Stair Building Codes
Click Here For Stair Building Code Questions And Answers
Stair building codes apply to any stairway that has more than two risers. However, like most building codes, they can be confusing. Even if you're building only one step, it wouldn't be a bad idea to make sure it meets your local building codes.
You would be surprised at how many different ways, some of these rules can be interpreted for what you can and can't do.
What Are Building Codes?
Attention: Don't forget to check with your local building
department to verify any building codes on this website. This
information could be incorrect or outdated.
When dealing with your local building department a wise
step would be to get all your product and installation methods pre
approved, before you build.
It costs less if you only have to do it once!
The building inspector will make you tear your work apart and redo it to meet the building codes in the area, if it's not done properly.
I cannot stress this enough... check with the local building authorities in your city or county before building any stairs and if you're not going to contact the building department, then try to follow the building codes on this page to maximize safety.
Most of these rules (building codes) can be found in the "2012 International Building Code Book."
Stair Designs
- Circular And Curved Stairs
- Winders
Other Stair Building Codes
- Equipment Access Stairs
- Minimum Stairway Width
- Clear Stair Width
- Skirt Boards and Decorative Trim
- Sloping Public Walkways
- One Inch per Foot Slope
- Painted Stairway Warning Stripe
- Fire Blocking for Stairways
- Fire Department Access - Four-Story Buildings
- Minimum Stair Lift Passage for Stairway
- Replacing Existing Stairways
- Outdoor Stairways
- Stairway Walks Line
- Ship Ladders