Stairway as design element

Stairways are available in various materials and in many forms to meet a range of requirements and wishes. However, in planning stairways the factors safety and comfort need to be considered as well.








Guidelines

  • Stairway angle 30 - 36 degrees 
  • Step height max. 17 cm 
  • Step width 27 - 30 cm 
  • Stairway length max. 15 steps without landings 
  • Stair width at least 120 cm (otherwise seems narrow) 
  • Stairway height at least 210 cm 
  • Handrails add safety 
  • In addition to stairways that are made at the construction site, prefabricated stairway systems are also available. 
  • Use hardwood for the steps (beech, oak, ash) 
  • In attaching a stairway to a wall, provide noise suppression.

Handrails

Handrails provide safety and comfort. They also offer a broad range of design options. Where there are vertical rails, assure that they are close enough to prevent children from slipping between them.

Material options:

  • Wood
  • Stainless steel
  • Balustrade (columns)

When planning stairways, consider a barrier-free solution.