Spacesaver, Paddle or Alternating Tread Staircases.

Spacesaver staircases are also known as Paddle Stairs or Alternating Tread Staircases.

This type of stair is one of a number of stair types designed to save space.  The general pattern of steps has alternate handed steps with part of the tread cut away.  The user relies on familiarity and regular use for reasonable safety.

Spacesavers should only be installed in one or more straight flights for a loft conversion and then only when there is not enough space to accommodate a standard staircase.  This means that if you need to change direction a landing must be used.  Winder treads are not permissable.

A spacesaver staircase must not be used as the main staircase in your dwelling.

If the angle of incidence is greater than 42° a spacesaver staircase must be fitted to comply with building regulations.  It should only be used for access to one habitable room and/or WC.  This WC must not be the only WC in the dwelling.

Pear Stairs recommend that spacesaver treads are made from a durable type of material.  The stresses and strains on these steep staircases require a thick strong tread in order to avoid the tread splitting.  A minimum tread thickness of 32mm is advised.

Each tread shape is as follows, depending on the staircase width.

Left hand step	Right hand step

Some customers find walking up these stairs very strange and prefer either a left foot start or a right foot start.  Please inform us if you have a preference.

Left Foot	Right Foot

Spacesaver Handrails.

It is better if the staircase has a handrail on both sides and the treads should have slip resistant surfaces.  It is very important to have a strong handrail when climbing up these staircases.  You should never install one of these staircases without a handrail otherwise an accident may occur.

Strong handrails include:

1.	Rope (fixed to the wall)

2.	Mopstick Handrail

or

3.	Our Standard Handrail

Pear Stairs Spacesavers?

Below is a typical example of our quality spacesaver staircases.

Pear Stairs are able to assist you with any staircase regulation questions you have, please do not hesitate to contact us, we are a very friendly company.  Phone Pear Stairs on 01938 553311.