CARPENTRY - HOUSING

STAIR
BUILDING
This text introduces subject matter related to the set out and construction of timber
stairs. It builds on knowledge and skills acquired during the first stage, which should
be revised and practiced throughout the course.
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TAFE and Addison, Wesley, Longman Australia Pty Limited, to re-examine and
reinforce 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 stairs
will be open riser with handrails and guardrails.
BCA requirements are covered to allow for design and construction of residential
stairs, including slope relationship formula (2R + G) and maximum spaces between
treads to create safe open riser stairs.
Method of setting out, cutting and assembling internal and external stairs is covered as
well as the calculation of quantities and cost of materials for both internal and external
stairs.
Note: This text only covers stair types and stair requirements for residential
construction.
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a detailed description of trade terms, technical content and some trade jargon.

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

STAIR BUILDING

STAIRS
A stair consists of a number of steps, made up of treads and risers, combined and supported to
provide continuous access between floors and/or landings. It may also be referred to, more
commonly, in the plural sense as a
St
ai
r
way

.
Note: It is preferable to use the terms Stair or Stairway as opposed to Staircase, which
originally referred to the space in which a flight was built.

Fig. 1 Stairs for residential construction

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

CARPENTRY - HOUSING

DEFINITIONS - Stair Types

Bracketed stair: Also referred to as
Cutandbr
ac
k
e
t
e
d
, it is a stair with strings having the
shape of treads and risers cut out on the top edge and fitted with an ornamental bracket, or fret
work, underneath.
Circular stair: A stair with or without a central well having steps, which radiate from a
common centre.
Closed stair: A stair, which has side walls or partitions on both sides and is usually closed by a
door at one end. It may also be referred to as a
Box
e
ds
t
ai
r

, or an
Enc
l
os
e
ds
t
ai
r

.
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
Hal
f
-t
ur
ns
t
ai
r

, it is a stair with two flights between

storeys, which are connected by a rectangular half landing for a 180 turn. The outer strings of
each 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 or
elliptical stairwell.
Helical stair: A stair with a circular plan where all the treads are winders. This stair is also
known as a
Spi
r
als
t
ai
r
or
Wi
ndi
ngs
t
ai
r

.
Open newel stair: An open stairwell with two landings between floors, short flights between
landings, 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 is
placed.
Open string stair: A stair with a cut string to the shape of the risers and treads, on one or both
sides, facing the stairwell.
Quarter turn stair: A stair with two flights at right angles to each other with a quarter space
landing between them.
Return flight stair: A dogleg stair where the outer strings of each flight are vertically above
each other.
Spine string stair: An open riser steel stair with a single central spine (spine string) and
welded tread supports.
Winding stair: A circular or curved stair, which changes direction by means of winders, with
or without landings.

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

STAIR BUILDING

Common Stair types

Stairs may be designed in a variety of forms to provide practicality, function, decoration and/or
aesthetic appeal. Some of the types available are as follows:
First floor landing
Landing
Diagonal
Bracing
Housed
string

SECTION A-A

ELEVATION 1

Spandrell
panelling

Storage
under

Second or Return Flight

First floor
landing

Tie bolt

Ground Floor
First Flight

Fig. 2 Straight open-riser

Half Space Landing

Fig. 3 Dogleg

SECTION B-B

Quarter space landing

Bull Nose step

Quarter space of winder preferably kept to bottom of flight or

otherwise avoided

Fig. 4 Quarter turn

Centre level

ELEVATION
ELEVATION

All treads are winders

in circular and spiral
stairs

Fig. 5 Geometrical circular

Fig. 6 Spiral or Helical

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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 many
of their temples and sarcophagi (burial tombs), then the Greeks in structures found at the
Acropolis, 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 medieval
English castles through to more modern Spanish structures, as found in the towers of Antonio
Ga
udi

sSagrada Familia in Barcelona.

