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Stair widths in construction are crucial in ensuring safety, accessibility, and efficient flow of foot traffic. In residential settings, stairs are generally narrower, catering to fewer occupants. Conversely, in commercial or public buildings, wider stairs are necessary for larger numbers of people. For stairs serving a single user (typically private residential), a minimum of 36” (91 cm) is required. In general public spaces a minimum of 44” (112 cm) must be met—providing ample space for one person and allowing the tight passage of two people. Comfortable two person stair widths range between 49” (125 cm) to 60” (152 cm). For three simultaneous users, a minimum of 74” (188 cm) is recommended. Handrails must be placed every 60” (152 cm).

Stair treads and risers are fundamental components of a staircase. The tread is the horizontal part that you step on, while the riser is the vertical section between each tread. Together, they determine the comfort and safety of the staircase. The dimensions of treads and risers must be balanced.

Stair types refer to the design and layout of a set of stairs. There are several different types of stairs, each of which serves a specific purpose and is more or less appropriate for different contexts. Straight stairs are the most common type.

Newels, or newel posts, are the substantial vertical posts used at the beginning, end, or turns of a staircase. They are structural elements that provide stability and support to the handrails, balusters, and the staircase itself. The term newel is often used interchangeably with stair post.

Stair tread and riser sizes are integral to staircase design, balancing comfort, safety, and accessibility. Standards exist to ensure a consistent and safe stair-climbing experience. Tread size influences the user's foot placement, with sufficient depth necessary for secure footing. Stair treads have a minimum allowable depth of 11” (28 cm) with riser heights between 4”-7” (10-18 cm). Stair nosings can protrude between 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm) with a maximum riser angle of 30 degrees.

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 buildings, a flight of stairs refers to a complete series of steps that connects between two distinct floors.

Round stair tread nosings feature a curved, rounded edge on the outer part of each stair tread, creating a smooth transition from the tread to the riser. This design enhances safety, as the rounded edge can help prevent tripping and lessen the impact in case of a stumble. Round Nosing Stair Treads are constructed with typical stair tread thicknesses between 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm) and allowable nosing overlaps of 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm). Round nosings can have a maximum radius of .5” (1.3 cm).

Open stair risers with zigzag stringers deliver a striking modern aesthetic with a rhythmic visual effect. The open risers lend an airy, floating quality to the staircase, enhancing light flow. Zigzag stringers mirror the sequential alternation of treads and absent risers. Open Zigzag Stair Profiles are constructed with typical stair tread thicknesses between 1.5”-4” (3.8-10.2 cm) and allowable nosing overlaps of 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm).

Flat stair risers with sawtooth stringers amalgamate traditional staircase form with a contemporary twist. The risers are flat and perfectly perpendicular to the treads, providing a familiar staircase profile. Sawtooth stringers, named for their jagged silhouette, support each tread. Flat Sawtooth Stair Profiles are constructed with typical stair tread thicknesses between 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm).

Modern stair tread nosings feature an extended projection down the front of the riser, offering a unique design element. This extended nosing enhances safety by clearly demarcating the edge of the tread, reducing trip risks. Aesthetically, it adds a bold, linear detail to the staircase. Modern Nosing Stair Treads are constructed with typical stair tread thicknesses between 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm) and allowable nosing overlaps of 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm).

Cushion stair tread nosings, in this context, refer to a small protruding wooden nose profile affixed to the edge of each stair tread. Despite the name "cushion," these nosings are made of wood, maintaining a consistent aesthetic with the staircase. Cushion Nosing Stair Treads are constructed with typical stair tread thicknesses between 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm).

Flat stair risers with closed stringers adhere to a more traditional staircase design, embodying simplicity, function, and classic style. The risers are flat and perpendicular to the treads, offering a clean, straight edge profile. Closed stringers run along both sides. Flat Closed Stair Profiles are constructed with typical stair tread thicknesses between 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm).

Angled stair risers with sawtooth stringers combine modern design aesthetics and structural integrity. The risers are angled, creating a distinctive profile that deviates from traditional perpendicular formats. Sawtooth stringer are named for their jagged edge resembling a saw's teeth. Angled Sawtooth Stair Profiles are constructed with typical stair tread thicknesses between 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm) and allowable nosing overlaps of 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm). The maximum allowable riser angle is 30 degrees).

Open floating stair risers introduce a sleek, minimalist design, often seen in contemporary architecture. These stairs appear to 'float' as they are anchored solely to a wall, leveraging the principle of cantilever to support the treads. Open Floating Stair Profiles are constructed with typical stair tread thicknesses between 2.5”-4.5” (6.4-11.4 cm) and allowable nosing overlaps of 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm).

