About this Project

It takes careful planning to build a stairway that is comfortable to walk on. If one step is an inch or so different from the rest, climbing the stairway will be awkward. In many cases, it is far easier to purchase precast concrete steps.

Each step consists of a horizontal run (tread) and a vertical rise (riser). For adults, a riser height of about 7 inches and a tread width of 10 to 12 inches makes for a stairway that is comfortable and safe.

Steps leading to a house should be at least 3-1/2 feet wide, preferably wider. For flights rising more than 5 feet, a landing with at least a 3-foot run is desirable. However, a landing beneath an exterior doorway should extend 1 foot on each side of the opening and have a run of 5 feet.