Stairs | Stairways

Stairs, stairways, staircases, or stairwells, are building components that provide users with a means of vertical movement with the distribution of separate and individual vertical steps. In a building setting, a flight of stairs refers to a complete series of steps that connects between two distinct floors. Either as conscious design decisions or as reactions to existing spatial conditions, stairs can take on a variety of organizational types from straight runs to spiral, L-shaped, U-shaped, or circular forms. Each stair step is typically comprised of a horizontal tread and a vertical riser.

Stairs are designed to establish a route or bridge between vertical levels by dividing the distance or height into steps feasible for occupants to travel. Stairs refers to a stairway, staircase, or stairwell while steps refers to the individual vertical distances that make up the stairs. There are many various types of stairs that can be straight, curved, or a set of straight pieces connected at a turn or landing. There are general requirements for a stair’s minimum and maximum tread depth and riser, with a tread being the component of the stair that the occupant steps on and a riser being the vertical component between each tread. 

What are the main parts of a stair?

The main parts of a stair include the treads, which are the horizontal surfaces that you step on, the risers, which are the vertical surfaces between the treads, the stringers, which are the structural support for the treads and risers, and the handrail, which is a safety feature that provides a hand grip for people using the stairs.

How can accidents be avoided on stairs?

To prevent accidents on stairs, keep them clean and clutter-free, well-lit, and equipped with handrails. Wear non-slip shoes and hold the handrail while using the stairs. Be careful when carrying objects and repair any damaged steps.

When were stairs invented?

It is difficult to determine the exact date when stairs were invented, as they were likely developed independently in different parts of the world at different times. However, the oldest known stairs were discovered in the ancient city of Ur in modern-day Iraq, and are believed to date back to the early 4th millennium BCE. These stairs were made of brick and were used to provide access to the city's ziggurat, a large pyramid-shaped temple.

