When designing and constructing a staircase in your home or workplace, it’s essential to consider not only the aesthetic and practical aspects but also the measurements and calculations needed. One aspect that can be quite confusing is calculating the dimensions for a staircase with landing. This article will guide you through the process of calculating stairs with landing step by step, ensuring you can create a safe and comfortable set of stairs.

Step 1: Determine the Total Rise

The first step in calculating stairs with landing is to determine the total rise of the staircase. To do this, measure the vertical distance between the finished floor on the lower level and that on the upper level.

Step 2: Set Ideal Rise per Tread

Next, decide on an ideal rise per tread (the vertical part of each step) while keeping in mind that most building regulations recommend a tread rise between 6 and 7 inches.

Step 3: Calculate Number of Risers

Now, divide the total rise by the ideal rise per tread, rounding up to find the number of risers necessary. For example, if your total rise is 120 inches and your ideal rise per tread is 7 inches, you’ll need about 18 risers (120 ÷ 7 = 17.14).

Step 4: Calculate Actual Rise per Tread

Divide the total rise by the number of risers to find the precise rise per tread. Staying consistent with the previous example:

Actual Rise per Tread = Total Rise / Number of Risers

Actual Rise per Tread = 120 / 18

Actual Rise per Tread = 6.67 inches

Step 5: Calculate Number of Treads

Subtract one from the total number of risers to get your number of treads (the horizontal surface you walk on). In our example,

Number of Treads = 18 – 1 = 17

Step 6: Determine the Landing Placement

Select where you would like to place your landing, which is typically at the halfway point of the staircase. Calculate this by dividing the number of treads in half. In our example:

Landing Placement = Number of Treads / 2

Landing Placement = 17 / 2 = 8.5

In this case, round down to place the landing after the 8th tread.

Step 7: Calculate Run per Tread

Next, choose a comfortable run per tread, which typically ranges between 10 and 12 inches. Measure the total horizontal space available to determine if adjustments need to be made.

Step 8: Calculate Total Run

Multiply the number of treads before and after the landing by the run per tread to determine the total run for both sections of stairs:

Total Run (before landing) = Number of Treads (before landing) * Run per Tread

Total Run (after landing) = Number of Treads (after landing) * Run per Tread

Step 9: Measure Landing Size

The final step is to measure and cut your landing piece, ensuring it is level and properly secured. The length should be equal to or greater than the total run for both sections of stairs.

Conclusion

By following these steps diligently, you will be able to accurately calculate stairs with landing, ensuring that your staircase is structurally sound, comfortable, and adheres to regulations. Remember to take your time with measurements and calculations for optimal results. With proper planning and execution, you’ll have a beautiful staircase with a functional landing that serves its purpose well.