What defines the unit rise in a staircase?

The unit rise in a staircase is defined as the height of each individual riser. This measurement is crucial in stair design because it determines how high each step is from one to the next, ensuring a safe and comfortable ascent or descent.

By standard building codes, the height of the risers is typically regulated to fall within a certain range, which is generally between 4 inches and 7.5 inches. Maintaining consistent riser heights throughout the staircase is key for safety, helping to prevent trips and falls.

Understanding this concept is important for builders and contractors, as deviations from the specified unit rise can lead to legal liabilities, as well as to potential safety hazards for users of the staircase.