Stairs Guides
Browse through our curated Stairs Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Stairs. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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29.5’ | 9 m (Varies)
8’-10’8” | 2.44-3.28 m (Varies)
41’ | 12.5 m (Varies)
Continuous Escalators (Crossing)
900.000
328.000
1250.000
5
https://p3d.in/e/xq9jN
GUIDE
3D
Continuous Escalators (Crossing)View of Continuous Escalators (Crossing) in 3D available for downloadView of Continuous Escalators (Crossing) in 3D available for download
29.5’ | 9 m (Varies)
16’-21’6” | 4.88-6.55 m (Varies)
41’ | 12.5 m (Varies)
Continuous Escalators (Paired)
900.000
655.000
1250.000
5
https://p3d.in/e/gHKGS
GUIDE
3D
Continuous Escalators (Paired)3D model of Continuous Escalators (Paired) viewed in perspective3D model of Continuous Escalators (Paired) viewed in perspective
29.5’ | 9 m (Varies)
8’-10’8” | 2.44-3.28 m (Varies)
41’ | 12.5 m (Varies)
Continuous Escalators (Single)
900.000
328.000
1250.000
5
https://p3d.in/e/NgKeJ
GUIDE
3D
Continuous Escalators (Single)Perspective view of a 3D model of Continuous Escalators (Single)Perspective view of a 3D model of Continuous Escalators (Single)
29.5’ | 9 m (Varies)
8’-10’8” | 2.44-3.28 m (Varies)
41’ | 12.5 m (Varies)
Discontinuous Escalators (Paired)
900.000
328.000
1250.000
0
https://p3d.in/e/SJ4yo
GUIDE
3D
Discontinuous Escalators (Paired)View of Discontinuous Escalators (Paired) in 3D available for downloadView of Discontinuous Escalators (Paired) in 3D available for download
29.5’ | 9 m (Varies)
4’-5’4” | 1.22-1.63 m (Varies)
41’ | 12.5 m (Varies)
Discontinuous Escalators (Single)
900.000
163.000
1250.000
0
https://p3d.in/e/U0JsR
GUIDE
3D
Discontinuous Escalators (Single)3D model of Discontinuous Escalators (Single) viewed in perspective3D model of Discontinuous Escalators (Single) viewed in perspective
Egress Stairs - Single
https://p3d.in/e/SZOTr
GUIDE
3D
Egress Stairs - SingleView of Egress Stairs (Single) in 3D available for downloadView of Egress Stairs (Single) in 3D available for download
14.75’ | 4.5 m (Varies)
8’-10’8” | 2.44-3.28 m (Varies)
41’ | 12.5 m (Varies)
Escalator (Paired)
450.000
328.000
1250.000
5
https://p3d.in/e/jmsi6
GUIDE
3D
Escalator (Paired)Perspective view of a 3D model of an Escalator (Paired)Perspective view of a 3D model of an Escalator (Paired)
14.75’ | 4.5 m (Varies)
4’-5’4” | 1.22-1.63 m (Varies)
41’ | 12.5 m (Varies)
Escalator (Single)
450.000
163.000
1250.000
20
https://p3d.in/e/ehrZP
GUIDE
3D
Escalator (Single)View of an Escalator (Single) in 3D available for downloadView of an Escalator (Single) in 3D available for download
L-Shaped Curved Stairs
https://p3d.in/e/aNDWX
GUIDE
3D
L-Shaped Curved Stairs3D model of L-Shaped Curved Stairs viewed in perspective3D model of L-Shaped Curved Stairs viewed in perspective
L-Shaped Straight Stairs
https://p3d.in/e/V80R1
GUIDE
3D
L-Shaped Straight StairsPerspective view of a 3D model of L-Shaped Straight StairsPerspective view of a 3D model of L-Shaped Straight Stairs
L-Shaped Winder Stairs
https://p3d.in/e/jAvEY
GUIDE
3D
L-Shaped Winder StairsView of L-Shaped Winder Stairs in 3D available for downloadView of L-Shaped Winder Stairs in 3D available for download
Spiral Stairs - Open Risers
https://p3d.in/e/0PMHJ
GUIDE
3D
Spiral Stairs - Open Risers3D model of Spiral Stairs (Open Risers) viewed in perspective3D model of Spiral Stairs (Open Risers) viewed in perspective
Split Straight Stairs
https://p3d.in/e/vWTAU
GUIDE
3D
Split Straight StairsPerspective view of a 3D model of Split Straight StairsPerspective view of a 3D model of Split Straight Stairs
Straight Stairs
https://p3d.in/e/6gVR1
GUIDE
3D
Straight StairsView of Straight Stairs in 3D available for downloadView of Straight Stairs in 3D available for download
Straight Stairs - Landing
https://p3d.in/e/ZtSdz
GUIDE
3D
Straight Stairs - Landing3D model of Straight Stairs (Landing) viewed in perspective3D model of Straight Stairs (Landing) viewed in perspective
Three-Quarter Turn Straight Stairs
https://p3d.in/e/R7L2t
GUIDE
3D
Three-Quarter Turn Straight StairsPerspective view of a 3D model of Three-Quarter Turn Straight StairsPerspective view of a 3D model of Three-Quarter Turn Straight Stairs
U-Shaped Curved Stairs
https://p3d.in/e/f7Wuy
GUIDE
3D
U-Shaped Curved StairsView of U-Shaped Curved Stairs in 3D available for downloadView of U-Shaped Curved Stairs in 3D available for download
U-Shaped Straight Stairs
https://p3d.in/e/xTD5D
GUIDE
3D
U-Shaped Straight Stairs3D model of U-Shaped Straight Stairs viewed in perspective3D model of U-Shaped Straight Stairs viewed in perspective
U-Shaped Straight Stairs - Landing
https://p3d.in/e/zRcGM
GUIDE
3D
U-Shaped Straight Stairs - LandingPerspective view of a 3D model of U-Shaped Straight Stairs - LandingPerspective view of a 3D model of U-Shaped Straight Stairs - Landing
U-Shaped Winder Stairs
https://p3d.in/e/MNcdb
GUIDE
3D
U-Shaped Winder StairsView of U-Shaped Winder Stairs in 3D available for downloadView of U-Shaped Winder Stairs in 3D available for download
Z-Shaped Winder Stairs
https://p3d.in/e/VlBnY
GUIDE
3D
Z-Shaped Winder Stairs3D model of Z-Shaped Winder Stairs viewed in perspective3D model of Z-Shaped Winder Stairs viewed in perspective
Straight Stairs
Illustration of man climbing a straight-run stairway

