The slope is the angle of the stairway. The example below
provides you with a method for figuring out what the slope would be if
measured in degrees. Stairways with higher slopes will normally be
harder to use than ones with lower slopes.
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Lower Slope Stairs Vs. Higher Angle Stairways
In order to create a low stairway angle, you will need to have a long
stair tread and small risers. For example, a stairway with a 24 inch
stair tread and a 4 inch riser, would be less than 10°.
These stairs are normally going to be easier to walk up and down, but
sometimes take more effort, because they can be awkward. Someone with
large steps, could have a difficult time, because each step is going to
be placed in an uncomfortable spot.
Higher stairway slopes are harder to climb, but gets you to your
ultimate destination, much faster. A stairway with a 8 inch riser and a
9 inch tread, will require constant attention, while using them.
Steeper slopes often provide people who fall with a longer distances to
slide, because of the steep angle. If you fall down on a set of stairs
with less than a 10° angle, you're probably not going to fall any
further down the stairway.
As a general rule of thumb stair designers will often refer to the 17
1/2 inch rule. If you're stairway meets these design requirements,
you'll probably have a comfortable set of stairs for almost everyone to
walk up and down.
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