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.
01 /Average volume for standard designs
To calculate the wood volume for a staircase, sum the volume of all its parts (steps, risers, load-bearing beams, landings and railing) and add a technological allowance for trimming (at least 15–20% for purchased timber). For an average between-floor staircase (height 2.8 m, 15–17 steps, flight width 90 cm) the net volume of wood is:
- 📉 Straight flight (open, without risers): about 0.25–0.35 m³.
- 🪜 Straight flight (closed, with risers): about 0.35–0.45 m³.
- 🔄 L- or U-shaped staircase with a turning landing: about 0.5–0.65 m³.
02 /An important rule when buying material
If you buy ready-made furniture panels (solid-lamella or finger-jointed), the calculation is done piece by piece to the part sizes. If you buy unedged or edged boards at a sawmill, allow 30% to 50% for shrinkage, defects and waney-edge culling, especially for critical parts (steps and load-bearing beams).