6.6 Staircases

Also see:

3.3

6.6.12 Staircases made from timber and wood-based products

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

Timber staircases should be adequately fixed to the supporting structure.

Stair strings should be fixed to the wall in accordance with guidance supplied by the manufacturer or published by the British Woodworking Federation ‘Stair Scheme Installation Guide Timber Stairs’.

Where light gauge steel framing (LSF) is intended to be used to support staircases, the stud manufacturer should be consulted to ensure the framing can adequately support the staircase loads.

The wall string should be cut to sit over the floor joist to land evenly on the floor or landing.

The top nosing should be:

  • level with the floor decking
  • screwed into the joist.

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.

Staircase fixing requirements should not impede any fire or acoustic requirements for the supporting structure.

Landings should be:

  • constructed in accordance with the design
  • properly supported and transmit loads to the supporting structure without undue movement, deflection or deformation
  • framed to provide full support and solid fixings for the tops of flights, nosings, newels, apron linings, etc.

Timber external staircases, landings and any necessary support should be:

  • preservative treated or have adequate natural durability in accordance with Chapter 3.3
  • constructed in accordance with guidance from the Timber Decking and Cladding Association ‘Code of Practice - Raised timber deck structures on new homes’.

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.

Last updated: 2nd January 2024

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