The staircase is one of the most important structural and safety elements to consider in a new build home. The National House Building Council (NHBC) has established comprehensive standards that all developers must follow to ensure staircases are safe, functional, and built to last. Understanding these requirements can help you identify potential issues during your snagging inspection and ensure your home meets the proper standards.
Compliance Requirements (Section 6.6.1)
All staircases in new build homes must comply with the NHBC Technical Requirements. This means that developers cannot simply build staircases to their own specifications – they must follow strict industry standards that have been developed to protect homeowners.
The NHBC standards work alongside Building Regulations to create a comprehensive framework for staircase construction. When developers follow the guidance set out in the NHBC standards and relevant Building Regulations, their staircases will generally be considered acceptable by building control authorities and warranty providers.
For additional technical guidance beyond the NHBC standards, developers and inspectors often refer to British Standard BS 5395-1, which provides detailed specifications for staircase design and construction. This layered approach ensures that your staircase is built to multiple overlapping standards, providing you with confidence in its safety and durability.
Design and Specification Information (Section 6.6.2)
One of the most critical aspects of proper staircase construction is ensuring that clear, comprehensive design information is provided to all relevant parties during the build process. This requirement exists because staircases involve multiple trades and specialists, and poor communication can lead to serious construction errors.
The NHBC requires that staircase design and specification information be produced in a clearly understandable format and distributed to site supervisors, specialist subcontractors, and suppliers. This information must include several key elements.
The layout documentation should show the precise positioning of stairs and landings, as well as the location of handrails. Dimensional information must cover all critical measurements including the width of the staircase, the rise and going of each step, and the height of handrails. The specifications must also detail the type, size, and length of fixings required, their exact locations, the number needed, and crucially, the type of wall and joists or trimmers that the staircase will be secured to. Finally, the landing design and structural support arrangements must be clearly specified.
This detailed documentation serves as a quality control measure. When properly implemented, it ensures that everyone involved in the construction process understands exactly what needs to be built and how. For homeowners, this means your staircase should be constructed precisely according to engineered specifications rather than left to individual interpretation on site.
Fire Safety Precautions (Section 6.6.3)
Fire safety is a paramount concern in staircase design, particularly because stairs often serve as escape routes in emergencies. Where staircases are required for fire escape purposes, they must be designed with specific fire safety considerations in mind.
The NHBC standards require that staircases be designed to meet relevant Building Regulations, with particular attention paid to the fire resistance of components and smoke ventilation requirements. This is not simply about using fire-resistant materials – it involves considering how the entire staircase system will perform during a fire emergency.
Fire resistance refers to how long building elements can withstand fire conditions while maintaining their structural integrity and preventing the spread of flames and smoke. For staircases serving as escape routes, this is critical because occupants need sufficient time to evacuate safely.
Smoke ventilation is equally important because smoke inhalation is often more dangerous than direct fire exposure. Properly designed staircases will incorporate features that help manage smoke movement and maintain clear escape routes for as long as possible.
The standards reference British Standards BS 9991 (for residential buildings) and BS 9999 (for general fire safety) for additional detailed guidance. These standards provide comprehensive frameworks for fire safety design that go well beyond basic compliance requirements.
Lighting Requirements (Section 6.6.4)
Proper lighting is essential for staircase safety, as poorly lit stairs are a significant cause of accidents in homes. The NHBC standards require that all staircases be adequately lit, with specific provisions for both artificial lighting systems and their control mechanisms.
Artificial light sources must be provided to all staircases and landings, whether they are within individual homes or in common areas of multi-unit developments. This lighting must be controlled by two-way switching systems, which allow users to turn lights on or off from both the top and bottom of the staircase. This prevents situations where someone might have to navigate a dark staircase to reach a light switch.
Alternatively, automatic light-sensitive controls may be used instead of manual two-way switching. These systems can detect when someone approaches the staircase and automatically illuminate the area, then turn off the lights after a predetermined period. This approach is particularly useful in common areas where manual switching might be impractical.
The lighting must be adequate for safe navigation, which means providing sufficient illumination to clearly see each step, handrail, and any potential obstacles. Poor lighting can make it difficult to judge distances accurately, increasing the risk of trips and falls.
The standards also reference Part 8 of the NHBC Technical Standards for additional guidance, which covers electrical installations more broadly. This ensures that staircase lighting systems are properly integrated with the overall electrical design of the home and meet appropriate safety standards for electrical installations.
