Design should include freehand sketches and consideration of consumer needs. The home’s architectural style influences the designer’s choice(s) for type(s) of stairs; options include
- straight run
- L stairs
- double L stairs
- U stairs
- winder stairs
- spiral stairs.
The designer should select materials for treads, stringers, risers, railings, balusters, and newel posts. The designer calculates
- total stair rise, based on material used in the home
- stair unit rise and run, based on standard rise/run formulas, the desired slope, and building codes
- total run
- total headroom
- stairwell opening.
Process/Skill Questions:
- Why is it important that all unit risers are exactly the same in a set of stairs?
- How do unit rise and unit run determine the slope of a set of stairs?
- Why must building codes be consulted when designing a set of stairs?