How to Plan a Dog-Legged Staircase Design?

What are Dog-Legged Staircases?

Dog-legged staircases resemble a dog's bent leg and are a popular choice for navigating between floors, particularly in spaces where a grand, sweeping staircase isn't feasible. But what exactly makes up a dog-legged staircase, and how do you plan and execute one? Let's break down the components, explore design considerations, and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of this versatile staircase design.

8 Key Components of Dog-Legged Staircases

Here are the key components that play a vital role in a dog-legged staircase's safety, functionality, and appearance.

1. Tread

The tread is the part of the staircase where you step on. It's important because it supports the weight of the person walking up or down the stairs. Ensuring the tread is wide enough to fit your foot comfortably is a key consideration when designing or building staircases.

2. Riser

The riser is the vertical part that separates each step between two treads. It determines how high each step is. A well-sized riser makes climbing the stairs easy and comfortable, while one that's too high or too low can make using the stairs difficult.

3. Newel Post

This is the large post you'll see at the beginning and end of the staircase. It's crucial for providing structural support to the handrail. Think of the newel post as a main anchor that keeps the handrails sturdy and secure.

4. Baluster

Balusters are the vertical pieces that connect the handrail to the rest of the staircase. They’re spaced out along the flight of stairs and help prevent falls by acting as a barrier. They also add to the staircase's aesthetic.

5. Handrail

The handrail is the part you hold onto when going up or down the stairs. It runs along the length of the staircase and is supported by the balusters and newel posts. The handrail's right height and smoothness are essential for ensuring safe and comfortable use of the stairs.

6. Landing

A landing is a flat area at the turning point between two flights in a dog-legged staircase. It's designed to break the continuous climb, provide a spot to rest if needed and make the stairs safer by reducing the number of continuous steps.

7. Pitch

The pitch refers to the incline angle of the stairs, measured between the horizontal and the line of nosing (an imaginary line that connects all the fronts of the treads). A proper pitch makes the staircase comfortable without being too steep or shallow.

8. Line of Nosing

This imaginary line runs across the front edge of all the treads, forming a path perpendicular to the staircase's pitch. The line of nosing helps design the staircase so that all steps are uniform and contributes to the ease of climbing or descending.

Planning the Design of Your Dog-Legged Staircase

Before you grab your hammer, here's a dog-legged staircase plan to guide you through the design process. 

Step 1: Set Assumptions for Rise and Tread

Rise (Riser): 150 mm to 200 mm. This is the vertical height of each step.

Tread: 250 mm to 300 mm. This is the horizontal depth of each step.

For this example, we'll assume a Riser of 150 mm and a Tread of 250 mm.

Step 2: Determine the Width of the Stair

Divide the staircase width by 2 (2.5 / 2 = 1.25 metres or 1250 mm) to find the width for a single flight of steps.

Step 3: Calculate the Height of Each Flight

The height between floors is split in half for a dog-legged design, giving us 1.8 metres (or 1800 mm) per flight.

Calculate the number of Risers per flight: 1800 mm / 150 mm = 12 Risers.

Step 4: Calculate the Total Space Occupied by Treads

With 12 Risers, you have 11 Treads (since the number of Treads is always one less).

Total space for Treads = 11 Treads * 250 mm = 2750 mm or 2.75 metres.

Step 5: Calculate Remaining Space

Subtract the space occupied by Treads from the total length of the stair hall (5m - 2.75m = 2.25m).

Step 6: Plan for the Landing

Assume a landing length (e.g., 1.5 metres), then calculate the remaining space again for potential use as a passage or adjust the Tread length accordingly.

Advantages of a Dog-Legged Staircase

1. Simple Design: A dog-legged staircase is straightforward in design, making it a popular choice for many settings.

2. Efficient Space Utilisation: It effectively uses space, which is particularly beneficial in small areas as it requires an area only twice as wide as the stair itself.

3. Easy Drafting: Drafting the staircase design is relatively simple and quick due to its uncomplicated nature.

4. Reduced Material Wastage: The efficient spacing allows for more carpeting and reduces wastage.

5. Privacy Between Floors: The modern dog-legged staircase design enhances privacy since neither the top nor the bottom floor is usually visible from the top of the stairs.

6. Incorporates Architectural Elements: This type of staircase can easily include various architectural features to fit the design of the home or building.

7. Mid-landing for Rest: Mid-landing offers a place to pause, making the journey up or down the stairs easier for users.

    

    

Disadvantages of a Dog-Legged Staircase

1. Construction Challenges: The dog-legged staircase can be difficult to construct, requiring skilled labour and precise planning.

2. Complex Handrail Installation: Installing handrails on this type of staircase can be particularly challenging due to the geometry and the need to ensure they are safe and adhere to building codes.

3. Difficulty with Large Items: Moving large items up or down a dog-legged staircase can be problematic due to the turns and limited landing space.

Remember, these advantages and disadvantages paint a general picture of dog-legged staircases; the actual impact of each may vary depending on specific designs and implementations.