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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Building Questions >> Step Height https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1400591507 Message started by Lectrician on May 20^th, 2014, 2:11pm

Title: Step Height
Post by Lectrician on May 20^th, 2014, 2:11pm

Pretty sure the maximum height for a step outside a door is 220mm?

I have a utility room door which is not used often, but needs a step. From the underside of the uPVC cill is 400mm.

Can I split this height in half, and have a single 200mm step?

Does the 220mm maximum need to include the cill and threshold?

Thanks.

Title: Re: Step Height
Post by thescruff on May 20^th, 2014, 2:15pm

all the steps in the flight must be equal

Title: Re: Step Height
Post by thescruff on May 20^th, 2014, 2:39pm

Talking to the builder outside the back door he reckons the heights have been reduced to 150mm

Yep building regs.

150mm rise.
280mm minimum tread.
900mm unobstructed width.

Plus you could need a 600 landing top and bottom.

3 or more steps need a handrail.

Title: Re: Step Height
Post by TIMBA-WOLF on May 20^th, 2014, 3:53pm

Scruff, please ask your builder, "Which version" of the building regs is he referencing...and which part....

as the 150mm is a MINIMUM height.... and as for the other dimensions, they all depend upon their application. such as domestic, institutional, industrial etc etc etc...

therefore LEC....

document "K" (2013 rev) Part 1 , table 1.1 (pg14-15) states private stairs, not accessible to the public.... rise 150MM MINIMIUM to a 220mm MAXIMUM..
and going 220mm MINIMUM with a 300mm MAXIMUM...

sorry if I seem a tad rectal, but I spend lots of money each year/ when ever a new amendment is released to keep my regs fully up to date... I hate being advised incorrectly by damn stupid architects and council officials... whom only seem to whoosh over the basic's of any reg, and do not look it to ALL of the options if, X Y or Z apply...

I have even tripped (sorry for the relevant pun) up recently an architect,, whom it turned out was 2 sets of updates behind the world...

I trust this helps people...

Title: Re: Step Height
Post by thescruff on May 20^th, 2014, 5:27pm

sorry TW, have to ask, are you talking external steps or internal stairs.

Must go out and play with me balls (snooker) be back later. ;D

Title: Re: Step Height
Post by TIMBA-WOLF on May 20^th, 2014, 6:59pm

to quote section 1.1

"SCOPE: the guidance provided in this document covers internal and external steps and stairs when they are part of the building: see approved document M, Section 1 (for buildings other than domestic dwellings)"

subsection :

"Construction of steps" Must have level treads on steps, ensuring the rise and going are consistent throughout the flight, and are in accordance with table 1.1"

oh, white in off the black ::) ::) ::)

Title: Re: Step Height
Post by Lectrician on May 20^th, 2014, 10:10pm

I had found the part K, and that's where I found the 220mm max.

If I had a single 200mm step, that would be 400mm to the cill - Is this OK, or is it meant to be to the cill as such? If so, the cill and threshold are likely around 50-60mm I guess, so a tad over, requiring a second step. Ideally don't want an extra step as this would protrude a little too far.

Cheers.

Title: Re: Step Height
Post by TIMBA-WOLF on May 21^st, 2014, 7:04am

Provided the cill does not have an over hang of more than 70mm from the brick/blockwork outwards then it is not included in the dims, so the 200 rise is fine...