Carpentry & Building Construction

Chapter 25: Stairways

Chapter Summaries

Section 25.1 Stair Basics
The three main parts of a stairway include the treads, the stringers, and a handrail. The treads on cleat-stringer stairways are supported by cleats attached to the stringers. The treads on cut-stringer stairways are supported by notches cut into the stringers. In stairs with more than one flight, the flights are separated by landings. Stair designers must consider headroom, width, riser and tread dimensions, handrails, and balusters. All are important to making a stairway safe and easy to use. In most cases, building codes specify maximum and minimum dimensions.

Section 25.2 Stair Construction
The first step in stairway construction is to calculate the unit rise and unit run. Total rise is given on the plans. Total run is based on the unit run. The next step is to lay out the stringers and install them. The third step is to install treads and risers (if any). Finally, the handrail and any balusters are put in place.