How To Look At A House

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What is code for stair risers?

Sunday, March 15, 2020

The maximum riser (vertical part) of a stair is 7-3/4” according to the International Residential Code (IRC R311.7.5.1). Combine that 7-3/4” riser with a 10” minimum tread (horizontal part) and you have the steepest stair allowed by code. However, when a tread is less than 11” you must make up the difference with a nosing (extension over the face of the riser below). In this case it would be 1”. See our blog post When is a nosing required on a stair tread? for more on this. 

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Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about STAIRS:

What do home inspectors check when inspecting stairs?

Is a landing always required at the top and bottom of stairs? 

When is a railing required at stairs?

What is the building code for the minimum height of stair steps (risers)? 

What is the building code requirement for receptacle outlets at stairs and stair landings?  

Are open stair risers acceptable?

What is the steepest residential stair allowed?

Why is a single step dangerous in a house?

 Do I need stairs at all exit doors from a mobile home? 

The stairs feel too steep. What's the building code? 

• What is the longest stair run allowed? 

• What is the lighting requirement for stairs?

• A light is required over a stair after how many steps/risers? 

• When is safety glass required for windows at stairs and stair landings?

   Visit our STAIRS page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.

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