Fig. 7 Detail of a typical stone spiral stair flight

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

STAIR BUILDING

BRICK
Small flights of solid brick stairs are used externally for access to and from low patios and
verandahs. They are usually laid on a concrete strip footing on either side to support the
enclosing wing walls and may have treads constructed of brick-on-flat, brick-on-edge or a
r
e
nde
r
e
dbr
i
c
kf
i
ni
s
h.Dr
ypr
e
s
s
e
dbr
i
c
ksa
r
epr
e
f
e
r
r
e
df
orbr
i
c
ks
t
a
i
r
sa
nds
t
e
psa
st
he
ydon
t
have holes through them, like the extruded types, and may be laid frog down to provide a neat
finish.
Brick-on-edge coping to
wing wall

Solid brick steps with brick-on-edge

treads
Fig. 8 Small solid brick flight of stairs

CONCRETE
Reinforced concrete stairs are more commonly found in commercial construction, however this
method of construction may also be used in residential buildings where the upper floor is also
concrete. The most common use of concrete stairs in residential construction, is externally from
balconies and verandahs.

Fig. 9 External reinforced concrete stairs

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CARPENTRY - HOUSING

STEEL OR IRON
Steel stairs are more commonly associated with external commercial fire stairs, however they
may also be used internally.
The most common construction type
is the spiral stair, used in many
Victorian period buildings where
narrow building designs only
provided compact areas for stairs.
Spiral stairs had a revival during the
1960
sa
nde
a
r
l
y70
si
nma
ny
contemporary cottages, although they
were simplified in design and detail
using a steel spine and handrail,
supporting timber treads.
Some newer versions are of all timber
construction using modular units and
spacers to construct the flight.
The tread width in the slope
relationship, i.e. the preferred going
width to step rise, is calculated at
7/10 (seven tenths) of the distance
between the outside of the centre pole
and the inside of the handrail.
This allows a person to ascend or
descend the flight safely and easily.

Fig. 10 Typical elevation and plan of an iron spiral stair

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STAIR BUILDING

OTHER TYPES
Straight flight steel stairs are most
commonly used in commercial work
as fire stairs and catwalks. They are
normally constructed of galvanised
steel with chequer-plate treads and
landings, having open risers.

MS handrail

RS channel frame to landing

10mm MS String

RS stanchion supports
Chequer plate
treads
Section

Plan
Fig. 11 Steel external stairs

Combinations of steel and timber may be used for internal stairs or steel and precast concrete
treads for external use.
The usual method of design is to have a steel spine or carriage piece with welded angular
brackets, to support and provide fixing for the treads.
Solid or laminated timber may be used for the treads and the handrails are typically made of
fabricated steel.

Single steel spine

or carriage piece

Welded angular brackets

Solid or laminated timber treads

Fig. 12 Combination stairs

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CARPENTRY - HOUSING

TIMBER STAIRS
Timber stairs are probably the most common form of stair found in a residential building. They
comprise of strings, treads, risers, landings and handrails and are normally closed riser
construction, 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 structural
particleboard or MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard).
Timber stairs, which are to be stained or clear finished, are normally made from hardwood
timbers, as they provide the best resistance to wear and tear. Commonly used timbers may
include meranti, brushbox, Sydney bluegum, jarrah, grey gum, turpentine and many other
species. 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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STAIR BUILDING

PARTS OF TIMBER STAIRS

Nosing

String: There may be one or two strings to

a flight, which are the inclined sides of the
stairs designed to carry the load transferred
from the treads and risers.

Riser
board
Tread

Tread: This is the wide horizontal member

between strings to form the top of the step.
String

Riser board: This is the narrow horizontal

member between strings to form the
vertical face of each step.
Nosing: This is the rounded front edge of
the tread, which projects past the face of the
riser board. Its purpose is to finish the tread
edge and widen the tread to prevent the
riser from being kicked or scraped.
Glue blocks: Triangular blocks of timber
fitted under the back of the tread/riser
connection to hold the two together.

Glue block

Wedge: These are tapered lengths of timber

driven into prepared tapered housings in the
string, placed behind the riser and under the
tread to ensure a tight top side gap-free fit.

Wedges

Newel post: This is an upright post, to

which the strings and handrail are attached.
Handrail: A rail fixed between newel posts
parallel to the top edge of the string, to
provide a safety rail for stair users.
Balusters: These are the small sectioned
vertical members, with a Max. 125mm
opening size placed between the handrail
and string.

Handrail

Balusters

Newel post
Brackets

Balustrade: This is the whole framing,

which comprises of a handrail, balusters,
newel posts and string or kick plate for
landing balustrades.
Spandrel: This is the triangular shaped
space formed between the underside of the
string and the floor.

