Dog-Legged Staircase: Components, Benefits, and Drawbacks

A dog legged staircase has two flights that are parallel to one another and a landing where the direction of the flight changes. After the straight staircase, it is the most straightforward design, and it is also quite popular.

Dog-legged stairs are the best type of steps for small places. It is made up of two flights that face the other way. A mid-landing is offered after a flight has concluded. The stairway direction is changed at the mid-landing. The second flight travels in the exact opposite direction as the first.

Due to its small footprint, the dog-legged stairs’ construction is cost-effective. The staircase makes use of the available area. It only needs an area that is twice as wide as the stairs. In elevation, a dog-leg staircase resembles a dog. The angle between a dog’s legs and the slope of the stairway are comparable.

 

Source: Pinterest 

 

Dog-legged staircase components

 

The following are the components of a dog-leg staircase:

Tread

The part of a staircase that a foot steps on is referred to as the tread.

Riser

A riser is the section of a staircase that is located in between two treads.

Newel post

The vertical post at the beginning and conclusion of the flight is referred to as a newel post.

Baluster

A baluster is a vertical support that is positioned at regular intervals down the length of a flight of stairs and on which a handrail is held to prevent falls.

Handrail

A handrail is an inclined rail that is placed at the right height to assist a person during a climb or descent.

Landing

A platform that is offered to pause the uninterrupted flight so that the user may take a break is referred to as a landing.

Pitch

Pitch is the angle that the line of nosing creates with the horizontal.

Line of nosing

The line of going is an illustrative line that connects the nosing of the staircase and runs perpendicular to the staircase’s slope.

Source: Pinterest

 

Dog-legged staircase benefits

·  The staircase has a very straightforward design.

·  Staircase drafting is similarly simple and quick.

·  More carpeting is available for use since space is used more effectively, eliminating waste.

·  With this style of staircase, neither the top floor nor the bottom floor is visible from the top, maintaining the privacy of the floors.

·  This kind of stairway may readily include architectural aspects.

· The landing offers a place to relax, making commuting simpler.

 

Dog-legged staircase drawbacks

·   The dog-legged staircase is fairly challenging to build.

·  Because installing handrails is extremely complex, it is important to prepare carefully before adding them. A staircase’s handrails are a crucial component that helps in climb and descent.

·  It might be challenging to carry large goods up the stairway.

 

Dog-legged staircase design

The following is a discussion of some of the considerations to be made while building a dog-legged staircase:

Location

·  It should be put in the middle of the space so that everyone on the floor can readily reach the stairs.

·  The stairs should remain well-lit and ventilated.

Flight length

·  Each flight must have a minimum of three risers.

·  In order to comfortably navigate the staircase, a flight should have no more than 16 risers. The continuity must be broken with a landing.

Pitch or slope

·  A staircase’s ideal slope ranges from 25 to 40 degrees.

· The slope shouldn’t be kept below 15°, though.

· The slope would be too steep to cross if it was over 55°.

Landing

·   The landing’s breadth shouldn’t be any less than the flight’s tread width.

Step ratio

· The rise/run ratio of the staircase’s two flights should remain constant.

·  The rhythm will be broken, and the person ascending the stairs will feel uneasy if there is a variation in the ratio.

FAQs

What is a dog-legged staircase?

A dog-legged staircase is a staircase design where the steps change direction halfway up the staircase.

Why is it called a dog-legged staircase?

It is called a dog-legged staircase because it resembles the hind leg of a dog when viewed from the side.

What are the advantages of a dog-legged staircase?

The advantages of a dog-legged staircase are that it saves space, provides privacy and separates living areas from each other.

What is the difference between a dog-legged staircase and a straight staircase?

The difference between a dog-legged staircase and a straight staircase is that the former changes direction halfway up, while the latter runs straight up.

Can a dog-legged staircase be used in a small house?

Yes, a dog-legged staircase can be used in a small house as it saves space.