Chapter 39

Stair Construction Layout

Introduction• Stairs can provide an elegant focal point

– Step-by-step instructions will be given for drawing:

• Straight run stair layouts• Open stair layouts• U-shaped stair layouts

Stair Terminology• Basic terms:

– Run– Rise– Tread– Riser– Stringer or stair jack

– Kickblock or kicker– Headroom– Handrail– Guardrail

Determining Rise and Run• Building codes dictate maximum rise

– Total height from floor to floor must be known– Total rise is found by adding floor-to-ceiling

height, floor joist depth, and floor covering depth

• Total rise is divided by maximum allowable rise to determine the number of steps

Straight Stair Layout• Includes:

– Drawing the stairs with finished-quality lines– Dimensioning and notes

Open Stairway Layout• Major difference

– No risers between treads

U-Shaped Stairs• Often used in residential design

– Introduces a landing• Usually at midpoint of run• Can be offset

– Open or enclosed

L-Shaped Stairs• Major differences from U-shaped stairs:

– Landing can be placed at any point of stair run– A portion of stair will be shown in elevation,

and a portion will be shown in section

• Cutting plane placement determines views

Exterior Stairs• Concrete and wood stairs are common

– Both laid out following straight-run stair procedure

– Finish materials have major differences

Section–Stair Checklist• Refer to the text for a complete stair

checklist, including:– Plot– Drawing– Annotation– Dimensions