String

Spandrel

Fig. 14 Parts of the stairs

10

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LANDINGS
A flight of stairs is limited to 18 risers, before it must have a break. This break may be in the
form of another floor level or a landing. A landing may take the following forms:
Halfspace landing: This is a landing formed
between flights at 180 to one another, often referred
to as a
Dogl
e
gstair.
The length of the landing is equal to the width of the
flight and the width of the landing is equal to twice
the width of the flight, plus a stairwell if required.

Fig. 15 Half-space landing

Quarterspace landing: This is a landing formed

between flights at 90 to one another, often referred
to as a
Quar
t
e
r
-t
ur
nstair.
The length of the landing is equal to the width of the
flight and the width of the landing is also equal to
the width of the flight.

Fig. 16 Quarter-space landing

Intermediate landing:
This is a landing formed between flights running in
the same direction.
The length of the landing is equal to at least the
width of the flight and the width is equal to the
width of the flights.

Fig. 17 Intermediate landing

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STAIR BUILDING

PROPORTIONS OF STAIRS
When measuring up for stairs, it is important to know the exact measurements of the length and
height of the flight, to allow for accurate calculation of the treads and rises. The following
proportions 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 the
last riser.

Rise of flight

Going of Flight

Fig. 18 Rise and Going of a flight

Rise of Step:
This is the vertical distance measured
from the top of one tread to the top of
the next tread.

Rise of
step

Going of Step:
This is the horizontal distance
measured between the face of one
riser and the face of the next riser.
(The nosing is not included in this
measurement)

Going of step

Note: The rise and going proportions

must remain the same throughout the
flight(s) of stairs.

Fig. 19 Rise and Going of a step

12

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

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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 Maximum
number 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 tread
must not exceed 125mm.
Note: 125mmi
st
hee
s
t
i
mat
e
dmi
ni
mums
i
z
eofay
oungc
hi
l
d

she
ad,whi
c
hi
fabl
et
opas
st
hr
ought
hega
pwoul
d
al
l
owt
hec
hi
l
d
sbo
dyt
of
ol
l
o
w.
Spiral Stairs: These stairs must not be wider than 1.0m and must have the allowable tread width for the stair at
seven 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 residential
construction, however it is suggested that the flight be at least equal to the average width of an adult persons
shoulders, 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:

Ceiling line

2030 min.

125
max

Newel post
Balusters

125
Max.
865

1000 min

Handrail

Fig. 20 Critical stair dimensions

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

13

STAIR BUILDING

STAIRS WITH WINDERS

An alternative to a single level landing is the use of
Wi
nde
r
s

,which are normal treads with a

tapered length. They have a constant rise to match the other parallel steps and should have a
tread going to match other parallel treads, when measured at the centre of the flight width for
flights less than 1.0m wide.
Note: Flights greater than 1.0m wide should have the tread going measurement at 400mm out
from the inside handrail side.
Where winders are used instead of a landing, the tread size may be different from the parallel
treads provided all the winders are the same size and there are is a maximum of only three (3).
(Kite winder)

1.0m or less

Winders

Proportion for going measured

along this line for all treads

Equal

Equal

Fig. 21 Layout for stair winders

14

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

CARPENTRY - HOUSING

DETERMINING STEP PROPORTIONS

The accepted formula, as per BCA, for calculating riser and tread dimensions for stairs, often
referred to as
Eas
ygoi
ngs
t
ai
r
s

, is twice the rise plus one going, or (2R +G). The result of
this calculation must fall between 550mm and 700mm, known as the Slope Relationship.
TABLE 1
ACCEPTABLE PROPORTIONS FOR STAIRS
RISER (R)
(mm)

GOING (G)
(mm)

SLOPE RELATIONSHIP
(2R+G) (mm)

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

115

190

240

355

550

700

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 1
The following steps outline the method adopted to calculate the rise and going for a given flight
of stairs with an
unr
e
s
t
r
i
c
t
e
dgoing:
METHOD 2
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 the
flight;

STEP 4

Establish the length of the going by using the average slope relationship
measurement, i.e. ( 550 + 700) 2 = 625mm, substitute the average rise
measurement for
Rin the formula, then transpose the formula to find
G
.

