Thread: Staircase builder

The problem with a steep staircase is the amount of tread (where you put your foot) compared to the height if the riser.

However here are a couple of ideas you might like to start with;

Triangular

Half Tread

Though I'm sure other readers will suggest more ideas for you.

How steep is steep,
Neither of those posted by dragonfly will comply with the BCA. Anything steeper than 38 degrees 240 going 190 rise won't comply. Ignoring the BCA is fine until someone falls down them. How much space do you have? You may be able to work in some winders and two flights
Ben

Errr, thanks 1canetoad. Is BCA a building code? What does "steeper than 38 degrees 240 going 190 rise" mean in simple terms? It's not a bedroom or anthing, just attic space, I thought there were relaxed regs for non habitating rooms. What defines habitable I don't know though.

"How much space do you have?"
Very little, about the size of your average enclosed lavetry. I was going to put in one of those dog ugly fold down attic staircases but I want to use the attic space a little more frequently as a studio rather than just storage. That's why a permanant ladder or steep staircase suits me better.

"You may be able to work in some winders and two flights" What does winders mean?

Hi Brettule,
Yes BCA is the building code of Australia which says that the minimum length of each step will be no less than 240 mm and the rise of eac step will be a maximum of 190 mm. This works out to be about 38 degrees above horizontal.
I am not sure of the laws regarding ladders but I assume the would have to have some means of preventing young children climbing them. Ugly they may be but a fold down ladder may be your best option. Winders are used in place of landings and are triangular and kite shaped treads to achieve more rise in a given space.
Ben

Originally Posted by 1canetoad

...would have to have some means of preventing young children climbing them

I would tell the kids not to play on the stairs and discipline them if they disobey. That's worked fine for a few thousand years of parenting, I don't see why we need regulations to protect irrasponseble parents.

Melbourne Stairs are probably the best in Melbourne and can design and install the stairs if you require.

In the interests of honesty, my Sister works there.

What about something like this Attic Ladders Adelaide

Originally Posted by brettule

I would tell the kids not to play on the stairs and discipline them if they disobey. That's worked fine for a few thousand years of parenting, I don't see why we need regulations to protect irrasponseble parents.

You wont have to worry about disciplining the kids, a staircase that steep will do it for you. As for dog ugly attic ladders, one of these will be your best bet if you are limited to a dunny size stair well. Steep stairs and irregular shaped stairs are an accident going some where to happen.
By the way, my dog is not ugly. Well not when he's with me anyway.

Apologies,

as a Brit I have no idea about your building codes, I offered the links as an example of what I had seen elsewhere and as suggestions to think about.

We have similar regulations, but the half tread stair does comply or at least it is allowable in certain situations - old cottages etc.

Hi Dragonfly,
My cousins in England had a loft conversion with a half tread stair, It seems that I lead with the wrong foot because I lost count of the times I came a cropper on it. They do certainly provide a confined space stair though. Sadly potential for litigation seems to affect more and more of life these days.

Go for a proper lift. Car winch down to metal cage. Someone must be able to do that.

ok if I was to scrap the ladder idea and go for a spiral staircase does anyone know the minimum diameter Vic building regs allow?

1800mm

Originally Posted by rustynail

1800mm

They must think we're all big fella's for that size. a yard wide step???

Put in a smaller one and tell them its decoration only.