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Sources

Every code, standard and reference this site cites, with the edition and sections checked and the date they were read.

Code text is summarised, not reproduced. ICC codes are copyrighted; read the full provisions and exceptions in the ICC's free public view or in the edition your jurisdiction adopted. A source list is not a substitute for reading the rules that apply to your project.

  • International Residential Code (IRC), Chapter 3: Building Planning

    International Code Council (ICC) · 2024 (ICC public view, version V2.1)

    Sections
    R318.7 stairways (R318.7.1–R318.7.8), R320 handrails, R321 guards
    Scope
    Model code for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses; enforceable only where adopted, often amended.
    Used for
    IRC reference values in the calculators; the code guide.
    Link and date checked
    https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2024V2.1/chapter-3-building-planning, accessed 2026-10-24

  • International Residential Code (IRC), Chapter 3: Building Planning

    International Code Council (ICC) · 2021

    Sections
    R311.7 stairways, R311.7.8 handrails, R312 guards
    Scope
    Earlier model code edition still adopted in many US jurisdictions. Same stair values as 2024, different numbering.
    Used for
    2021 section numbers shown alongside 2024.
    Link and date checked
    https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2021P2/chapter-3-building-planning, accessed 2026-10-24

  • International Building Code (IBC), Chapter 10: Means of Egress

    International Code Council (ICC) · 2024 (ICC public view, version V2.0)

    Sections
    1011.2, 1011.3, 1011.5.2, 1011.5.4, 1011.5.5.1, 1011.8, 1014.2
    Scope
    Model code for buildings outside the IRC (commercial, multi-family and others); enforceable only where adopted.
    Used for
    IBC reference profile; the code guide.
    Link and date checked
    https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IBC2024V2.0/chapter-10-means-of-egress, accessed 2026-10-24

  • 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

    US Access Board / US Department of Justice · 2010

    Sections
    210.1 scoping; 504 stairways; 505 handrails
    Scope
    Federal accessibility standard for stairs that are part of a means of egress in ADA-covered facilities.
    Used for
    ADA reference profile; the code guide.
    Link and date checked
    https://www.access-board.gov/ada/, accessed 2026-10-24

  • Guide to the ADA Standards, Chapter 5: Stairways

    US Access Board · Online guide (current as accessed)

    Sections
    Stairways
    Scope
    Explanatory guide to the 2010 Standards; not itself the regulation.
    Used for
    Scope explanation (which stairs are covered).
    Link and date checked
    https://www.access-board.gov/ada/guides/chapter-5-stairways/, accessed 2026-10-24

  • 29 CFR 1910.25: Stairways (general industry)

    Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) · Current eCFR text as published by OSHA

    Sections
    1910.25(b), (c)(1)–(c)(5)
    Scope
    Workplace stairs in general industry. Not a residential building rule.
    Used for
    OSHA reference profile and angle bands on the angle calculator.
    Link and date checked
    https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.25, accessed 2026-10-24

  • 29 CFR 1926.1052: Stairways (construction)

    Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) · Current text as published by OSHA

    Sections
    1926.1052(a)(1)–(a)(3), (c)(1)
    Scope
    Stairways used during construction work.
    Used for
    The code guide (construction angle range, handrail trigger).
    Link and date checked
    https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.1052, accessed 2026-10-24

  • DCA 6: Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide

    American Wood Council (AWC) · 2015 (the edition AWC’s resource page linked to on the access date)

    Sections
    Stair requirements; stair footing requirements
    Scope
    Prescriptive deck construction guide referencing the IRC. Guidance, not law, unless a jurisdiction adopts it.
    Used for
    Stringer size, count and spacing notes on the deck and stringer pages.
    Link and date checked
    https://awc.org/publications/dca6/, accessed 2026-10-24

  • Creating helpful, reliable, people-first content

    Google Search Central · Online documentation

    Sections
    Whole page
    Scope
    Publishing guidance for this site (not stair content).
    Used for
    Editorial policy.
    Link and date checked
    https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/creating-helpful-content, accessed 2026-10-24

  • General structured data guidelines

    Google Search Central · Online documentation

    Sections
    Whole page
    Scope
    Structured-data rules this site follows.
    Used for
    Schema decisions (no ratings, visible content only).
    Link and date checked
    https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/structured-data/sd-policies, accessed 2026-10-24

Claims deliberately left out

  • Minimum throat depths for cut stringers (figures such as 3 1/2 in or 5 in circulate). The value in AWC's figure was not verified as text, so the site reports the throat and asks you to confirm requirements.
  • Comfort ranges for 2 × riser + going. Published ranges vary by country and source; the site shows the value without a target.
  • State-by-state adoption of code editions. Adoption changes; ask your building department.
  • Material prices and costs.