The following steps outline the method adopted to calculate the rise and going for a given flight
of stairs with a
r
e
s
t
r
i
c
t
e
dgoing:
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 the
flight;

STEP 4

Establish the length of the going by dividing the assumed rise into the restricted
flight going. Check to see if both the rise and going measurements comply, by
substituting them for
Rand
G
, and apply the formula (2R + G).
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15

STAIR BUILDING

Example 1:
Using
Me
t
hod1
, calculate the number and size of the rises and goings for a flight of stairs
with a rise of flight of 2.650m and an unrestricted going of flight.
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 risers

There 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
No
wt
r
a
ns
pos
et
hef
or
mul
at
of
i
ndt
heva
l
ueof
G
:

G=625- 312
= 313mm

Therefore, there will be 17 risers at 156mm and 16 goings at 313mm.

313

5008
Fig. 22 Layout of stairs for an unrestricted flight

16

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

2650

156

Note: The total length of the flight going will be 16 x 313 = 5.008m

CARPENTRY - HOUSING

Example 2:
Using
Me
t
hod2
, calculate the number and size of the rises and goings for a flight of stairs
with a rise of flight of 1.900m and a restricted going of flight of 3.350m.
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 risers

There 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 the
number of goings:
= 3350 11 = 304.5, say 305mm

Therefore, there will be 12 risers at 158mm and 11 goings at 305mm.

Check formula for compliance with BCA

305

1900

158

(2R + G) = ( between 550 and 700mm)

= 316 + 305 = 621mm, therefore it complies.

3350
Fig. 14.23 Layout of stairs for a restricted flight
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STAIR BUILDING

METHOD OF MEASURING UP for TIMBER STAIRS

The accuracy of the finished product will depend on the accuracy of the initial measuring up
on-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 to
determine whether or not a landing will be required between flights. A more accurate
method 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 for
coverstrips 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 an
opening;

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 the
top 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.

Finished upper floor

Measure

rise

Proposed
stair
position

Measure available going

Fig. 24 Check on-site details

18

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

Doorway

CARPENTRY - HOUSING

SETTING OUT THE STRINGS

Once the rise and going of each step is established, carry out the following:
STEP 1 Select string material, place
any bows up and set a
margin line from the top
edge, for closed strings, to
ensure the nosing stays
within the width of the
string.

Margin line

String

Fig. 25 Set a margin line as required

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.
Steel square set up for step set out

Rise

STEP 2

Going

Margin line

String

Fig. 26 Set out the strings

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STAIR BUILDING

STEP 3 Set out for the thickness of each rise and tread, including a stopped housing for the
end of the tread nosing, ready to be trenched. The strings should be set out and
trenched as a pair.

Thickness of tread marked

Thickness of riser marked

Fig. 27 Set out positions for treads and risers

STEP 4 Set out the complete string with allowances for wedges under treads and behind
risers, tenons into newel posts and reduction of string length to fit between newel
posts.
Top newel post position
End of tenon
Shoulder of tenon

Bottom newel post

position

Treads, risers
and wedge
allowance

Shoulder of tenon
End of tenon
Level cut to bottom of string
Fig. 28 Complete string set out

20

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CARPENTRY - HOUSING

STRING SET OUT TEMPLATE

An alternative to setting out individual treads and risers is to use a template, which has the
tread, riser thickness and wedge allowance prepared ready to be traced onto the string to suit
the particular set out required.
The adjustable guides are set to suit the string width being used, which allows the template to
slide along after each set out is made. The template may be reversed to set out both left and
right 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 are
increased to allow a template guide to be fitted to the base plate of the router, which runs
around the tread, riser and wedge outline within the template.
200
65

Wingnut

100

Wingnut

100

30

65

30x18

425

30mm long
Slotted
hole
6mm
Plywood

100

Sharpened nails in predrilled holes

60

80

30x18

30

Wingnut
275
550

220

60

34

380

DETAIL FOR TREAD and RISER

35
Fig. 29 Typical stair set out template
TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

21

STAIR BUILDING

ROUTER AND TEMPLATE

The quickest way to remove the waste from string set outs and cut neatly to the outline is to use
a router fitted with a template guide.
A string template may be made by increasing the size of the string template to allow for the
thickness of the protruding router template guide. This allows the router cutter to cut neatly
along the set out lines and remove the waste at the same time.

Step template

String

Template guide

Outline for router template

guide

Fig. 30 Router fitted with template guide

Allowance for template guide

Original step outline

Fig. 31 Step template for router guide

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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 riser
to be in line with the centre of the newel post. This means that both these risers will be housed
into the newel posts, as well as a portion of each tread and nosing. The ends of the strings are
double tenoned, or have a full width tenon, and morticed into the newel posts.

