ABSTRACT
Stairway layouts depend on several factors including building type and its layout, choices, material etc. Comfortable stairways should be designed in relation to the dimensions of the human figure. A quarter space landing in wood is generally supported by a newel post carried down to the floor below. In small houses quarter or half turn stairs are sometimes constructed with winders instead of quarter or half space landings. Winders are triangular shaped steps constructed at the turn from one flight to the next. The landing beams are designed as rectangular or flanged beams, for the reactions from the two flights or steps on one side and the landing on the other. The most common materials for tread and platform are steel, aluminium and wood. Steel and aluminium can be smooth plate, checker plate, pan or tray type and bar. Wall strings are closed ones.
