Planning & Checklists
Staircase Planning Checklist
Updated 2 min read
The short answer
A staircase plan must resolve seven dimensions before fabrication: total rise (floor-to-floor height), total run (horizontal distance available), going (tread depth), rise (riser height), width, headroom, and railing height. These dimensions are interrelated — changing one affects the others. The planning process works backward from the total rise, because the number of steps is determined by the code maximum riser height.
Code requirements (Alberta Building Code)
| Element | Code requirement | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum riser height | 200mm (7-7/8") | 170–180mm for comfort |
| Minimum going (tread depth) | 230mm (9") | 250–280mm for comfort |
| Maximum going variation | Between consecutive treads | Consistent — within 3mm |
| Maximum rise variation | Between consecutive risers | Consistent — within 3mm |
| Minimum width | 800mm (31-1/2") | 900–1000mm for comfort |
| Minimum headroom | 2000mm (78-3/4") | 2100mm+ for comfort |
| Handrail height | 865–965mm (34–38") | 900mm from nosing line |
| Baluster spacing | Maximum 100mm (4") gap | 100mm maximum |
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Planning checklist
- Measure total rise (floor to floor — measure in multiple locations)
- Calculate number of risers (total rise ÷ desired riser height, rounded up)
- Calculate riser height (total rise ÷ number of risers)
- Verify riser height is within code (under 200mm)
- Measure total run available (horizontal distance from stair opening to landing)
- Calculate total run (number of goings × going depth)
- Verify headroom at every point on the stair path
- Choose configuration (straight, L-shaped, U-shaped, winder)
- Choose stringer type (open or closed)
- Choose tread material (hardwood, MDF, laminate)
- Choose railing material and style
- Choose baluster type (wood, metal, glass, cable)
- Choose newel post style and material
- Specify handrail profile
- Note lighting requirements (in-stair, wall-mounted, overhead)
- Confirm code compliance with Calgary Building Services
Answers
Frequently asked questions
- Can I change the stair configuration without rebuilding?
- You can change the railing, balusters, handrail and treads without touching the stringers. Changing the configuration (straight to L-shaped, for example) requires a complete structural rebuild because the stringers, landings and geometry are all different.
- How do I calculate the number of stairs?
- Divide the total rise (floor-to-floor height) by the desired riser height (170–180mm is comfortable). Round up to the nearest whole number. That gives you the number of risers. The number of treads is one less than the number of risers (the top tread is at the upper floor level).
- Should I plan the stair before or after flooring?
- Before. The stair dimensions depend on the finished floor heights of both levels. If the flooring changes (e.g., hardwood on the main floor, carpet upstairs), the total rise changes. Plan the stair after the flooring is selected and the thickness is known, but before the flooring is installed.
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