Stairs are not only essential from a practical viewpoint, but also influence the style of a house or apartment. To ensure that indoor stairs continue to please over the long term, they must be safe and sturdy. TÜV SÜD presents some tips for planning your stairs.

Type: A spiral or newel staircase saves space and is thus particularly suitable for subsequent installation - perhaps as part of a loft conversion. A classic full wooden staircase along a wall provides an enhanced feeling of security for older people thanks to the additional support they have from the wall.

Width: A staircase that is wide enough is not only convenient to use, but is also a practical transport route. The minimum width of the staircase must be determined on the basis of the DIN 18065 standard. Depending on the general conditions, it may be from 80 to 100 centimeters.

Riser height: The pitch ratio of a flight of stairs - the ratio of rise height to tread depth -  is essential to create a feeling of security.  TÜV SÜD's building engineering experts recommend a pitch ratio of 17 to 29 centimeters. This figure is used to calculate the number of steps required, depending on floor height. All steps must be at equal distance - a point to consider particularly when selecting the floor covering on top of and below the steps - such as tiles or parquet.

Balustrade: If the steps need to be childproof, the balustrade does the job. According to building regulations, a balustrade must be at least 90 centimeters. high, and the distance between the individual vertical risers or stair supports must not exceed twelve centimeters., to ensure that children cannot slip through. Indoor stairs for apartments are still permitted to have horizontal banisters or railings; however, these could be seen by children as an ideal adventure playground and represent quite a risk in this respect. This aspect should be considered by the installer of the stairs when deciding on the final design. Iron or steel elements with sharp edges should never be used.

Handrail: Handrails - where possible installed on both sides of a staircase - give children and older people additional security. The minimum width of the stairs must be calculated between the handrails. The new edition of the DIN 18065 standard (currently in draft form) contains detailed descriptions of handrail requirements. TÜV SÜD's tip: simply ask your specialist.

Media contact:
Dr. Thomas Oberst
Telephone: +49 (0) 89 / 57 91-23 72
Fax: +49 (0) 89 / 57 91-212
Email: thomas.oberst@tuev-sued.de
Internet: www.tuev-sued.de

TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH supplies engineering, testing and inspection services for manufacturers and operators of process-engineering plants, buildings and infrastructural facilities. Additionally the 2,400 employees offer consulting services for the planning and construction phases and provide support in optimizing and safeguarding smooth operation right down to dismantling and disposal.