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RE: stair width

AndersonProCarpentry — Wed, 30 May 2007 14:50:25 GMT

Our local building codes require a minimum width of stairs of 36". This means 36" regardless of tread width or any other factor. If there are rails and grab rails then they factor into the final width. Inspectors will measure.

RE: stair width

Clemens — Wed, 30 May 2007 07:09:29 GMT

To Mitchel

Your tread is 42" but that doesn't count. Your width is 32" and should be a minimum of 36". If you are in a county where a graspable handrail is required (3-4 more risers) the width will be even smaller. Before you build the railing I would bring this up to the inspector because there is a good change he will fail you on that and that you have to rebuild it.

Clemens

RE: stair width

Clemens — Wed, 30 May 2007 07:05:28 GMT

I assume that your stairs are not build yet. You are a 1/2" away from meeting code and technically you will fail. We can't give you the answer if the inspector will let it slide. Call your inspector in the morning when he is in the office before he hits the road. Most of them cannot be reach during the day. I think he will let you pass but it is up to the inspector.

Clemens

RE: stair width

mitchelmuse — Tue, 29 May 2007 19:58:13 GMT

Good afternoon!

I had a question in regards to your deck stair width comment. I'm building a deck and will have wrap around steps. It's my fist deck and all is well... so far. I'm now to the point where I need to put up my railing. My stair width is 42", but i'm using "correct deck" material. the posts will have to be put on the inside of the stringers. Once those posts are in I will only have 32" between posts, but will have a full 42" tread width. Will this cause a red flag with the inspector or they just concerned with the total width of the stairs....

Regards,
Mitchel

RE: stair width

AndersonProCarpentry — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 17:31:11 GMT

Hi Anthony, thanks for your question and using the forum. Can you overhang the stair thread over the stringers? If so, that will provide you enough width. Then offset your railing posts by adding wood spacers between the posts and stringers before to bolt.

Hope this helps!!

stair width

anthonyg22 — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 13:33:50 GMT

hello,

I am new to these forums and a first time deck builder. I have a question that most likely doesn't have an exact answer but your opinions would be helpful. The way that my deck is built I can only make my stairs 35 1/2 inches wide a half inch short of 3 feet. Do you think an inspector will let this go or should I spend a half day taking apart some of the deck to get it 3 feet wide. My deck is about 5 feet off the ground. All opinions are welcome.

Thanks,

Anthony