Stair treds of different heights?

[Loopyloop]

hi all.

Was wondering if you could have an L shaped stair, with each flight with a different tred height?

I can't find anything for certain in part k. It says each flight must be the same height, and each flight is a run of stairs separated by a landing.

Does the 1m square at the corner of the L count as the landing?

Further info... The first three steps go up 600mm to a small landing... Then there is a door off the landing. The stair turns 90 degrees.
Then there is a flight running up to the first floor.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

In my opinion as long as the risers and goings in each flight was consistent then the staircase would comply. It specifically defines what a flight is and that the risers on each flight that make up a staircase should be consistent. It does not say every single rise between floors must be the same.

 

[Nakajo]

Technically, it may be compliant, and I accept that in a refurbishment project you may not have much choice, but personally, I would consider it a mini-failure if I designed a flight of stairs with a landing in which risers were of different heights.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

but personally, I would consider it a mini-failure if I designed a flight of stairs with a landing in which risers were of different heights.

You mean a staircase with two or more flights?

 

[Nakajo]

Yes.

 

[tony1851]

I think that would be OK if the flights are separated by a landing, but stairs are often the 'grey area' and much depends on how the inspector sees it.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

I think that would be OK if the flights are separated by a landing, but stairs are often the 'grey area' and much depends on how the inspector sees it.

Maybe, however the term 'flight' is defined in Part K as a series of steps in between landings.

 

[Nakajo]

The doorway's more than 400mm from the stair?

 

[tony1851]

The doorway's more than 400mm from the stair?

Doesn't matter as long as the door doesn't open across the stairs?

 

[chappers]

I thought there was something in the regs which stated the minimum accepted area for a landing to be classed as so.

 

[big-all]

I thought there was something in the regs which stated the minimum accepted area for a landing to be classed as so.

at least a square the width off the tread ??

 

[chappers]

I was always under the impression that that wouldn't be sufficient and that for the two associated flights to be described as distinct required a larger area to break your stride.
Although I have had a good look and can't see anything other than the square of the width, must have been imagining it

 

[Nakajo]

I can't remember the technical requirements, but I agree with the spirit of chappers's remarks. If you don't break your stride, then the stair may seem a little awkward. That said, old cottages are always full of these idiosynrasies - I guess you just get used to it.

 

[jeds]

A flight is a continuous run of steps. If the run is broken by a landing (that complies with the definition of a landing) then you have two flights and each flight may have different risers. How comfortable it would be is another thing but it would comply.

 

[Loopyloop]

Interesting, thanks guys.

I don't really know what the real answer is, other than its a little grey and kind of bad design. I can't find anything that specifically says each run must be a certain distance from the other to be counted as a different stair, but an inspector said it has to be a meter away.

There's nothing in the regs however. If anyone finds anything please let me know!