[Stair] Advanced Stair Function
BuildCalc's version 2.0 Advanced Stair Function is
a bit different than the Stair function in earlier
versions. The biggest change is that BuildCalc now gives you complete
results via the new Advanced analysis type. This means you can
provide more detailed specifications and BuildCalc returns results that
require much less guess work. And these results are
interactive. You can now make changes to inputs and the results
are there without having to start
your calculation from the beginning. Just tap on the parameter on the
right of any cell in the "Input
Parameters" section and then modify that parameter.
BuildCalc now has two Stair calculation modes:
- Simple: Calculate simple stair layout parameters, giving the
same results as BuildCalc version 1.3.2. This mode is good for
those familiar with laying out stairs using simple layout parameters.
- Advanced: Calculate advanced stair layout parameters, giving
detailed results - including dimensioned drawings for the Stringer, the
Stringer's installation and the finished staircase - less guess work. This mode is
good for those who require a more exact layout as well as for those who are less familiar with stair layouts.
For more information on parameters:
- Tap on the "on the spot"
help (at the bottom left of each input parameter cell) for more information on input parameters.
- See the drawings and definitions, below.
Inputs to the [Stair] function are made in the "Input Parameters" section and can be made by one of the three following ways:
- Taping on the parameter on the right of any cell in the "Input Parameters" section. In the example below, tap on 12ft in the "Run:" cell to change the run.
- Values stored in the [Rise] and [Run] functions are automatically input into the appropriate Input Parameter fields.
- If values have been stored using the Store button (at the bottom
left),
these values and results can be recalled using the Recall button.
Note that the Recall button will not be present if values have not been
stored.
Notes and Definitions:
- When BuildCalc's Advanced Function mode is "OFF" (via [Conv]
[Prefs]), BuildCalc performs as it did in version 1.3.2. When
Advanced Function mode is "OFF", most advanced functionality is not
available.

Tread Detail Parameters

Stair Layout Parameters
- Rise: The vertical distance, floor to floor.
- Run: The horizontal distance from the first riser to the last (the distance the stair case will occupy).
- Stringer (a.k.a: carriages, stair horses or stair jacks): The diagonal members that support a staircase.
- Angle of Incline: Angle
based on the rise (Actual Riser Height) and run (Actual Tread Width) of
each stair. Note: This is not the same as the pitch of a stair
case (staircase Rise / staircase Run).
- Stairwell Opening: The
size of the hole in the floor above necessary to assure sufficient
Staircase Headroom. Most codes have a minimum staircase headroom
of 6’ 8”.
- Riser: The vertical face of a step.
- Desired Riser Height: The desired vertical rise for each step.
- Actual Riser Height: The calculated vertical riser for each step.
- Riser Overage / Underage:
The results of step size calculations are in fractional increments (for
ease of layout) Because of this, the sum of all the Actual Riser
Heights may be a little over or a little under the Rise.
- Tread: The horizontal face of a step.
- Desired Tread Width: The distance of each tread measured from the face of one riser to the face of the next riser.
- Actual Tread Width: The calculated horizontal distance for each tread (measured from riser face to riser face).
- Tread Overage / Underage:
The results of step size calculations are in fractional increments (for
ease of layout) Because of this, the sum of all the Actual Tread Widths
may be a little over or a little under the Run.
Tap here
For help on the basic Stair function (accessible when Advanced Function Mode is "OFF" via [Conv] [Prefs]).
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