Stairs

Question 1

Name the 2 Stair Design Requirements.

Answer 1

1. Fall Prevention
2. Comfort

Question 2

There are 2 ways to construct stairs. Name them.

Answer 2

1. Built on-site
2. Pre-fabricated

Question 3

Name the 5 types of treads and illustrate them.

Answer 3

1. Rectangular treads
2. Tapered treads ( for circular stairs )
3. Winders @ 30 degrees
4. Winders @ 45 degrees
5. Spiral stairs

Question 4

Name the 7 different types of stairs.

Answer 4

• Straight Run stairs
• L stairs
• Double L stairs
• U stairs
• Winder stairs
• Circular stairs
• Spiral stairs

Question 5

What is the difference between spiral stairs and circular stairs?

Answer 5

A spiral staircase circles around a center pole, whereas a circular staircase, refers to a stair that is curved.

Question 6

A series of successive steps between two landings or a floor and a landing is known as a…

Answer 6

Flight

Question 7

The horizontal member of each step is known as a…

Answer 7

Tread

Question 8

The horizontal member of each step is known as a…

Answer 8

Tread

Question 9

The vertical member of each step is known as…

Answer 9

Riser

Question 10

The rule of thumb for the height and depth of risers and treads is…

Answer 10

7-11

Question 11

In one word, what is the most important requirement for a handrail?

Answer 11

Graspability

Question 12

What is the minimum width of a staircase?

Answer 12

2’-10”

Question 13

What is the minimum height for the headroom of a staircase?

Answer 13

6’-6”

Question 14

Name the components of a staircase.

Answer 14

1. Risers
2. Treads
3. Nosing
4. Handrail
5. Baluster/Balustrade
6. Dowel
7. Landing

Question 15

In what circumstances are handrails not required?

Answer 15

• Landings
• Less than 2 stairs

Question 16

What is the difference between an open riser and a closed riser?

Answer 16

Unlike closed riser stairs, the gap between each step in an open riser staircase is open rather than enclosed, allowing you to see underneath or in between the steps.

Question 17

What is the difference between handrails and guardrails?

Answer 17

A guardrail is a barricade installed at the perimeter of a raised surface such as balconies or walkways. While a handrail is any horizontal or sloping railing, especially on escalators or stairways on which you can grasp by hand.