A dog-legged staircase is a type of staircase design in which a flight of stairs goes up to a landing and then turns back on itself at a right angle before continuing upward.
The landing in the middle of the staircase allows the staircase to change direction, creating a “U” shape.
This staircase is a common type of staircase found in homes, offices, and other buildings. It is named after the way dogs walk, with their front legs going straight and their hind legs going at an angle.
Components of the dog-legged staircase
The main components of a dog-legged staircase are as follows:
1. Treads: The treads are the horizontal part of the stair where a person places their feet when ascending or descending the staircase.
2. Risers: The risers are the vertical part of the stair that separates the treads.
3. Stringers: The stringers are the structural supports that run along the sides of the staircase, supporting the treads and risers.
4. Landings: Landings are flat areas that connect two flights of stairs and provide a place to rest or change direction. In a dog-legged staircase, there is usually one landing halfway up the stairs where the stairs change direction.
5. Balusters: Balusters are the vertical posts that support the handrail along the sides of the stairs.
6. Handrail: The handrail is a horizontal railing that runs along the sides of the stairs and provides support and safety for people using the staircase.
7. Newel post: The newel post is the large post at the bottom and top of the staircase that supports the handrail and provides stability for the staircase. In a dog-legged staircase, there may also be a newel post at the landing where the staircase changes direction.
Minimum space required for a dog-legged staircase
The minimum space required for a dog-legged staircase depends on various factors such as
- Number of stairs
- Height of each stair
- Width of the stairs
- Size of the landing, and the building codes and regulations in the area.
However, in general, a dog-legged staircase requires a minimum clear width of 6 feet or 1.82 meters and a minimum headroom clearance of 6 feet 8 inches or 2.03 meters.
Steps calculation in a dog-legged staircase
To calculate the number of steps in a dog-legged staircase, you need to determine the total height of the staircase, which is the vertical distance from the floor at the bottom of the staircase to the floor at the top of the staircase.
You can then divide the total height by the height of each step to determine the number of steps needed.
As an example,
What is the total number of steps required in a dog-legged staircase if the total height of the stairs is 10 feet, the height from the floor to the first landing is 6 feet, and the thickness of the landing area is 6 inches?”
Solution:
Let’s break down the total height of the staircase into two parts:
Height from the floor to the first landing: 6 feet
Height from the first landing to the floor above: 10 feet – 6 feet – 0.5 feet (landing thickness) = 3.5 feet
Next, we need to calculate the number of steps for each part of the staircase:
First flight of stairs:
To calculate the number of steps for the first flight of stairs, we need to subtract the thickness of the first landing from the height of the first flight of stairs and then divide it by the height of each step.
Height of first flight of stairs = 6 feet – 0.5 feet (landing thickness) = 5.5 feet
The number of steps = Height of first flight of stairs / Height of each step
= 5.5 feet / 0.7 feet (assuming a standard step height of 7 inches)
= 7.86 steps, which we’ll round up to 8 steps.
The second flight of stairs:
To calculate the number of steps for the second flight of stairs, we need to divide the height of the second flight of stairs by the height of each step.
Height of second flight of stairs = 3.5 feet
The number of steps = Height of second flight of stairs / Height of each step
= 3.5 feet / 0.7 feet
= 5 steps.
Therefore, the total number of steps in the dog-legged staircase would be 8 + 5 = 13 steps.
Advantages of the dog-legged staircase
1. Space-saving
This is a space-saving design that can fit into smaller spaces, making it a popular choice for many homes and buildings.
2. Aesthetically pleasing
These are visually appealing designs that can add an elegant and modern touch to any interior design.
3. Increased safety
This design staircase provides a safer stairway for users by offering a landing area in the middle that breaks up a long flight of stairs and provides a resting spot.
4. Easy to construct
These are relatively simple to construct and do not require complicated support systems, making them a cost-effective and efficient option.
5. Versatile
These are customized to fit any space and can be designed with a variety of materials such as wood, metal, or glass.
6. Easy to climb
This type of staircase design makes it easier for users to climb the stairs due to its gradual and shorter steps.
7. Improved privacy
It can improve privacy by blocking the view from one floor to the other.
Disadvantages of the dog-legged staircase
1. Difficult to build
Building this staircase can be a complex and challenging process that requires careful planning and execution. The design involves multiple angles, levels, and landings that need to be accurately measured and constructed to ensure the staircase’s stability and safety.
2. Takes up more floor space
It requires more floor space compared to other staircase designs, which can be a disadvantage for small or tight spaces.
3. It needs careful planning
Handrails are an essential component of any staircase, but they require special consideration and planning when it comes to a dog-legged staircase design. The handrails need to follow the angles and levels of the staircase while still providing adequate support and safety for users.
4. Requires more materials
It requires more materials compared to other staircase designs, which can increase the cost of construction.
5. Increased construction time
It requires more construction time compared to other staircase designs, which can delay the completion of the project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I calculate the number of steps in a dog-legged staircase?
To calculate the number of steps, determine the total height of the staircase, break it down into sections (such as landings), and then divide each section’s height by the height of each step. Finally, sum up the calculated steps for each section.
What is the minimum space required for a dog-legged staircase?
The minimum space depends on factors like the number of stairs, height of each stair, width of the stairs, size of the landing, and local building codes. Generally, a dog-legged staircase requires a minimum clear width of 6 feet and a minimum headroom clearance of 6 feet 8 inches.
What are the advantages of a dog-legged staircase?
Advantages include space-saving design, aesthetic appeal, increased safety with a landing for resting, easy construction, versatility in design and materials, ease of climbing due to gradual steps, and improved privacy between floors.
