Staircases

6.6.12Staircases made from timber and wood-based products

Staircases made from timber products shall be suitable for their intended purpose and of suitable quality.

The top nosing should be:

  • level with the floor decking
  • fixed firmly.

Newel posts should be plumb, and all components, including strings, treads and risers, newel posts, balustrading and handrails, fixed securely. Particular attention should be given to fixing winders.

Strings should be glued to the newel posts and secured with dowels or screws. Stair strings should be fixed to the wall in accordance with guidance supplied by the manufacturer or published by the British Woodworking Federation.

Landings should be framed to provide full support and solid fixings for the tops of flights, nosings, newels, apron linings, etc.

Timber used for external staircases should be in accordance with guidance from the Timber Decking and Cladding Association.

Finished joinery should be free from splits, knocks and other damage which would impair its structural performance or finish. Nails should be punched below the surface of the wood and stopped. Further guidance can be found in BS 1186-2.

Handrails should:

  • have a smooth finish and be free from rough edges
  • not have any sharp edges, including brackets or screw heads.