Glazing Safety (Section 6.6.5)
When staircases are located near glazed areas such as windows, doors, or glass panels, special safety considerations apply. The concern is that someone using the stairs could accidentally come into contact with the glass, particularly during a fall or if they lose their balance.
The NHBC standards require that any glazing near staircases where contact could be made by someone using the stairs must be suitable for its location. This applies to glass that is below the minimum guarding height or within any zone where a user might make impact with the glazing.
There are several acceptable approaches to meet this requirement. The glazing can be protected by a balustrade or railing, with the important specification that balustrade spacing should be a maximum of 75mm to prevent someone from slipping through the gaps and still making contact with the glass. Alternatively, the glass itself can be made safer by using toughened or laminated glass, both of which are designed to break safely if impact occurs. Toughened glass shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces, while laminated glass holds together even when cracked due to a plastic interlayer. A third option is constructing the glazed area using glass blocks, which are inherently stronger and safer than standard glazing.
The standards reference the GGF (Glass and Glazing Federation) Safety and Security Glazing Good Practice Guide for additional detailed guidance. This comprehensive approach ensures that any glazing near your staircase will not pose an additional safety risk and will perform safely if accidental contact occurs.
Structural Design (Section 6.6.6)
The structural integrity of your staircase is fundamental to its safety and longevity. The NHBC requires that staircases be properly supported and transmit loads to the supporting structure without experiencing undue movement, deflection, or deformation.
This requirement covers several critical aspects of staircase construction. The staircase must be designed to comply with relevant Building Regulations and the specific standards outlined in the NHBC technical requirements. Different types of staircases have different applicable standards, creating a comprehensive framework for structural safety.
For timber staircases with straight flights and quarter or half landings, the relevant standard is BS 585 Part 1 or 2. These standards specify that the stair and landing support method and fixings must be clearly specified in the design documentation. Additionally, reference should be made to Chapter 3.3 of the NHBC standards regarding timber preservation for natural solid timber components.
Reinforced concrete staircases must be designed according to BS EN 1992-1-1 and should be designed by a qualified engineer in accordance with NHBC Technical Requirement R5. The standards also reference Chapter 3.1 covering concrete and its reinforcement for additional guidance.
Steel staircases must comply with BS EN 1993-1-1, with additional reference to Chapter 6.5 of the NHBC standards covering steelwork requirements.
Proprietary staircases, regardless of their material composition, must meet NHBC Technical Requirement R3, ensuring that even manufacturer-supplied staircase systems meet appropriate safety and performance standards.
The supporting structure itself requires careful consideration. Timber stud walls may need additional noggings to provide appropriate fixing locations for the staircase, while block walls must be sufficiently robust to support the required loads and receive appropriate fixings. Importantly, the standards note that stairs generally cannot be secured to metal stud walls, which is a crucial consideration during the design phase.
Differential movement is another critical consideration that must be accounted for during design and installation. This involves making allowances for casting or fabrication tolerances, deflection under load, foundation settlement, creep and thermal movement, and variations in storey height. Proper consideration of these factors prevents problems that could develop over time as the building settles and materials respond to environmental conditions.
Headroom and Width (Section 6.6.7)
Adequate space around your staircase is essential for safe and comfortable use. The NHBC standards specify minimum requirements for both headroom and width to ensure users can navigate the staircase safely without risk of injury from low ceilings or cramped conditions.
The headroom requirement is straightforward but critical: stairs must have a minimum of 2 metres clear headroom over the entire length and width of the stairway and landing. This measurement is taken vertically from the pitch line (an imaginary line connecting the front edges of all the treads) or from the landing surface up to any overhead obstruction.
This 2-metre minimum applies throughout the entire stairway, not just at specific points. It ensures that users of all reasonable heights can use the stairs safely without needing to duck or risk hitting their heads, even when carrying items or moving quickly.
Width requirements for staircases are determined by relevant Building Regulations, which vary depending on the type of property and the staircase’s intended use. However, the NHBC standards emphasise the importance of checking these dimensions both during the planning stage and on-site before installation.
Before staircases are installed, the overall floor opening should be carefully verified both from the architectural plans and through physical measurement on site. This verification serves two purposes: ensuring the opening is sized correctly to accept the stairs with sufficient clearance to enable proper installation, and confirming that there is adequate headroom throughout the stairway path.
