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What width and depth should a stairway landing be?

User Edvinas
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Final answer:

Stairway landing dimensions should be sized for safety and comfort, with newer recommendations suggesting as much as 8 stair diameters wide and 15 diameters deep. Actual measurements will depend on local building codes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The width and depth of a stairway landing should be such that they provide safety, comfort, and efficiency for users moving up and down the stairs. While older rules of thumb recommended a landing to be 5 stair diameters side-to-side and 7-8 diameters deep, more recent recommendations suggest that landings can be as much as 8 diameters side-to-side and 15 diameters deep. These dimensions account for a more comfortable and safer space for users to rest or pass by others on the staircase.

When referring to actual measurements, rather than diameters, the size of the landing will often be determined by the building codes applicable in the area where the construction or renovation is taking place. Building codes might specify minimum dimensions in inches or centimeters, ensuring there's enough space for users to navigate stairs safely.

User Quellish
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