Step
NB For project stages (or steps) see: Comparison of standard project plans used in the construction industry.
In general, the word ‘step’ refers to the individual parts of a staircase that people step on. This is as opposed to ‘stairs’ which are a flight of steps.
Steps can be constructed using a wide variety of materials, including; timber, brick, stone, concrete, metal, glass, and so on.
Individual steps are made up of a horizontal tread and a vertical riser. They are measured in terms of a ‘going’, i.e. the depth from front-to-back of the step (less any overlap with the next step above), a rise (the vertical distance between treads, and the width from one side to the other.
Steps should have level treads with the rise and going of each step consistent throughout the flight. The part of the tread that sometimes overhangs the riser is called the ‘nosing’. Depending on the design, the riser can be left open, or can be closed.
Some types of stairs (e.g. circular, spiral) can incorporate winders, which are steps that have one side narrower than the other. This allows the stairs direction to change without a landing.
The requirements for the design of steps are set out in the approved documents to the building regulations:
- Approved document K: Protection from falling, collision and impact.
- Approved document M: Access to and use of buildings (only when external stepped access also forms part of the principal entrances and alternative accessible entrances and when they form part of the access route to the building from the boundary of the site and car parking).
- Approved document B: Fire safety.
For more information, see Stair design.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding..