When installing a staircase in your house, there are many custom solutions available. However, knowing more about the standard stair dimensions in Toronto suggests will prevent you from having to rebuild them. So, how long is a typical staircase in most standard households?
The average stair is has a height of 7.5 inches and a length of 9 inches. These limitations fit within coding guidelines established by the International Code Council. If you have the standard eight-foot wall height, you will require about 11 steps to account for the 96 inches of total wall height into 9 inches of height per riser (step).
These measurements do not account for the actual amount of floor space you will need at the top and bottom of your staircase. In the remainder of this article, we will give you some figures to consider as they apply to the necessary floor space to keep your stairs safe.
How Much Space Do You Need at the Top and Bottom?
The answer to this question will vary depending upon local building enforcement codes. However, 30 square feet is the typical amount you want above and below the stairs to have ample access to both floors.
Without appreciating this amount of square footage, you may potentially place yourself in a tight squeeze. You might end up running your stairs into a location with a low ceiling or have to rub against the wall as you walk up the stairs.
This limitation is doubly important if you invite those who are mobility challenged to your house. Given that many stairs are constructed on the regular human stride length of five feet, those who have mobility issues will struggle more with those who fall outside the standard.
Do These Same Requirements Apply When Building Outside?
The outdoor porch doesn’t conform to some of the laws dictated by indoor stairs. For example, the “30 square feet” rule isn’t applicable for stairs built near open spaces. However, the top of the stairs will need a bit of room to fit a single person. You also want to be sure that your door doesn’t bash into the porch upon opening.
The only significant difference that comes with outside stairs come from length allowances. To allow for a more firm foot grip during snowy days, you may find that your stair’s average length is a bit longer, averaging at about 11 inches. The extra space allows you to avoid slipping, which is a more common issue with outdoor stairs.
Conclusion
There are some standards for what staircases need to be. However, a staircase is heavily customizable depending upon your home’s available space. As a result, standardized heights and lengths will help you get a good idea of a comfortable stride. However, it should not be what dictates the construction of your stairs.
For a more customizable option, Stair Star provides you with an ample amount of options for your unique home. If you want something that goes beyond the bare minimum requirements, always stick with the customizable option.