Shoulder line on string material

Newell is positioned with centre line on

face of the riser board

Newel

String

Housing to take
nosing and riser

Double
tenon
Tread

Newel notched for

landing trimmer

Newel

Housing to take
tread and riser

String

Detail at top of Newel

Fig. 32 Set out and jointing of strings and newels
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STAIR BUILDING

HANDRAILS/NEWELS/BALUSTERS
There are many different profiles available for handrails, newel posts and balusters. They may
be of solid timber sections or be built-up in laminations. Handrail edges are rounded to prevent
sharp edges and splintering.

Fig. 33 Typical handrail profiles

Newel Posts

Balusters

Fig. 34 Newel posts and balusters

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CARPENTRY - HOUSING

OPEN RISER STAIRS

Open riser stairs are more typically used in external situations and are constructed of durable
hardwoods or treated pine timbers. The strings are housed to take treads and prevented from
spreading with the use of threaded booker rods.
Some suitable Class 1 durability timbers for external stair use, as per AS 1684Part 2, which
may 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 and

external stairs are not required
unless the top of the landing, or any
tread, is more than 1.0m above the
finished ground level, or paving.

Rise of step

Max 125mm space

Booker rod
tension bolts

Ground level

Rise
of
step

Dowel into concrete pad

Fig. 35 Section through open riser stairs

Horn for fixing

Booker rod
tension bolts
Concrete pads

Fig. 36 Isometric view of completed external stairs

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

25

STAIR BUILDING

OPEN RISER STAIRS - Alternative fixing

Traditionally, external stairs are fixed using a non-corrosive dowel into a concrete pad, at the
bottom of each string, and a timber horn at the top of each tread.
However, an alternative
method of fixing would be to
use galvanised metal fixing
plates, or shoes cast into a
concrete pad at the bottom of
the strings, and galvanised
metal fixing plates bolted
between the top of the strings
and ends of floor joists.

Fixing plate
String

Tread

Max. 125mm

12mm bolt through

strings (tension rods)

Fixing plate

SECTION - CLOSED STRING

OPEN RISER STAIR

ISOMETRIC VIEW

Fig. 37 Use of galvanised metal fixing plates

26

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

CARPENTRY - HOUSING

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 normally
simpler 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 end
section of the tread only.
Handrail
Verandah balustrade
Guard rail
Verandah
deck

Landing deck

Threaded
Booker
rods

Bolted
connections
Galv. Post
shoes

G.L.
END ELEVATION

ELEVATION

Threaded
booker
rod
Through housed treads

PLAN
Fig. 38 Typical open riser flight of stairs onto a verandah

125mm
max

Threaded
Booker rod

Preferred
20mm overlap

TREADS - Through housed

TREADS - Stop housed

Fig. 39 Optional fitting of treads

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

27

STAIR BUILDING

CALCULATION OF STRING LENGTH

Calculation of string length is similar to the calculation of a common rafter. A triangle is
formed 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 and
finishing 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 have
to be calculated, to suit the slope relationship formula (2R + G), then multiplied by the number
of treads to obtain the flight going.
STEP 1

Check and record measurements for the rise and going of flight.
(Calculate going of flight if required)

Proposed
stairs

1020
(Rise of flight)

Landing and newel posts

1425
(Going of flight)

Rise of

flight
Fig. 40 Obtaining rise and going of flight

1.020m,

Going of flight = 1.425m ( Rise = 170mm, Going = 285mm)

STEP 2

Calculate the length of the string using the following formula:

Length of String

= (Ri
seoff
l
i
ght)
+ ( Going of flight + One going of step)
= 1.
020 + 1.710
= 1.
040+2.
924
= 3.
964
=

Therefore,

28

1.991m
Order 2/ 2.1

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

CARPENTRY - HOUSING

CALCULATION OF STAIR QUANTITIES

Example 1: SINGLE OPEN RISER FLIGHT
Calculate the quantity and cost of dressed tallowwood required to construct a single flight of
stairs with open risers, when:
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; and
Width of flight = 1500mm.
No. of Risers:

= 1.550 = 9.688, say 10 risers

0.160

Height of Risers:

= 1.550 = 155mm
10

No. of Goings:

= (One less than rises), therefore 9

Length of Goings:

= 2.800 = 311mm
9

Check:

= (2R + G) = between 550 to 700

=
310 + 311 = 621mm

OK!

