How To Look At A House
McGarry and Madsen's home inspection blog for buyers of
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What is the minimum step depth (tread) allowed on a stair?
Saturday, February 29, 2020
The depth of a stair tread should not be less than 10 inches, measured vertically between the leading edges of adjacent treads, according to the International Residential Code (IRC 311.7.5.2). The maximum allowable varitation in tread depth is 3/8 inch.
But a nosing (extension of the tread leading edge past face of riser below it) is required for stair treads less than 11 inches in depth to create a minimum tread surface of at least 11 inches (IRC 311.7.5.3). A nosing cannot project less the 3/4 inch or more than 1-1/4 inch.
Also, see our blog post What is the steepest residential stair allowed?
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Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about STAIRS:
• What do home inspectors check when inspecting stairs?
• Is a landing always required at the top and bottom of stairs?
• When is a railing required at stairs?
• What is the building code for the minimum height of stair steps (risers)?
• When is a nosing required on a stair tread?
• What is the building code requirement for receptacle outlets at stairs and stair landings?
• Are open stair risers acceptable?
• What is the steepest residential stair allowed?
• Why is a single step dangerous in a house?
• Do I need stairs at all exit doors from a mobile home?
• The stairs feel too steep. What's the building code?
• What is the longest stair run allowed?
• What is the lighting requirement for stairs?
• A light is required over a stair after how many steps/risers?
• When is safety glass required for windows at stairs and stair landings?
Visit our STAIRS page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.
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