.26Guard rail - (2 x 2.1) = 4.2 x $3.90 = $16.38Newel posts - (3.3 + 2.1) = 5.4 x $7.85 = $42.39
Total Cost: ==
53.76 + 59.16 + 22.26 + 16.38 + 42.39$193.95
STAIR BUILDING
©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division32
Example 3: SINGLE CLOSED RISER FLIGHT WITH BALUSTRADECalculate the quantity and cost of dressed Meranti required to construct a single flight of stairswith closed risers, including newel posts, handrails and balusters, when:
Specification: Rise of flight - 2.500mGoing of flight (restricted) - 3.800mRise of step - around 170mmStrings - 300 x 50 DAR Meranti @ $47.15/mTreads - 325 x 38 DAR Meranti (joined) @ $38.00/mRiser boards - 175 x 25 DAR Meranti @ $10.16/mNosing - 20mmWidth of stairs - 1.100mHandrails - o/o 100 x 75 moulded Meranti @ $35.75/mNewel posts - 100 x 75 DAR Meranti @ $28.28/mBalusters - 30 x 30 DAR Meranti @ $8.04/mNote: Balustrade required on one side only and balusters are spaced atapprox. 135mm centres to maintain the 125mm max. space between balus-ters (BCA requirement).
Fig. 42 Detail of closed riser stairs
400
1000
40
770 135
2500
1120
3800
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division33
No. of Risers: = 2.500 = 14.71, say 15 risers0.170
Height of Risers: = 2.500 = 167mm15
No. of Goings: = (One less than rises), therefore 14
Length of Goings: = 3.800 = 271mm14
Check: =
=
(2R + G) = between 550 to 700
334 + 271 = 605mm OK!
Length of String: = √ ( Rise of flight )² + ( Going of flight + One going of step)²√ (2.500)² + ( 3.800 + 0.271)²√ 6.250 + 16.573√ 22.823
4.777mOrder - 2/ 4.8
Treads: = 14/ 1.100Order - 4/ 3.3, 1/ 2.4
Risers: = 15/ 1.100Order - 5/ 3.3
Newel posts: = 1.440 + 1.120 = 2.560Order - 1/ 2.7
Handrail: = (allow same length as string)Order - 1/ 4.8
Balusters: =
===
(3.800 - 2)0.135
28.148 - 229 - 227 (@ 0.770 long)Order - 3/ 5.4, 1/ 4.8
STAIR BUILDING
©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division34
Note: Cost of material includes GST
Timber Order: = Strings - 300 x 50 DAR Meranti - 2/ 4.8Treads - 325 x 38 DAR Meranti (joined) - 4/ 3.3, 1/ 2.4Riser boards - 175 x 25 DAR Meranti - 5/ 3.3Newel posts - 100 x 75 DAR Meranti - 1/ 2.7Handrail - o/o 100 x 75 moulded Meranti - 1/ 4.8Balusters - 30 x 30 DAR Meranti - 3/ 5.4, 1/ 4.8
Cost: = Strings - (2 x 4.8) = 9.6 x $47.15 = $452.64Treads - ( 4 x 3.3) + 2.4 = 15.6 x $38.00 = $592.80Riser boards - (5 x 3.3) = 16.5 x $10.16 = $167.64Newel posts - 2.7 x $28.28 = $76.36Handrail - 4.8 x $35.75 = $171.60Balusters - (3 x 5.4) + 4.8 = 21.0 x $8.04 = $168.84
Total Cost: ==
452.64 + 592.80 + 167.64 + 76.36 + 171.60 + 168.84$1629.88
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division35
PATENT-TYPE STAIRS
There are patent-types of stairs available, which are pre-fabricated or modular in design. Atticladders are available, which fold up flush with the ceiling and are easily pulled down whenrequired.Other types include metal modular brackets, which are simply attached to timber strings,similar to those produced by BHP and known as“Kwik-step”.These brackets are nail-fixed on the inside of the string with galvanised roofing nails. The angleis the same for all stairs and the rise may be adjusted to suit by sliding the brackets down thestring. Timber treads are bolted through the brackets on the underside. The brackets should bepainted for protection from the weather, when the stairs are fully exposed.
Fig. 43 Patent-type modular steps
FixingBracket.
Newel postbracket.
Bottom step podium
STAIR BUILDING
©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division36
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Aesthetic: This refers to the appearance of an object or its finish.
Attic: This is an accessible area inside a roof space used for storage.Access is normally provided via a fold down Attic ladder.
Booker rod: This is a mild steel or brass rod, which has been threaded for its fulllength to allow fixing nuts to be placed at any position. These rodsare commonly used as tensioning rods to hold open-riser stairstrings tightly together and prevent spreading.
Catwalk: Also known as a Crawlboard, it is a narrow, elevated walkwaywithin or above a building or structure, used mainly formaintenance access to plant and equipment.
Chequer(ed): This refers to the non-slip pattern formed on steel or cast-iron plate.It is mainly used on external stair treads and landings.
GST: This stands for Goods and Services Tax, which is a newgovernment tax added to the value of goods, i.e. timber, which wasintroduced in July 2000.
Spiral: This is a geometric shape made up of a continuous curved lineformed by wrapping around a solid or imaginary cylinder.
Winders: These are tapered or triangular-shaped treads formed where thestairs are continuous around a corner to negate the requirement of alanding. The middle winder is commonly referred to as a “Kite-winder”.
CARPENTRY - HOUSING
©TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division37
FURTHER READING
Australian Building Codes Board, 1999, BCA (Building Code of Australia), GPO Box 9839Canberra, ACT.
Staines, Allan, Fifth Edition, 1986, The Australian Owner Builders Manual, Pinedale press,Caloundra, QLD.
Bloomfield, F. C. and E. Peterson, Revised by B.S. Brown and H. A. Slatyer, First Edition1958, Fifth edition 1985, The Australian Carpenter and Joiner–Volume 1, Standard Publish-ing Co. Pty Ltd., Naremburn, NSW.
Manufacturer’s or suppliers brochures for patent-type stairs.
VIDEOS
Construction and Transport Division, Staircases—measuring up (CTV23) available from Re-source Distribution, Yagoona.