Closed Stair Risers

In today's society, the design of stairs must take into account more than only their functional requirements. Stairs are an important part of any deck design and, as such, they have a significant impact on the way a space looks as a whole. Stairs are typically thought of as a design essential. Because they are one of the first elements that a potential homeowner or visitor sees upon entering, they are essential to making a strong first impression.

Read more: How to Build a Wheelchair-Compliant Deck Ramp

There isn't much of a debate between open versus closed riser stairs because each has its advantages and disadvantages. It all comes down to a matter of individual preference as well as the needs of the practical situation. Open risers may be beneficial in certain homes and environments, while they may not be beneficial in others.

Read more: How to cut Deck Stairs Stringers 

What are closed riser stairs?

Most frequently, a full piece of lumber will be used to construct the riser that sits in between each tread on closed riser stairs. This indicates that the space in between each step has been filled in, preventing you from seeing either underneath or in between the steps. This is the most common style of staircase, and you can find it in a number of different kinds of buildings and environments.

Building contractors that are interested in constructing a large number of contemporary homes should strongly consider using them because of their adaptability, simplicity of installation, and competitive pricing.

Read more: How to Build a Wheelchair-Compliant Deck Ramp

What are the benefits of closed riser staircases?

Closed tread stairs, in addition to the versatility that was described before, offer a number of other advantages to their users. Closed riser stairs are widespread in most homes around the US.

Read more: Stair Tread Nosing

Closed risers offer additional storage

When there is a limited amount of room available, housebuilders need to make the most of the available storage space in the home. The space beneath the treads of a staircase with closed risers could be put to use as an additional storage room, or it could even be put to use as a place to work or study.

Closed riser stairs are versatile

You may be excused for believing that "closed tread signifies old" and "open tread means new," despite the fact that these descriptions are not accurate. When it comes to the design of closed tread stairs, there are a lot of different options available. They work wonderfully well with contemporary as well as traditional aesthetics.

Are Closed Riser Staircases Safer?

The subject of whether or not open riser staircases are safe is one that we are frequently questioned. When designing their stairs, self-builders or renovators, as well as potential buyers at viewings of new build buildings, especially those with young kids, are understandably one of the main groups of people to be concerned about the spacing between the treads.

You could argue that the fact that the riser is closed in and of itself makes them a safer investment, but in point of fact, this is not completely accurate. Open riser staircases have to be designed in accordance with the building laws in the US, which state that there should not be more than 100 millimeters of space between the tread and the rise.

The vast majority of high-end deck designs finish the stairs off with closed risers. Open risers can give the appearance of being inexpensive and unfinished at times. They also frequently violate the IRC code for decks exceeding 30 inches, which states that they must fulfill the same requirements as guardrail infill. This code maintains that they meet these requirements. It's possible that the risers on the stairs don't have any apertures large enough to let a sphere with a diameter of 4 inches pass through. Deck boards or materials intended for fascia are typically used in the construction of risers. Be sure that the material is durable enough to withstand feet kicking the risers. Ensure that it is. It is recommended that you install blocking behind the riser board if you are working with 1x material because it will provide additional support. In order to comply with the International Residential Code (IRC) for stair illumination, low-voltage lights can be put into the riser boards. The tread on most deck stairs is shaped like a nose and extends beyond the riser board. This gives the stairs an appealing appearance and prevents the riser board from becoming dislodged if it is kicked loose from above.

FAQs

Are closed risers required on residential deck stairs?

• No. Under the IRC, closed risers aren’t mandated; you may use open risers as long as any opening doesn’t allow a 4-in (102 mm) sphere to pass when the stair is ≥30 in above grade, and all standard stair dimensions are met.

What are the basic IRC size rules my closed-riser stairs must meet?

• Use max riser 7¾ in (196 mm), min tread 10 in (254 mm), with ≤3⁄8-in variation within a flight. If treads are <11 in, provide a nosing projection ¾–1¼ in (rounded/beveled edge). These rules apply whether risers are open or closed.

Do I need stair lighting—and can I put lights in the riser?

• Yes, lighting is required. The IRC calls for an artificial light source at the top landing of exterior stairways. Many builders integrate low-voltage riser lights for safer footing; just ensure the code-required top-landing light is provided.

Are closed risers required in commercial or public settings?

• Often yes. The IBC generally requires solid risers, with limited exceptions where small openings are allowed; check your local adoption/edition. (Residential IRC is more permissive.)

Why choose closed risers over open risers?

• Closed risers give a finished look and block sightlines under steps; many owners feel they reduce fall perception and help with noise/privacy versus open risers. (Code still permits open risers if the 4-in rule is met.)

Do closed risers change nosing rules?

• No. Nosing requirements (projection and rounded/beveled edge) are tied to tread depth, not whether the riser is closed. Keep the nosing within code limits for safe foot placement.