Staircase regulations explained

The Building Regulations document (Part K) describes in detail all the requirements for a domestic staircase. Each step comprises a horizontal “going” and a vertical “riser”. The basic requirements of Part K are:-

• A maximum angle /”pitch” of 42 degrees (i.e. no steeper)

• The total flight must be divided into equal risers, which must be between 150mm and 220mm

• The goings must be between 223mm and 320mm

• 2R+G = 550 to 700 (2 x Rise + Going must be between 550 and 700mm)

• Winders and landings are allowed as turns in the staircase

• There is no stated minimum width (for some reason!) but most of ours are designed around 750 or 800mm wide, but a minimum of 600mm

• 2 metres height is required above the staircase treads, which can be slightly lower at the edge where the stairs comes up under a roof slope

• Protective handrails must be 900mm high minimum, with 100mm maximum gaps between spindles