Straight-Run Stairs are stairs without changes in any direction. They are one of the most common types of stairs found in both residential and commercial properties. This type of stair has many advantages; they are the easiest to go up and down, the easiest to build, and the railing and handrails are relatively easy to build. Further, Straight-Run Stairs only need to be connected at the top and the bottom with no intermediate supporting structure. However, they use a fair amount of linear space, and compared to other stair types that create a privacy barrier, Straight-Run Stairs do not offer this.

Collection of dimensioned drawings of a Straight-Run Stair measured in elevation in plan
Straight-Run Stairs are stairs without changes in any direction. They are one of the most common types of stairs found in both residential and commercial properties. This type of stair has many advantages; they are the easiest to go up and down and easiest to build.

Collection of dimensioned drawings of a Straight-Run Stair measured in elevation in plan
Straight Stairs
Height:
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Width (Min.): 36” | 91.4 cm
Rise (Max.): 7” | 18 cm
Run (Min.): 11” | 28 cm
Landing (Min.): 36” | 91.4 cm
Handrail Height: 34”-38” | 86.5-96.5 cm

Drawings include:
Straight-Run Stairs side elevation, side (person), front, plan

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Continuous Escalators (Crossing)
Group of scaled illustrations of various escalator types compared to the Continuous Escalators (Crossing)

Crossing Escalator arrangements provide the most efficient and continuous movement of people by separating each direction of travel into an individual uninterrupted path. Alternating directions in systematic structural stacks, crisscrossing escalators should be considered when space planning and productivity are critical design objectives. The crossing escalator is most effective when servicing building programs that require fast travel between levels such as moving employees in large department stores, between floors of an office building, and for time sensitive public transportation centers.

Continuous Escalators (Crossing) have a combined height of 29.5’ (9 m), length of 41’ (12.5 m), and common width between 8’-10’8” (2.44-3.28 m). Dimensions will vary based on the desired length and height.

Elevation drawings of Continuous Escalators (Crossing) showing dimensioned analysis of their length, width and height
Crossing Escalator arrangements provide the most efficient and continuous movement of people by separating each direction of travel into an individual uninterrupted path. Crisscrossing escalators should be considered when space planning and productivity are critical design objectives.

Continuous Escalators (Crossing) have a combined height of 29.5’ (9 m), length of 41’ (12.5 m), and common width between 8’-10’8” (2.44-3.28 m). Dimensions will vary based on the desired length and height.

Elevation drawings of Continuous Escalators (Crossing) showing dimensioned analysis of their length, width and height
Continuous Escalators (Crossing)
Height:
29.5’ | 9 m (Varies)
Width:
8’-10’8” | 2.44-3.28 m (Varies)
Length:
41’ | 12.5 m (Varies)
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Direction: Crossing two-way
Circulation: Efficient, fast, direct
Uses:
Large department stores, office buildings, public transport

Drawings include:
Single Crossing Escalators side elevation, front, plan

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2D Downloads

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Discontinuous Escalators (Paired)
Group of scaled illustrations of various escalator types compared to the Discontinuous Escalators (Paired)

Paired Discontinuous Escalators are stacked parallel banks of escalators that connect levels in both directions. Like single discontinuous escalators, but with a second adjacent escalator traveling in the opposite direction, this strategy is not efficient for people looking to travel quickly between levels as the circulation requires the user to travel to the opposite landing to continue moving vertically. Paired discontinuous escalators are generally used in small department stores and retail centers where the arrangement requires that customers spend more time inside the retail space.

Discontinuous Escalators (Paired) have a combined height of 29.5’ (9 m), length of 41’ (12.5 m), and common width between 8’-10’8” (2.44-3.28 m). Dimensions will vary based on the desired length and height.