Where staircases form part of a means of escape (fire escape routes), additional requirements from Building Regulations may apply, potentially requiring greater width or other specific provisions to ensure safe evacuation in emergency situations.
Design of Steps (Section 6.6.8)
The design of individual steps is perhaps the most critical aspect of staircase safety, as poorly designed steps are a major cause of accidents. The NHBC standards address three key areas: the pitch (angle) of the staircase, the design of individual steps, and special considerations for tapered treads and winders.
Pitch Requirements
The pitch or angle of your staircase directly affects how comfortable and safe it is to use. The NHBC sets a maximum pitch of 42 degrees for private stairs (those serving individual homes). This limit ensures that stairs are not so steep as to be dangerous or uncomfortable to navigate.
The relationship between the rise (height of each step) and going (depth of each tread) is carefully regulated. Private stairs must have a maximum rise of 220mm per step and a minimum going of 220mm (or 225mm in Scotland). Additionally, the dimensions must satisfy the equation 2R + G, where R is the rise and G is the going, with the result falling between 550mm and 700mm. This formula, known as the “comfort formula,” ensures that the steps are proportioned for safe and comfortable use.
Proper installation is crucial – staircases must be accurately located and fixed with the string at the correct angle to ensure all treads are level. Even small errors in installation can create uneven steps that pose a tripping hazard.
Step Construction Requirements
Within each flight of stairs, consistency is paramount. All treads must be level, and the rise and going of steps must be equal throughout the flight. This consistency is essential because users develop an unconscious rhythm when using stairs, and any variation can cause them to trip or stumble.
The standards account for practical construction considerations, such as floor screeds or finishes that might affect the bottom rise. Floor finishes that reduce the bottom rise by a maximum of 12mm are acceptable, but larger variations must be avoided.
For open riser stairs (where there is a gap between treads rather than a solid riser), additional safety requirements apply. The treads must overlap by a minimum of 16mm (15mm in Scotland) to provide adequate foot support. Crucially, open risers must not permit a 100mm sphere to pass through the gap, preventing small children from getting their heads or bodies stuck. Open risers are not permitted for common stairs serving multiple properties.
Tapered Treads and Winders
Tapered treads and winders (steps that change the direction of the staircase) present special challenges because they are narrower at one end than the other. The NHBC standards require that the rise of tapered treads be consistent throughout the staircase, maintaining the same height relationship with other steps.
The going (depth) of tapered treads must be uniform and no less than the going of the associated straight flight steps. At their narrowest point, tapered treads must provide a minimum of 50mm depth to ensure adequate foot support. The measurement of tapered treads must be taken in accordance with relevant Building Regulations, which specify exactly where on the tread these measurements should be taken.
For staircases exposed to weather, additional safety measures are required because wet conditions can make steps slippery. In these situations, either a non-slip finish must be applied to the treads, or non-slip inserts must be installed on each tread to maintain safe footing in all weather conditions.
Landings (Section 6.6.9)
Landings serve as crucial rest points and transition areas in staircases, and their proper design and construction is essential for safe staircase use. The NHBC standards require that landings allow safe use of the staircase through several specific design and construction requirements.
From a structural perspective, landings must be constructed in accordance with the approved design and be properly supported to transmit loads to the supporting structure without experiencing undue movement, deflection, or deformation. This ensures that landings remain stable and level under normal use conditions. The framing must provide full support and solid fixings for the tops of flights, nosings, newels, apron linings, and other staircase components that connect to the landing.
The positioning and sizing of landings follows specific requirements. Landings should typically be provided at both the top and bottom of every flight, ensuring users have a safe transition area when entering or leaving the staircase. Each landing must be level and at least the same depth and width as the staircase itself, providing adequate space for users to manoeuvre safely.
Door positioning relative to landings requires careful consideration to prevent dangerous conflicts between door operation and staircase use. Generally, door swings must not obstruct landings, as this could create hazardous situations where someone opening a door could strike a person using the stairs. However, there is a specific exception for private stairs: a door may open across the bottom landing where the door swing maintains a minimum clearance of 400mm from the first tread. This exception recognises the practical constraints often found in residential layouts whilst maintaining safety.
Similarly, pivot windows must not obstruct the landing area or stair flight when opened. This prevents situations where an open window could create a head injury risk or block safe passage on the staircase.
Guarding (Section 6.6.10)
Protective guarding is required wherever there is a risk of falling from height, and staircases present particular risks due to their elevation and the fact that users may lose their balance. The NHBC standards establish clear requirements for when guarding is needed and how it must be constructed.
