TKStairs: Guide on how to measure a double turn staircase

What is a double turn staircase?

A double turn staircase would have two turns in it, either at the top, the bottom or somewhere in between. The turns can either be flat platforms, kite winders or a combination of the two.

Some examples of different double turn staircases are shown to the right.

We do not need all of these dimensions, a lot of them we can calculate for you, however the more you can provide the better.

Example of how to measure a staircase with a double turn:

1) Floor to floor;
AKA ‘finished floor to finished floor height’ or ‘total rise’.
This is the dimension measured from the top of the floor downstairs, to the top of the floor upstairs, it is important that this dimension is accurate.

Maximum Length 1;
This is the maximum amount of space the staircase can take up from the back wall to the front of the first tread.
If you do not know this size, don’t worry, we can calculate it for you.

3) Maximum Length 2;
This is the maximum amount of space the staircase can take up along the back wall.
If you do not know this size, don’t worry, we can calculate it for you.

4) Maximum Length 3;
This is the maximum amount of space the staircase can take up from the back wall to the joist (where the staircase finishes)
If you do not know this size, don’t worry, we can calculate it for you.

5) Floor to ceiling;
Floor to ceiling, if you need us to work out the headroom for us we will need this dimension, this is the dimension from the ground floor to the underside of the finished ceiling (usually plasterboard)

6) Opening length;
This is the length of the opening which the staircase is going into.
If you do not know this size, don’t worry, we can calculate it for you.

7) Opening width;
This is the width of the opening which the staircase is going into.
If you do not know this size, don’t worry, we can calculate it for you.

8) Turn Direction;
The direction the staircase turns as you walk up it, so in the example shown, it is a right hand turn.

Other Tips;
You can either specify the number of treads in each flight, or we can calculate this for you.
In old buildings, sometimes the floors are not level, please call us for advise with this.

Other things to consider;
Do you require posts and handrails, both on the stairs and on the landing upstairs?
Do you require the staircase to comply to current building regulations, if so is it going in a house or commercial property?