Elevation drawings of Discontinuous Escalators (Paired) showing dimensioned analysis of their length, width and height
Paired Discontinuous Escalators are stacked parallel escalators that connect levels in both directions. Like single discontinuous escalators but with an adjacent escalator traveling in the opposite direction, this strategy is not efficient for people looking to travel quickly between levels.

Discontinuous Escalators (Paired) have a combined height of 29.5’ (9 m), length of 41’ (12.5 m), and common width between 8’-10’8” (2.44-3.28 m). Dimensions will vary based on the desired length and height.

Elevation drawings of Discontinuous Escalators (Paired) showing dimensioned analysis of their length, width and height
Discontinuous Escalators (Paired)
Height:
29.5’ | 9 m (Varies)
Width:
8’-10’8” | 2.44-3.28 m (Varies)
Length:
41’ | 12.5 m (Varies)
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Direction: Parallel two-way
Circulation: Slow, indirect
Uses:
Small department stores, retail centers, public transport

Drawings include:
Paired Discontinuous Escalators side elevation, front, plan

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Continuous Escalators (Single)
Scaled comparison drawings of the Continuous Escalators (Single) and other escalator types

Single Continuous Escalators provide connections to subsequent building levels by connecting them directing with one-way circulation. Unlike discontinuous layouts, continuous designs provide users with quick and efficient vertical circulation between multiple levels. Though single continuous escalators only provide movement in one vertical direction, they can be combined with parallel continuous systems in either a paired continuous or crossing layouts. Single continuous escalators should be used in retail and commercial spaces where speed and efficiency are important for operation.

Continuous Escalators (Single) have a combined height of 29.5’ (9 m), length of 41’ (12.5 m), and common width between 8’-10’8” (2.44-3.28 m). Dimensions will vary based on the desired length and height.

Measured illustration of Continuous Escalators (Single) dimensioned with overall width, length, and height
Single Continuous Escalators provide connections to subsequent building levels by connecting them directing with one-way circulation. Unlike discontinuous layouts, continuous designs provide users with quick and efficient vertical circulation between multiple levels.

Continuous Escalators (Single) have a combined height of 29.5’ (9 m), length of 41’ (12.5 m), and common width between 8’-10’8” (2.44-3.28 m). Dimensions will vary based on the desired length and height.

Measured illustration of Continuous Escalators (Single) dimensioned with overall width, length, and height
Continuous Escalators (Single)
Height:
29.5’ | 9 m (Varies)
Width:
8’-10’8” | 2.44-3.28 m (Varies)
Length:
41’ | 12.5 m (Varies)
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Direction: One-way, single vertical direction
Circulation: Efficient, fast, direct
Uses:
Small department stores, commercial retail

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U-Shaped Winder Stairs
Side elevation illustration of a man climbing a set of 180° Winding Stairs

The 180° Winding Staircase, also known as a Winder Staircase, makes a 180° turn up toward the next level because of the addition of a landing at some point. It is an ideal staircase design for an entryway when it is combined with a mid-point landing for its space efficient qualities. The 180° Winding Staircase has an easy walk up, and it can give a home a grand appearance, and the winder adds a safety feature to help break a fall. They are usually made of wood or metal to give a space either a traditional or a contemporary feel.

Plan and elevation drawings of 180° Winding Stairs with dimensions
The 180° Winding Staircase, also known as a Winder Staircase, makes a 180° turn up toward the next level because of the addition of a landing at some point. It is an ideal staircase design for an entryway when it is combined with a mid-point landing for its space efficient qualities.

Plan and elevation drawings of 180° Winding Stairs with dimensions
U-Shaped Winder Stairs
Height:
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Winding Steps:
Narrow End (Min.): 6” | 15 cm
Tread Run (Min.): Must meet required tread dimensions 12” | 30.5 cm inward from narrow end

Width (Min.): 36” | 91.4 cm
Rise (Max.): 7” | 18 cm
Run (Min.): 11” | 28 cm
Landing (Min.): 36” | 91.4 cm
Handrail Height: 34”-38” | 86.5-96.5 cm

Drawings include:
180° Winding Stairs side elevation, side (person), front, plan

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