When does a staircase become steep?

[jomany]

Well, the question is as stated in the headline.
I need to fix a staircase. The head hits on the way down (and up). It's not dignified to have it like that in my own home.

Either I saw open the joists in the floor above. This involves some aesthetic issues. Or I get a new staircase. The current staircase is okay in terms of inclination. I have a bit of difficulty imagining how steep it can be without the stairs feeling ugly and uncomfortable.

The current staircase is 10 steps, from the entrance to the 1st floor to the 2nd floor in a split-level house (2/3 of a floor height).

Are there established standards for inclines? Any thoughts from the forum members?

Sincerely
///j

 

[Johan Gunverth]

There is a simple formula for calculating the appropriate ratio of tread depth and riser height.

2x riser height + tread depth ≈ 62 (recommended is usually 60-64)

Example:
If the riser height is 18 cm, then 62 - (2x18) = 26 cm tread depth. With a stair nose of 3 cm, the tread depth becomes 29 cm.

The stairs start becoming steep when the riser is 20-21 cm.

 

[jomany]

Ok, the potential new staircase is about 19cm so it should be fine. Thanks!

///j

 

[Johan Gunverth]

Ok, the potential new staircase is about 19cm so it should be fine.
Thank you!

///j

If the tread depth is then 24 cm + nosing, it will be good.