Designing & Installing Commercial Stairs

An ISO9000-2015 certified machinery company based in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, Vertech International manufactures defense-related products and fabricated steel structures for bridges. Vertech International specializes in small to medium machined and fabricated items that require complex manufacturing processes and procedures, such as commercial stairs.

In terms of commercial stair standards and requirements, the International Building Code (IBC) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have established minimum requirements to ensure a level of public safety. The International Building Code was drafted and ratified by the International Code Council (ICC).

Specifically, the IBC addresses designing and installing innovative processes and materials to meet public safety and health goals. A civil rights law, ADA was enacted to ensure Americans with disabilities have the same opportunities and rights as everybody else.

Components must meet specific standards in terms of stair width, headroom, nose, tread heights, landing, riser, and handrail. However, the IBC has specific standard requirements that might differ. For example, in the United States, the federal government is not authorized to pass mandatory national building codes. Many states, however, have adopted the IBC (2018) code with modifications. Others, like Illinois and Wyoming, have adopted the IBC without amendments. Therefore, always confirm the applicable laws for your stairs project within the local jurisdiction as there could be additional rules or variations.