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From measuring the room to the thickness of a single tread. What every parameter in the configurator means and which codes stand behind each number.
Straight staircase
The simplest classic configuration — connects two levels in a straight line, with no turns and no change of direction.
L-shaped staircase
A configuration of two flights at a right angle — forms an «L» from above. Often placed in a room corner; saves length.
U-shaped staircase
Two parallel flights with a 180° turn — the most popular type in multi-storey buildings. «Folds» the length in half.
Spiral staircase
Steps arranged in a circle around a central axis — the most compact form, occupying 1.5–2 m². A striking decorative element.
Room
The dimensions of the room — length, width, and height — where the stair will be installed. A foundational concept in architecture and construction.
Room length
Distance from one wall to the opposite wall — the largest dimension of a rectangular room.
Room width
Distance between two opposite walls — the smaller dimension of a rectangular room.
Floor height
Vertical distance from the finished floor of one storey to the finished floor of the next, including slab thickness.
Slab thickness
Total thickness of the structure separating adjacent storeys — from the lower room's ceiling to the upper room's floor.
Opening
A through hole in a wall, partition, or floor slab. In the configurator, this means the stairwell opening.
Lock the opening
A configurator option that prevents moving the opening with the cursor. Useful when fine-tuning dimensions through value input.
Opening length
The longitudinal (largest) dimension of the slab opening, measured parallel to the direction of ascent. The most important size for the stair.
Opening width
The transverse dimension of the opening, perpendicular to the direction of ascent. Defines shoulder comfort and the ability to carry large furniture upstairs.
X position
Moves the stairwell opening along wall X. Used when the opening is not in a room corner.
Offset from far wall
Moves the stairwell opening along wall Y. Used when the opening is not in a room corner.
Flight width
Distance perpendicular to the movement direction, between the structures bounding the passage. Total and clear widths are distinguished.
Tread thickness
Vertical size of the horizontal part you step on. Affects strength, freedom from squeaks, and precise step-height calculation.
Tread overhang (nosing)
How far the horizontal tread overhangs the riser or frame. The «nose» visible from the side.
Stringer type
The stair's main load-bearing structure — its «skeleton». Carries the weight of treads, rails, people, and furniture and transfers it to slabs and walls.
Closed stringer
An inclined beam with a flat top edge. Treads attach into side grooves; their ends are hidden from view.
Sawtooth carriage
The most common and reliable type of stair beam. The top edge is cut into a «sawtooth» pattern with treads sitting on top of the teeth.
Riser height
The vertical part of a step that determines the effort of each step up. The optimal standard for a home is 15–18 cm.
Tread depth
The width of the horizontal part of a step — the support area for the foot. The optimum for a home is 27–32 cm.
Number of steps
Calculated by dividing the total rise by the step height. A single flight has 3 to 16 steps (optimally 11–15).
Stair angle
Determines the steepness of the flight, affecting comfort, safety and floor space. The comfortable range for a home is 30°–40°.
Floor run length
The horizontal distance from the first step to the end of the staircase under the ceiling. Determines whether the flight will fit.
Stringer length
The full length of the inclined load-bearing beam (stringer or string) that the steps rest on. The hypotenuse of the "height–run" triangle.
Headroom
The minimum vertical distance from the step edge to the ceiling or the flight above. The norm is at least 200 cm.
Blondel formula
The main rule of stair ergonomics: 2 step heights + depth = stride length (60–64 cm).
Wood volume for a staircase
The total volume of all parts plus an allowance for trimming. For an average between-floor staircase, about 0.25–0.65 m³.
Staircase weight
The approximate weight of a wooden between-floor staircase — from 150 to 450 kg depending on the species and design.
Staircase geometry
The set of calculations that determine safety, ergonomics and dimensions. Based on the average human stride of 60–64 cm.
Railings
Ensures safe movement and completes the interior style. Height at least 90 cm, gaps at most 12 cm.
Add a railing
Whether your staircase needs a railing. In most cases a railing is mandatory for safety.
Upper-floor railing
The railing around the second-floor opening (a mezzanine or double-height void). It marks the edge of the living area above the floor below.
Railing side
Which side to place the railing on — both sides, left or right (looking from the start of the climb).
Railing height
Regulated by SNiP and GOST. Inside a home at least 90 cm, on upper-floor landings 100–110 cm.
Handrail width
A handrail must be comfortable to grip. The optimal width of a round or rectangular handrail is 30–50 mm (ideal 45–50 mm).
Baluster width
The standard baluster width is 12 to 60 mm depending on the material.
Baluster spacing
The spacing between balusters is set for safety: the clear gap must be no more than 10–12 cm.
Newel post width
Support posts carry the main load and are much more massive than balusters — from 70 to 150 mm.
Materials
Which wood a staircase is made of. Oak and ash are the strongest, pine is the most affordable.