What is the maximum riser height in a commercial space?

By James Sullivan

What is the maximum riser height in a commercial space?

7 inches Determining riser, tread and nosing requirements For both the IBC and the ADA, the 7/11 rule applies: riser height is a maximum of 7 inches and minimum of 4 inches and tread depth is a minimum of 11 inches.

What is the minimum guardrail height in a commercial building?

42″ In commercial applications, the IBC requires a minimum height of 42″. On stairs, once there is a 30″ drop, a handrail will be required and placed between 34″ and 38″ above the nosing.

How tall does a commercial stair riser have to be?

👉 For more insights, check out this resource.

Commercial Stair Riser Height The code specifies that risers should not be more than 7 inches in height and not less than 4 inches when measured vertically between the nosing of the adjacent tread. Any variation of risers within a flight of stairs should not be more than ⅜ inch of tolerance.

Can a stair stringer exceed local building codes?

This stair may be improper in another regard: the total rise or number of steps without an intermediate landing may exceed local building codes.

👉 Discover more in this in-depth guide.

Do you have to have two risers in Your House?

A two riser minimum would translate to two steps. Be aware that not all applications must meet building code. Generally, building codes apply for new construction or major renovation. If the work you are doing, is not subject to inspection, you do not have to meet any requirement.

How are commercial stair requirements different from residential?

With that said, let’s get into what those commercial stair requirements are… Unlike residential stairs per the IRC, where the width is just a given measurement, commercial stair width per the IBC is based on capacity.

Commercial Stair Riser Height The code specifies that risers should not be more than 7 inches in height and not less than 4 inches when measured vertically between the nosing of the adjacent tread. Any variation of risers within a flight of stairs should not be more than ⅜ inch of tolerance.

What is the International Code for stair treads and risers?

International Building Code for Stair treads and risers 1009.3 Stair treads and risers. Stair riser heights shall be 7 inches (178 mm) maximum and 4 inches (102 mm) minimum. Stair tread depths shall be 11 inches (279 mm) minimum. The riser height shall be measured vertically between the leading edges of adjacent treads.

A two riser minimum would translate to two steps. Be aware that not all applications must meet building code. Generally, building codes apply for new construction or major renovation. If the work you are doing, is not subject to inspection, you do not have to meet any requirement.

How is the width of a commercial stair determined?

COMMERCIAL STAIR WIDTH. Unlike residential stairs per the IRC, where the width is just a given measurement, commercial stair width per the IBC is based on capacity. In order to determine this the code refers us to Section 1005.1, but before we look at this section the code does say that the minimum width shall not be less than 44 inches.