ACADuser Posted August 12, 2018 Share Posted August 12, 2018 Looking at the minimum width opening required for interior residential stairs I came up with 6'-6 1/4" drywall to drywall. That is given a 2" handrail, 1-1/4" balusters and a 1" side tread overhang. Does that look correct to you folks? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kbird1 Posted August 12, 2018 Share Posted August 12, 2018 It may depend on Local Codes but I thought the staircase had to be 39" ( 3'3" ) not 3' ? I think CA's Staircase is 39" by default too ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShaneK Posted August 12, 2018 Share Posted August 12, 2018 It would pass code in Michigan because or minimum is 36" CLEAR opening, no obstructions allowed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe_Carrick Posted August 12, 2018 Share Posted August 12, 2018 According to the CRC which I believe is exactly the same as the IRC: Minimum width above handrails is 36". Handrails are allowed to project as much as 4.5" into the 36" minimum width Minimum width at and below handrails is 31.5" when the handrail is only on one side. Minimum width at and below handrails is 27" when the handrail is on both sides. Based on the above, assuming no tread overhang on the open sides you can have a switchback stairway of 6'-0" drywall to drywall. Note that a "Guard" on the open sides could actually be at the same location as the handrail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ACADuser Posted August 13, 2018 Author Share Posted August 13, 2018 Joe Florida Building code has the same language. So this would be the tightest design. 36" clear to the adjacent tread side overhangs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ACADuser Posted August 13, 2018 Author Share Posted August 13, 2018 I think I have it boiled down to this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe_Carrick Posted August 13, 2018 Share Posted August 13, 2018 That's pretty good but in my neck of the woods we have to actually dimension what is going to be. Just referencing a code section is frowned on because the builder and/or tradesmen may not actually have access to the code. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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