Length of String:

= (Ri
seoff
l
i
ght)
+ ( Going of flight + One going of step)
(
1.
550)
+ ( 2.800 + 0.311)
2.
403+9.
678
12.
081
3.476m
Order - 2/ 3.6

Timber Order:

= Strings - 250 x 50 DAR Tallowwood - 2/ 3.6

Treads - 325 x 50 DAR Tallowwood - 9/ 1.5 or 3/ 4.5

Cost:

= Strings - (2 x 3.6) = 7.2 x $12.80 = $92.16

Treads - (3 x 4.5) = 13.5 x $16.50 = $222.75

Total Cost:

= 92.16 + 222.75
= $314.91

Note: Cost of material includes GST

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

29

STAIR BUILDING

Example 2: SINGLE OPEN RISER FLIGHT WITH BALUSTRADE

Calculate the quantity and cost of dressed tallowwood required to construct a single flight of
stairs with open risers, including newel posts, handrails and guard rails, when:
Specification:

1020
(Rise of flight)

1000
(Height of handrail)

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; and
Newel posts o/o 100 x 100 DAR tallowwood @ $7.85/m.

1000
(length and width of landing)

1425
(Going of flight)

Fig. 41 Open riser flight with balustrade

No. of Risers:

= 1.020 = say 6 risers @ 170mm high

0.170

No. of Goings:

= (One less than rises), therefore 5

Length of Goings:

= 1.425 = 285mm
5

Check:

= (2R + G) = between 550 to 700

340+ 285 = 625mm

30

OK!

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

CARPENTRY - HOUSING

(Ri
seoff
l
i
ght)
+ ( Going of flight + One going of step)
1.
020 + 1.710
1.
020 + 1.710
3.
964
1.991m
Order - 2/ 2.1

Length of String:

=
=
=
=
=

Treads:

= Order - 5/ 1.0 or 1/ 5.1

Handrail:

= Stairs - (same as string), say 1/ 2.1

Landing - 2 sides at 100mm, say 1/ 2.1
Order - 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/ 1.2
Order - 1/ 3.3, 1/ 2.1

Timber Order:

= Strings - 250 x 50 DAR Tallowwood - 2/ 2.1

Treads - 300 x 38 DAR Tallowwood - 1/ 5.1
Handrail - 125 x 38 DAR Tallowwood - 2/ 2.1
Guard rail - 75 x 50 DAR Tallowwood - 2/ 2.1
Newel posts - 100 x 100 DAR Tallowwood - 1/ 3.3, 1/ 2.1

Cost:

= Strings - (2 x 2.1) = 4.2 x $12.80 = $53.76

Treads - 5.1 x $11.60 = $59.16
Handrail - (2 x 2.1) = 4.2 x $5.30 = $22.26
Guard rail - (2 x 2.1) = 4.2 x $3.90 = $16.38
Newel 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
Note: Cost of material includes GST

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

31

STAIR BUILDING

Example 3: SINGLE CLOSED RISER FLIGHT WITH BALUSTRADE

Calculate the quantity and cost of dressed Meranti required to construct a single flight of stairs
with closed risers, including newel posts, handrails and balusters, when:
Rise of flight - 2.500m
Going of flight (restricted) - 3.800m
Rise of step - around 170mm
Strings - 300 x 50 DAR Meranti @ $47.15/m
Treads - 325 x 38 DAR Meranti (joined) @ $38.00/m
Riser boards - 175 x 25 DAR Meranti @ $10.16/m
Nosing - 20mm
Width of stairs - 1.100m
Handrails - o/o 100 x 75 moulded Meranti @ $35.75/m
Newel posts - 100 x 75 DAR Meranti @ $28.28/m
Balusters - 30 x 30 DAR Meranti @ $8.04/m
Note: Balustrade required on one side only and balusters are spaced at
approx. 135mm centres to maintain the 125mm max. space between balusters (BCA requirement).

