Here at Jarrods Staircases, we know that a staircase is more than just a practical feature in your home. It’s a central design element – and sometimes even a focal point – that connects your living spaces and makes a lasting impression. But when it comes to designing and installing a staircase, it’s not all about aesthetics. Building regulations play a crucial role in ensuring your staircase is both safe and functional.

In this guide, we walk you through the essential building regulations that apply to domestic  staircases in the UK. From measurements to handrails, angles, and even spiral and open staircases, we’ve got you covered. So, whether you’re renovating your existing staircase or planning to install something new, keep reading to make sure your staircase meets all the necessary requirements.

Are stairs covered by building regulations?

Yes, domestic staircases must comply with Building Regulations Approved Document K in England and Wales. Interestingly, these regulations don’t only apply to any new staircase installation – they are also enforceable when it comes to significant alterations to existing stairs or when converting spaces like lofts that require new access points.

Key domestic regulations include:

• Minimum headroom of 2m for the entire flight
• Maximum of 16 steps in a single flight (for flights between landings)
• Adequate lighting at top and bottom landings
• Fire safety measures, particularly for stairs serving more than two floors
• No door swing located in landing spaces. 

These regulations are designed to improve household safety. Although some of these regulations can sound restrictive, they do actually allow for a fair bit of flexibility when it comes to design. With this in mind, if you opt to work with experienced staircase designers, like Jarrods, finding the perfect balance between compliance and aesthetics can be simple. 

 

How do you measure a staircase?

Naturally, measuring a staircase properly before installation is the first step to ensuring it meets building regulations. So, to do this correctly, there are three key measurements to keep in mind:

1. Rise – This is the height of each individual step. According to UK regulations, the maximum rise for a domestic staircase is 220mm, with 150mm being the minimum permitted rise. 
2. Going – The going is the depth of each step, measured from the front edge of one step to the front edge of the next. The minimum going for domestic stairs is 220mm, while the maximum going for domestic (or ‘private’) staircases is 300mm.
3. Pitch – This refers to the angle of the staircase. The maximum pitch allowed is 42°. Anything more is considered too steep and therefore unsafe. 

It’s also important to measure the headroom, which is the vertical height from the stair tread to the ceiling. The minimum headroom is 2 metres to avoid bumping heads! This is a minimum that must be maintained on both landings, as well as on each steph, regardless of the pitch. 

Remember: if a new staircase you are installing – or one post renovations – doesn’t meet these measurements, it could be deemed unsafe or non-compliant with building regulations. That’s why it’s essential to get these numbers right from the start.

 

How high should a handrail be on a staircase?

Handrails are an essential safety feature on any staircase, especially if you have children or elderly family members. For this reason, domestic staircases with more than two risers must have an accompanying handrail installed on at least one side. For wider staircases, two handrails are recommended.

When it comes to handrail height, this is also regulated to make sure they’re easy to grip and provide the necessary support for the majority of potential users. For domestic staircases, building regulations state that handrails should be between 900mm and 1000mm from the pitch line (the imaginary line that marks the ‘floor’ level on each step) all the way up the length of the staircase. 

 

What angle should staircases be?

Interestingly, an angle of roughly 37° is commonly regarded as the ideal balance for stair comfort and safety. However, the space you have to work with and the type of staircase you want to install will need to be factored into your decision-making here. 

Naturally, regulations also have to be considered here. As discussed above, UK building regulations state that the maximum pitch for a domestic staircase is 42°. This is considered a safe and comfortable angle for most homes.

When it comes to renovations, it’s important to remember that for staircases with a lower rise and longer going, the pitch will naturally be gentler, which can make the staircase easier to navigate. On the other hand, compact staircases, such as those found in loft conversions, may have a steeper pitch. However, regardless of existing pitches, if you’re installing new staircases (or making significant renovations to existing ones) the stairs must still comply with regulations and not exceed 42°. 

 

Are spiral staircases legal?

Yes, spiral staircases are legal in domestic settings but must meet specific building regulations. The minimum tread depth must be 50mm at the narrowest point and 145mm at the centreline, with a clear tread width of at least 600mm. The rise must be 150-220mm and consistent throughout. On top of this, a handrail is required on at least one side.

It’s worth noting that spiral staircases work best as secondary access points, like to loft conversions, due to their compact design. With this in mind, as a rule, they are not generally suitable as main household stairs or primary escape routes. Although legal, it’s also important to remember that in listed buildings or conservation areas, local authority approval may be required if you are looking to install a spiral staircase.

Do building regulations apply to floating staircases?

Yes – floating staircases are subject to the same building regulations as traditional designs, particularly when it comes to safety, dimensions, and structural integrity. Because floating staircases typically have open risers and minimal visible support, they must be designed and installed with precision to ensure compliance with Approved Document K. For example, the open riser gaps must not exceed 100mm, and the pitch can’t exceed 42°. Handrails are also required on at least one side if there are more than two risers, and the same rules apply regarding height and balustrade spacing.

Importantly, the load-bearing capacity of the wall supporting the treads must also be assessed and reinforced where necessary. At Jarrods, we specialise in designing bespoke floating staircases that meet all current regulations while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic. Our team works closely with building control to ensure your floating staircase is both compliant and visually striking. So if you’re dreaming of a minimalist, open design, you don’t have to sacrifice safety or legality to get the look you want.

Are open staircases legal?

Like spiral staircases, open staircases are also legal in domestic settings provided they meet essential safety requirements. For example, any gaps between treads or in the risers on an open staircase must not exceed 100mm to prevent small children from getting stuck or falling through. Similarly, when glass panels form part of the guarding, toughened safety glass is mandatory.

Building regulations also require proper balustrading on open staircases, with gaps no wider than 100mm between balusters. If you have young children at home, you may need to consider additional safety measures such as transparent panels between treads. At Jarrods, we can help design an open staircase that meets all safety requirements while achieving your desired look.

Creating a compliant staircase doesn’t mean compromising on style. At Jarrods, we specialise in designing beautiful staircases that meet all building regulations while reflecting your personal taste. Our designhttps://www.jarrodsstaircases.co.uk/contact/ers work closely with building control to ensure every project, from traditional to contemporary, meets these essential safety standards. Get in touch today to find out more.