ADA Requirements for Stairs: Standards and Compliance

Anyone designing or renovating a building needs to be aware of certain requirements outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and stairs are one of them.

It’s a legal and moral requirement for public facilities to have interior and exterior stairs that are accessible to all, including people with disabilities. 

Compliance with these standards is essential for architects, builders, and property owners. 

Don’t forget to download our checklist at the end of this guide.

What Are the ADA Requirements for Stairs?

Let’s get into the specific stair requirements you need to be aware of.

Tread

• Depth: The tread depth (the horizontal part of the step) must be at least 11 inches (280 mm). This provides enough space for secure footing.
• Uniformity: The treads must be uniform in depth throughout the staircase, with variations no greater than 3/16 inch (4.8 mm).

Nosing

• Protrusion: Nosings (the overhanging part of the tread) must not project more than 1½ inches (38 mm) beyond the riser below. This reduces the risk of tripping.
• Profile: Nosings must have a beveled edge, with a radius of curvature at the leading edge not exceeding ½ inch (13 mm). The nosing must also be uniformly shaped across all steps.

Height (Riser)

• Uniform Height: The height of the riser (vertical part of the step) must be uniform, with a height between 4 inches (100 mm) and 7 inches (180 mm).
• Open Risers: Open risers are not allowed in ADA-compliant staircases.

Width

• Minimum Width: Stairs must be at least 48 inches (1220 mm) wide between handrails in buildings that are required to be accessible. In some cases, this may be reduced to 36 inches (915 mm) if the building is not required to be fully accessible.

Handrails

• Placement: Handrails must be provided on both sides of the stairs. They should be continuous for the full length of the stairs.
• Height: The height of the handrails must be between 34 inches (865 mm) and 38 inches (965 mm) above the tread nosing.
• Extensions: Handrails must extend at least 12 inches (305 mm) beyond the top riser and the bottom tread. Extensions should be parallel to the floor and should not obstruct the path of travel.
• Graspability: The handrails should be easy to grip, typically circular in cross-section with a diameter between 1¼ inches (32 mm) and 2 inches (51 mm), or they should have an equivalent gripping surface.

Steps

• Uniformity: Each step must be uniform in height and depth to reduce the risk of tripping.
• Slip Resistance: The stair treads should be slip-resistant, especially under wet conditions.

Landing

• Size: Landings must be at least as wide as the stairs and must have a length of at least 48 inches (1220 mm).
• Level: Landings must be level, with a maximum slope in any direction of 1:48. This ensures that people using mobility aids can safely navigate the landing.

Sides

• Edge Protection: If the stairs are not enclosed by walls, they must have a guardrail or other type of edge protection to prevent falls from the sides.
• Visual Contrast: It’s recommended that the edges of stairs have a visual contrast to help those with visual impairments identify the change in elevation.

Final Thoughts

By adhering to these standards, you can make your public building more accessible to people with disabilities and impairments while also avoiding costly penalties and lawsuits.

Download our ADA Requirements for Stairs checklist here for easy reference.

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