What Is A Dog-Legged Staircase? Simple Calculation Tips

A dog-legged staircase is a popular design often used in residential and commercial buildings. This type of staircase is favored for its efficient use of space, compact design, and elegant appearance. It is called a “dog-legged” staircase because the two flights of stairs move in opposite directions, resembling a dog’s hind leg.

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In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to understanding the dog-legged staircase design. We will also include a detailed step-by-step calculation example to help you design and construct a dog-legged staircase effectively.

Advantages of Dog-Legged Staircase Design

1. Space Efficiency: The dog-legged staircase is ideal for tight spaces, as it allows for a compact design without compromising on functionality.
2. Cost-Effective: Due to its compact nature, this type of staircase often requires less material, leading to cost savings.
3. Aesthetics: The sleek, uninterrupted lines of a dog-legged staircase add a modern and stylish touch to any interior.
4. Safety: The central landing provides a resting point, making the staircase safer and easier to navigate, especially for older individuals or children.

Basic Components of a Dog-Legged Staircase

Before diving into the design and calculations, it’s essential to understand the basic components of a dog-legged staircase:

• Treads: The horizontal part of the stair where the foot is placed.
• Risers: The vertical component between two treads.
• Stringers: The inclined support that holds the treads and risers in place.
• Landing: The flat platform between the two flights of stairs.
• Newel Posts: The vertical posts at the ends of the staircase or the landing.
• Balustrade: The protective barrier along the open side of the staircase.

Example: Dog-Legged Staircase Design

Let’s calculate the dimensions of a dog-legged staircase for a building with a floor-to-floor height of 3.0 meters. The stair hall dimensions are 2.20 x 5.15 meters.

Riser Height: A typical riser height is around 150 mm to 200 mm. Let’s assume a riser height of 150 mm.

Number of Risers = Total Height / Riser Height = 3.0/0.15 = 20 risers

Number of Treads: The number of treads is usually one less than the number of risers. Therefore, there will be 19 treads.

Tread Depth: A comfortable tread depth is usually between 250 mm and 300 mm. For this example, let’s use a tread depth of 300 mm.

Calculate the height of each flight: 3.0/2 = 1.50 meter

So, No. of Riser required in each flight = 1.50/0.15 = 10

Therefore,

No. of Tread required in each flight = 10 – 1 = 9

Total Run (Total Tread), or ( Total Lenght) = Number of Treads × Tread Depth = 9 x 0.30 = 2.70m

Landing length = 3.7 – 2.70 = 1.0m

Staircase Layout: The first flight of stairs will have 10 risers and 9 treads, leading to the landing. The second flight will have the remaining 10 risers and 9 treads.

Conclusion

The dog-legged staircase is a versatile and practical design that fits residential and commercial settings well. Its compactness, safety features, and aesthetic appeal make it a top choice for architects and builders. Whether you’re looking to save space, add a touch of elegance, or ensure structural integrity, the dog-legged staircase design is worth considering for your next project.