Open stair risers with closed stringers present a visually light and modern staircase design. Open risers lack the solid vertical component, providing a sense of openness and improving the flow of light. Despite the risers being open, closed stringers on either side encase the stair treads. Open Closed Stair Profiles are constructed with typical stair tread thicknesses between 1.5”-4” (3.8-10.2 cm) and allowable nosing overlaps of 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm).

Angled stair risers with closed stringers are an architectural design technique that gives stairs a dynamic and modern aesthetic. The risers are cut at angles instead of perpendicular to the treads, creating an unconventional and visually interesting appeal. Angled Closed Stair Profiles are constructed with typical stair tread thicknesses between 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm) and allowable nosing overlaps of 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm). The maximum allowable riser angle is 30 degrees.

Square stair tread nosings are characterized by a distinct, right-angled edge at the junction of the tread and the riser. The square profile provides a clear boundary between the tread and riser, enhancing safety by visually defining each step. Square Nosing Stair Treads are constructed with typical stair tread thicknesses between 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm) and allowable nosing overlaps of 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm).

Open stair risers with paired stringers combine modern design aesthetics with solid construction. Without solid vertical risers, the staircase achieves a lighter, open feel, enhancing the flow of light and the perception of space. The paired stringers are set inward from the edges. Open Pair Stair Profiles are constructed with typical stair tread thicknesses between 1.5”-4” (3.8-10.2 cm) and allowable nosing overlaps of 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm).

Open stair risers with a mono stringer create a sleek, modern aesthetic. The design lacks vertical risers, promoting an open, airy feel and enhancing light flow. The mono stringer, a single, centrally-located structural element, supports the treads, providing the necessary stability. Open Mono Stair Profiles are constructed with typical stair tread thicknesses between 1.5”-4” (3.8-10.2 cm) and allowable nosing overlaps of 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm).

Nosing stair risers with closed stringers embody a traditional, functional staircase design while enhancing comfort and safety. The risers feature a "nosing" – a protrusion on the tread edge, extending slightly over the riser beneath. Nosing Closed Stair Profiles are constructed with typical stair tread thicknesses between 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm) and allowable nosing overlaps of 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm).

Nosing stair risers with sawtooth stringers blend traditional staircase features with a contemporary edge. The risers include a "nosing" - a projection of the tread over the riser below, enhancing grip and safety. This conventional element is paired with sawtooth stringers. Nosing Sawtooth Stair Profiles are constructed with typical stair tread thicknesses between 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm) and allowable nosing overlaps of 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm).

Open stair risers with sawtooth stringers manifest a unique blend of modern design and structural efficacy. The open risers omit the solid vertical component, fostering an airy feel and promoting light passage. Sawtooth stringers are defined by their distinctive jagged profile. Open Sawtooth Stair Profiles are constructed with typical stair tread thicknesses between 1.5”-4” (3.8-10.2 cm) and allowable nosing overlaps of 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm).

Beveled stair tread nosings feature a subtle angle under the flat, protruding nosing, connecting the tread to the riser. This design blends safety and elegance. The beveled angle reduces the abruptness of the step edge, aiding in a more comfortable footfall and lessening trip hazards. Bevel Nosing Stair Treads are constructed with typical stair tread thicknesses between 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm) and allowable nosing overlaps of 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm). The maximum allowable riser angle is 30 degrees.

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.

Circular Stairs are helical staircases that lead upstairs in a flowing arc. They are great for commercial properties like retail stores, showrooms, and other public spaces, but they also add a glamorous effect in an office or residential location. It is often used as a focal point in a space.

Egress Stairs are exit access stairways that incorporate an area of rescue assistance within an enlarged floor-level landing. It provides a protected path that is continuous and unobstructed travel to the exit discharge or public way. The means of egress consists of the exit access and discharge.

Straight-Run Landing 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. Straight-Run Landing Stairs have a landing inserted to break up the flight. This is especially common in commercial buildings.

Split Stairs, also known as Bifurcated Stairs, have one sweeping set of wider steps that split off into two smaller flights going in opposite directions; these ultimately reach the same horizontal level. The two more narrow flights start at the mid landing, and the railing continues from the base.

A Z-Shaped Staircase is a specialized staircase that is occasionally needed to fit around awkward architecture. It uses two parallel 90° turns that create a shape similar to that of the letter “Z” if seen from above. The stairs follow a zig-zag line with the treads and rise.

Spiral Stairs follow a helical arc, and the treads radiate around a central pole. They are often found in industrial contexts, and the reduced tread width allows for a very compact design. However, this can be a disadvantage as it can be very steep. A Spiral Staircase typically has a handrail.