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TGD-K query - Attic/Loft Stairs Width

  • 04-07-2025 04:57PM
    #1
    Moderators, Education Moderators Posts: 5,602 Mod ✭✭✭✭


    I know that Attic conversions and attic stairs queries have come up here before, but I'm not sure I've seen a definitive answer when it comes to the minimum width required to satisfy building regs.

    TGD-K says minimum width for a private stairs is 800mm. However, there's then a section dealing with allowances/exceptions for Loft Conversions (1.1.15) where there's not enough space to accommodate pretty much every measure listed before it in the doc. However, the only two designs called out in this paragraph are either spiral stairs or alternating tread stairs as possible ways around space limitations for attic stairs.

    Is the reading of this that they are literally the only two acceptable forms of design where there are space limitations, or that they are just two examples that are called out, and there is some more lateral scope to come up with compromised designs specifically for attic stairs?

    Context is a proposed design for a stairs that 600mm wide and with a pitch of about 44 degrees instead of the otherwise specified max in the TGD of 42.

    Loft Conversions

    1.1.15 Spiral stairs with goings less than recommended in Table 2 of BS 5395 Part 2:1984 and alternating tread stairs would not normally be regarded as acceptable. However, they may be considered in the conversion of a loft where space is limited i.e. where there is not enough space to accommodate stairs satisfying par. 1.1.1 to 1.1.14 above and the stairs serves only accommodation which will be used infrequently and, where the accommodation includes only one habitable room. Alternating tread stairs should be in straightflights, have handrails on both sides and the treads should have slip resistant surfaces. The goings and rises for the wider parts ofthe steps should comply with par. 1.1.4.



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