Guarding is required where the drop is more than 600mm at any point along the open sides of stairs and landings. This threshold recognises that falls from greater heights pose serious injury risks. Additionally, guarding may be required where a stair abuts an opening window to comply with relevant Building Regulations, preventing situations where someone could fall through an open window while using the staircase.
The guarding must extend along the full length of the flight, including landings, ensuring continuous protection throughout the staircase. The guarding must be capable of resisting specified forces according to detailed tables in the NHBC standards and British Standard BS 6180. These force requirements account for both normal use loads and the possibility of someone falling against the guarding.
Guarding can take the form of either a solid wall or balustrading system, but must be positioned at specific heights depending on the type of staircase. For private stairs in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man, the minimum guarding height is 900mm for both flights and landings. In Scotland, private stair flights require guarding between 840mm and 1,000mm high, with landings requiring 900mm minimum height. Common stairs serving multiple properties have more stringent requirements, with 900mm minimum height for flights and 1,100mm for landings.
Balustrading systems must meet additional safety requirements beyond basic height specifications. They must be fixed securely and designed not to be easily climbed by children, avoiding horizontal footholds that could enable climbing. Crucially, balustrading must not permit a 100mm diameter sphere to pass through any opening. This “sphere test” prevents small children from getting their heads stuck between balusters. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, there are specific exceptions allowing larger gaps between a stair rise and the lowest edge of protective barriers, provided the barrier edge is not more than 50mm above and parallel to the stair’s pitch line.
For longer guardrails or balustrades, structural considerations become important. Newel posts alone may not be sufficient to transfer horizontal forces to the main structure, requiring intermediate posts. The method of fixing newels must be properly specified, such as through-bolting to joists or using alternative engineered support systems.
Handrails (Section 6.6.11)
Handrails provide essential support for staircase users and are particularly important for people with mobility limitations, those carrying items, or anyone who loses their balance. The NHBC standards establish comprehensive requirements for when handrails are needed and how they must be installed.
A handrail is required for any flight of stairs that rises over 600mm, recognising that higher stairs pose greater fall risks and that users need support for longer climbs. The handrail must extend throughout the full length of the stair flight, providing continuous support from bottom to top.
The positioning of handrails is precisely specified to ensure they provide effective support. Handrails must be located at a vertical distance of 900mm to 1,000mm above the pitch line (or 840mm to 1,000mm in Scotland). This height range accommodates users of different statures whilst ensuring the handrail is positioned for effective use. The handrail must maintain a minimum 25mm clearance from any wall surface, allowing users to grip the handrail properly without their knuckles scraping against the wall.
The handrail itself must provide a secure and comfortable grip. It must be securely fixed according to the design specifications and ensure a firm handhold throughout its length. The handrail should have rounded ends or be returned to the wall to reduce the risk of clothing being caught, preventing dangerous snag situations. Continuity is essential – the handrail must be continuous and unobstructed throughout its length, avoiding any gaps or interruptions that could leave users without support at critical moments.
The finish quality of handrails directly affects their usability and safety. Handrails must have a smooth finish and be free from rough or sharp edges, including any brackets or fixing heads. This ensures comfortable use and prevents injuries from splinters, sharp edges, or protruding fixings.
Special provisions apply to tapered treads and winders (curved stair sections). Where handrails are provided to the outside of curved stairs, they must provide safe handhold for the full rise of any stairs with a total rise greater than 600mm. The standards vary by region: in England, Wales, and Scotland, where staircases have between one and four tapered treads or winders, the newel post may provide adequate handhold support. However, in Northern Ireland, a handrail must be fitted to the outside of all tapered stairs regardless of the number of tapered steps.
For situations where newel posts provide the primary handhold, there must be a minimum distance of 100mm between newels to allow proper hand grip. Where handrails are needed, they should be continuous for the entire rise to avoid requiring users to change hands mid-climb. At corners, handrails do not need to physically join if they extend into the corner area and provide for easy transfer of handhold from one rail to another.
Timber and Wood-Based Product Staircases (Section 6.6.12)
Timber staircases are among the most common types found in residential properties, and the NHBC standards provide detailed requirements to ensure they are suitable for their intended purpose and constructed to appropriate quality standards. These requirements cover everything from structural adequacy to finishing details.
