A well planned and designed stair should provide an easy ,quick and safe mode of communication between the various floors.The general requirement of a good stair may be divided into the different heads,described below
1.LOCATION:--It should be so located that sufficient light and ventilation is ensured in the stairway.If possible should be located centrally so as to be easily accessible from the different corner of the building.
2. WIDTH OF A STAIR:--Width of the stair varies with the situation and the purpose for which it is provided.In public building where there is a regular traffic of people using the stair way ,it's width should be sufficient while in a residential building it may be just the minimum.The usually adopted average value of the stair width for public and residential building is 1.8m and 80 cm respectively.
3.LENGTH OF FLIGHT:-- For the comfortable ascent of stair way the number of step in the flight should be restricted to a maximum of 12 and minimum of 3.
4.PITCH OF STAIR :--The pitch of long stair should be made flatter by introducing landings to make the ascent less tiresome and less dangerous.In general, the slope of stair never exceed 40degree and should not be flatter than 25degree.
5.HEAD ROOM:--The head room or the clear distance between the tread and the soffit of the flight immediately above it should not be less than 2.14m
6.MATERIAL:--The stair should preferably be constructed of materials which possess fire resisting qualities.
7.BALUSTRADE:--The open well stairs should be provided with balustrade so as to minimize the danger of accidents.
8.LANDING:--The width of the landing sh
ould not be less than the width of stair.9.WINDERS:--The introduction of winders in stair should be aoided as far as possible.They are liable to be dangerous and involve extra expense in the construction. They are difficult to carpet and are especially unsuitable for public buildings,However where the winders cannot be dispensed with,they should preferably be provided near the lower end of the flight.
10.STEP PROPORTIONS:-- The rise and tread of every step in a stair should be uniform dimensions throughout. The ratio of the going and the rise ,of the step should be so proportioned as to ensure a comfortable access to the stair way.