135

1120

2500

770

400

1000

40

Specification:

3800

Fig. 42 Detail of closed riser stairs

32

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

CARPENTRY - HOUSING

No. of Risers:

= 2.500 = 14.71, say 15 risers

0.170

Height of Risers:

= 2.500 = 167mm
15

No. of Goings:

= (One less than rises), therefore 14

Length of Goings: = 3.800 = 271mm

14
Check:

= (2R + G) = between 550 to 700

= 334 + 271 = 605mm

OK!

Length of String:

= (Ri
seoff
l
i
ght)
+ ( Going of flight + One going of step)
(
2.
500)
+ ( 3.800 + 0.271)
6.
250+16.
573
22.
823
4.777m
Order - 2/ 4.8

Treads:

= 14/ 1.100
Order - 4/ 3.3, 1/ 2.4

Risers:

= 15/ 1.100
Order - 5/ 3.3

Newel posts:

= 1.440 + 1.120 = 2.560

Order - 1/ 2.7

Handrail:

= (allow same length as string)

Order - 1/ 4.8

Balusters:

= (3.800 - 2)
0.135
= 28.148 - 2
= 29 - 2
= 27 (@ 0.770 long)
Order - 3/ 5.4, 1/ 4.8

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

33

STAIR BUILDING

Timber Order:

= Strings - 300 x 50 DAR Meranti - 2/ 4.8

Treads - 325 x 38 DAR Meranti (joined) - 4/ 3.3, 1/ 2.4
Riser boards - 175 x 25 DAR Meranti - 5/ 3.3
Newel posts - 100 x 75 DAR Meranti - 1/ 2.7
Handrail - o/o 100 x 75 moulded Meranti - 1/ 4.8
Balusters - 30 x 30 DAR Meranti - 3/ 5.4, 1/ 4.8

Cost:

= Strings - (2 x 4.8) = 9.6 x $47.15 = $452.64

Treads - ( 4 x 3.3) + 2.4 = 15.6 x $38.00 = $592.80
Riser boards - (5 x 3.3) = 16.5 x $10.16 = $167.64
Newel posts - 2.7 x $28.28 = $76.36
Handrail - 4.8 x $35.75 = $171.60
Balusters - (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

Note: Cost of material includes GST

34

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

CARPENTRY - HOUSING

PATENT-TYPE STAIRS
There are patent-types of stairs available, which are pre-fabricated or modular in design. Attic
ladders are available, which fold up flush with the ceiling and are easily pulled down when
required.
Other types include metal modular brackets, which are simply attached to timber strings,
similar to those produced by BHP and known as Kwi
k
-s
t
e
p.
These brackets are nail-fixed on the inside of the string with galvanised roofing nails. The angle
is the same for all stairs and the rise may be adjusted to suit by sliding the brackets down the
string. Timber treads are bolted through the brackets on the underside. The brackets should be
painted for protection from the weather, when the stairs are fully exposed.
Fixing
Bracket.

Newel post
bracket.

Bottom step podium

Fig. 43 Patent-type modular steps

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

35

STAIR BUILDING

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 full
length to allow fixing nuts to be placed at any position. These rods
are commonly used as tensioning rods to hold open-riser stair
strings tightly together and prevent spreading.

Catwalk:

Also known as a Crawlboard, it is a narrow, elevated walkway

within or above a building or structure, used mainly for
maintenance 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 new

government tax added to the value of goods, i.e. timber, which was
introduced in July 2000.

Spiral:

This is a geometric shape made up of a continuous curved line

formed by wrapping around a solid or imaginary cylinder.

Winders:

These are tapered or triangular-shaped treads formed where the

stairs are continuous around a corner to negate the requirement of a
l
a
ndi
ng
.Themi
ddl
ewi
nde
ri
sc
ommonl
yr
e
f
e
r
r
e
dt
oa
sa
Ki
t
e
wi
nde
r

36

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

CARPENTRY - HOUSING

FURTHER READING
Australian Building Codes Board, 1999, BCA (Building Code of Australia), GPO Box 9839
Canberra, 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 Edition
1958, Fifth edition 1985, The Australian Carpenter and Joiner Volume 1, Standard Publishing Co. Pty Ltd., Naremburn, NSW.
Ma
nuf
a
c
t
ur
e
r

sors
uppl
i
e
r
sbr
oc
hur
e
sf
orpa
t
e
nt
-type stairs.

VIDEOS
Construction and Transport Division, Staircasesmeasuring up (CTV23) available from Resource Distribution, Yagoona.

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport Division

37