The fundamental requirement is that timber staircases must be adequately fixed to the supporting structure. This involves careful consideration of the fixing methods and the structural capacity of the supporting elements. Stair strings (the structural sides of the staircase) must be fixed to walls in accordance with guidance from the manufacturer or the British Woodworking Federation Stair Scheme Installation Guide for Timber Stairs.
Where light gauge steel framing (LSF) is intended to support staircases, special consultation with the stud manufacturer is required to ensure the framing can adequately support the staircase loads. This is crucial because standard steel stud systems may not have sufficient load-bearing capacity for staircase attachments without additional reinforcement.
The installation details are precisely specified to ensure structural integrity. The wall string should be cut to sit over the floor joist, allowing it to land evenly on the floor or landing surface. The top nosing must be level with the floor decking and securely screwed into the joist, creating a solid connection between the staircase and the floor structure.
All staircase components must be installed to precise standards. Newel posts must be plumb (perfectly vertical), and all components including strings, treads, risers, newel posts, balustrading, and handrails must be fixed securely. Particular attention should be given to fixing winders, as their angled geometry can create additional structural challenges.
The connection details between components are important for long-term durability. Strings should be glued to newel posts and secured with dowels or screws, creating strong joints that will not loosen over time. However, staircase fixing requirements must not compromise any fire or acoustic performance requirements of the supporting structure.
Landing construction follows the same principles as the staircase itself. Landings must be constructed according to the design, properly supported to transmit loads without undue movement, deflection or deformation, and framed to provide full support and solid fixings for staircase components including flight tops, nosings, newels, and apron linings.
For external timber staircases, additional requirements apply due to weather exposure. External timber staircases, landings, and support structures must be preservative treated or possess adequate natural durability in accordance with NHBC Chapter 3.3 covering timber preservation. Construction must follow guidance from the Timber Decking and Cladding Association Code of Practice for Raised Timber Deck Structures on New Homes.
Quality control extends to the finished appearance and structural soundness. Finished joinery must be free from splits, knocks, and other damage that would impair structural performance or appearance. All nails should be punched below the wood surface and the holes filled (stopped) for a professional finish. Additional guidance on joinery quality can be found in British Standard BS 1186-2.
Concrete Staircases (Section 6.6.13)
Concrete staircases are commonly found in modern developments and high-rise buildings, offering durability and fire resistance. The NHBC standards ensure these staircases meet appropriate quality and safety requirements through specific construction and design criteria.
All concrete staircases must be designed and manufactured in accordance with BS EN 1992-1-1, the European standard for concrete structures. This comprehensive standard covers everything from material specifications to structural calculations, ensuring that concrete staircases can safely support their intended loads throughout their design life.
For precast construction, where staircase units are manufactured off-site and installed as complete units, additional requirements apply. Precast staircases must comply with BS EN 14843, which specifically covers precast concrete products. The installation process requires careful attention to accurate location and levelling of units, as well as proper consideration of load paths – how structural forces will be transmitted from the staircase through to the supporting structure.
In-situ construction, where concrete is poured and cured in place, follows the guidance provided in NHBC Chapter 3.1 covering concrete and its reinforcement. This approach requires careful attention to several critical details. Shuttering (the temporary formwork that shapes the concrete) must be constructed to ensure consistent rise and going measurements across all steps. Any variation in step dimensions creates a serious safety hazard, so precise formwork is essential.
Proper reinforcement positioning is crucial for structural integrity. Chairs or spacing blocks must be used to provide the correct cover to reinforcement as specified in NHBC Chapter 3.1. This cover protects the steel reinforcement from corrosion and ensures the concrete and steel work together effectively as a composite structural system.
Formwork removal timing is critical and must follow the design information precisely. Removing formwork too early can cause structural damage or surface defects, while leaving it too long can create construction delays and potentially affect the concrete surface quality.
For concrete staircases requiring balustrading or handrails, the fixing design must be carefully planned and executed. Design information specifying the spacing of bolt fixings for these elements must be followed precisely. The balustrading can be grouted into preformed holes or pockets, or bolted to brackets that are cast into the concrete during construction.
Special care is required when using expanding fixings near concrete edges, as these can cause cracking or spalling if not properly positioned and sized. The structural engineer’s specifications for these fixings must be followed exactly to prevent both immediate and long-term problems.
Steel Staircases (Section 6.6.14)
Steel staircases offer strength, durability, and design flexibility, making them popular in both residential and commercial applications. The NHBC standards ensure that steel staircases meet appropriate structural and quality requirements through specific design and installation criteria.
