Question

With stairs, the allowable variation with tread depth and riser height is _________ .

Option 1: 1/8 inch
Option 2: 1/4 inch
Option 3: 1/2 inch
Option 4: 3/4 inch

Answer 1

The allowable variation with stairs for tread depth and riser height is 3/8 inch, which ensures safety and uniformity by preventing tripping hazards; the correct answer is not listed in the provided options.

Step-by-step explanation:

With stairs, the allowable variation with tread depth and riser height is 3/8 inch. Building codes typically specify a maximum allowable variation to ensure the safety and comfort of stair users. This standard helps to prevent tripping hazards and maintains a uniform appearance. While the variations given in the options are quite common, the correct answer for the allowable variation is not provided in the options; it is actually 3/8 inch, according to the International Residential Code (IRC) and other building codes. If the tread depth or riser height in a set of stairs varies more than this amount, the stairs may not comply with the code and could be considered unsafe.