Staircase Design Rules

UK Building Regulations

For domestic staircases: Maximum riser height 220mm (recommended 175–200mm). Minimum going (tread depth) 220mm (recommended 220–300mm). The 2R + G rule should fall between 550–700mm where R = riser and G = going.

Comfort Formula

The traditional comfort formula is 2 × Riser + Going = 630mm (some sources say 600–650mm). A riser of 180mm with a going of 270mm = 2×180+270 = 630mm — ideal. Steeper stairs feel more like ladders; shallower stairs take more floor space.

Headroom

UK regulations require minimum 2000mm headroom measured vertically from the nosing line of any step to the ceiling or obstruction above. This must be checked throughout the full stair length, not just at the bottom.

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