All steel staircases must be designed in accordance with BS EN 1993-1-1, the European standard for steel structures. This standard provides comprehensive guidance on material properties, structural design methods, and safety factors appropriate for steel construction.
Several practical requirements ensure proper installation and performance. The manufacturer’s assembly and erection instructions must be available on site and followed precisely. Steel staircases often involve complex connections and precise tolerances, making adherence to manufacturer specifications essential for both safety and performance.
The supporting structure must be constructed within the relevant tolerance limits specified for the steel staircase. Steel components typically have tighter dimensional tolerances than other construction materials, so the supporting concrete or masonry work must be correspondingly precise to ensure proper fit and load transfer.
Protective coatings are essential for steel staircases to prevent corrosion and maintain their appearance over time. These coatings must be provided in accordance with NHBC Chapter 6.5 covering steelwork, which specifies appropriate coating systems for different exposure conditions and expected service lives.
The standards reference additional guidance in Chapter 6.5 Steelwork, ensuring that steel staircase requirements are coordinated with broader steelwork requirements throughout the building.
Proprietary Staircase Units (Section 6.6.15)
Many modern developments use proprietary staircase systems – pre-designed and manufactured staircase units that are supplied as complete systems by specialist manufacturers. While these systems can offer advantages in terms of quality control and installation speed, they must still meet all relevant safety and performance standards.
The fundamental requirement is that proprietary staircases and their associated components must comply with the NHBC Technical Requirements. This means that even though these staircases are manufactured by specialist companies, they cannot be exempt from the same safety and quality standards that apply to site-built staircases.
This requirement ensures that homeowners receive the same level of protection regardless of whether their staircase was built on-site by traditional methods or supplied as a proprietary system. The manufacturer must demonstrate compliance with relevant standards and provide appropriate documentation and warranties for their products.
Protection During Construction (Section 6.6.16)
Staircases represent a significant investment in both safety and aesthetics, making their protection during the construction process essential. Construction sites can be harsh environments with heavy trades, potential impacts, and weather exposure that can cause serious damage to completed staircases.
The NHBC standards require that stairs be kept free from damage and unsightly marks throughout the construction process. This protection requirement recognises that staircases, once installed, can be difficult and expensive to repair or replace if damaged.
When storing staircases before installation, specific precautions must be taken. Staircases should be stacked on bearers to keep them off the ground and prevent moisture damage, warping, or contact damage. They must be suitably protected from weather exposure, which can cause various forms of deterioration depending on the staircase material.
Timing of installation is critical, particularly for timber staircases. Timber staircases should only be fixed in place once the building is weathertight, protecting them from moisture exposure that could cause warping, splitting, or other damage. Installing staircases too early in the construction process exposes them to unnecessary risks from subsequent trades and weather.
Physical protection of installed staircases is essential throughout the remaining construction period. Staircases, stair treads, nosings, balustrades, and handrails may be protected using timber strips, plywood sheets, or building paper. This protection prevents damage from subsequent trades such as decorators, flooring installers, or final cleaning operations.
For timber staircases, additional protection may be needed against moisture from concrete floors. Residual moisture in concrete slabs can affect timber components, so an isolating damp-proof course may be provided directly below the staircase to offer protection against moisture migration.
The standards reference NHBC Chapter 6.5 Steelwork for additional guidance on protection requirements specific to steel components.
Further Information and Standards (Section 6.6.17)
The NHBC staircase standards reference numerous additional British Standards and guidance documents that provide more detailed technical information for specific aspects of staircase design and construction. These references ensure that the NHBC requirements are supported by the broader framework of industry best practice and technical expertise.
Key reference standards include BS 5395-1, which provides a comprehensive code of practice for designing stairs with straight flights and winders. This standard offers detailed guidance on dimensional requirements, materials, and construction methods. BS 5395-2 covers the design of helical and spiral stairs, addressing the unique challenges presented by curved staircase geometries.
For timber staircases, BS 585-1:1989 provides specifications for stairs with closed risers for domestic use, covering straight and winder flights as well as quarter or half landings. BS 585-2:1985 addresses performance requirements for domestic stairs constructed from wood-based materials, ensuring that engineered wood products meet appropriate standards for staircase applications.
These reference standards provide the detailed technical foundation that supports the NHBC requirements, ensuring that staircase design and construction draws upon decades of engineering experience and research into staircase safety and performance.
