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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.

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.

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.

Curved Stairs, also referred to as Arched Stairs, use a wider radius than a Spiral Staircase to wind upwards to a second floor or landing. They can be varied in materials from wood to glass and wrought iron to add a traditional or modern feel. And they are great for commercial properties.

A 90° Winding Staircase makes a 90° turn up towards the next level. The staircase allows the user to turn a corner and change their direction. The primary benefit of a 90° Winding Staircase over a flat landing straight staircase is that the 90° Winding Staircase saves much more space.

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.

Climbing stairs is a way to change elevations quickly. Climbing stairs is done at a steeper angle than can be accomplished by a ramp. Climbing stairs can be done outside, inside, or in a dedicated stairwell. Climbing stairs may be required in some older buildings that do not have elevators.

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.

The 180° Winding Staircase, also known as a Winder Staircase, makes a 180° turn up toward the next level because of the addition of a landing at some point. It is an ideal staircase design for an entryway when it is combined with a mid-point landing for its space efficient qualities.

Climbing stairs is a way to change elevations quickly. Climbing stairs is done at a steeper angle than can be accomplished by a ramp. Climbing stairs can be done outside, inside, or in a dedicated stairwell. Climbing stairs may be required in some older buildings that do not have elevators.

Quarter Landing Stairs, also called U-Shaped Stairs, are two parallel flights of straight stairs that are joined by a landing that creates a 180° turn in the middle of the walk line. They are similar to L-shape stairs, as both can be located in a corner.

A Quarter Turn staircase changes its direction to the right or left, but the affected portion of the turn introduces a quarter space landing or winders. The flight of stairs turns 90°, as it rises to connect two different levels, so it is also called an L-stair. L-shaped Stairs have many advantages.

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.

Half-Turn Stairs have two straight flights with two 90° turns. These types of stairs are advantageous for saving space at the base where the angle is incorporated. The center of the staircase can be left open to allow for several different configurations that depend on the space.

Three-Quarter Turn Stairs change their directions through 270° by the time the stair reaches the next floor. The direction is changed three times through three right angles, with the upper flight crossing the bottom one. In this type of construction, an open well is formed.

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.

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.

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.

Handrails are an integral component in construction, providing grip and support along staircases and inclined paths. Serving as the top, graspable part of a railing system, or independently affixed to walls, handrails assist in maintaining balance, preventing falls, and aiding mobility.

Lifting is the act of picking up an object or another person, for the purpose of repositioning. One usually lifts using their hands and arms, but depending on the size and weight of the object and it’s starting position, one should engage their legs for further support and to avoid back injury.

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).

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.

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).

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.

Ramps are inclined surfaces that join different levels of a space. Commonly used at the entrances of buildings to accommodate level changes, ramps provide building access to wheelchair users. The maximum slope of a ramp is calculated to provide comfortable and easy access to the building.

Climbing is the practice of using one’s hands, feet, and possibly other equipment to ascend a steep object. Climbing is an activity done for recreational or competitive purposes, like rock climbing, but can also be done simply out of necessity or as a professional trade.

Circulation refers to the flow of people through the spaces of a building. Understood as involving building elements such as stairs, elevators, escalators and corridors, circulation is one of the most critical components to consider when designing the operation and interaction of a building.