Thread: staircase

hi Hangfire

the challenge will be cutting the hole in the upper level that the stairs will require

Here's a calculator to help with playing around - Stair Calculator - Layout Stair Stringer, Headroom Rise Run - Metric

Stairs have to meet the requirements of the Building Code of Australia, and there's a useful introduction here: Staircase Regulations - Spiral Stairs, Staircases, Balustrades, Balustrading - Slattery & Acquroff Stairs Australia

Hi, I built a new staircase in my house and the basic regulations follow the Building Code of Australia. There are minimum standard lengths and heights for the Going (tread) and Rise and the staircase should not present too steep a gradient , nor a too shallow graidient as these will cause trip hazards. Going and Rise on all flights must be the same.

Mine are roughly 250mm going and 180mm Riser. Also the gap between balusters must not be wider than 150mm and handrails should be 900mm from tread to top of rail. Usually 2 balusters per step.

The regulations allow flexibily in design. The going and rise will be determined by the total rise and run of each flight. Vary landing dimensions to suit flights.

I built mine from Blackbutt. Outside Cariages (or stringers) are solid 38x300 single length , I ran a 40mm x 300mm ply stringer down the middle (hidden). The outer carriage is also concealed by a fitted blackbutt skirt 20mm x 300mm which ties in with the Risers (mitred) . I could've used a ply stringer here to save cost.

A very rewarding experience which saved me thousands. Materials cost $3000. I had a quote from a tradie $7000 for MDF to carpet. I do appreciate the work involved but I didn't want MDF and I didn't want to spent $20K.

Cheers
Peter.