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Half-turn stair calculator for U-shaped layouts

A half-turn stair folds the climb into two parallel flights connected by a landing. It can reduce the required room length, but flight spacing, landing size, opening, and headroom all need to work together.

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Free, no sign-up required.

Best for

  • Compact rectangular stair halls
  • Layouts needing two parallel flights
  • Comparing footprint against a straight stair

Measurements to take

  • Finished floor-to-floor height
  • Lower and upper flight lengths
  • Flight width and gap
  • Turn direction
  • Opening length and floor thickness

Results you get

  • Step distribution across both flights
  • Riser height and flight goings
  • Pitch and Blondel values
  • Estimated minimum headroom
  • Landing geometry and parts schedule

What to have reviewed

The current half-turn export summarizes the design for review. A qualified builder or designer still needs to resolve support, landing construction, stringer connections, guarding, and local regulatory requirements.

Common questions

What is a half-turn staircase?

It is a U-shaped stair with two flights traveling in opposite directions, connected here by a rectangular landing.

Why compare both flight lengths?

The available length for each flight affects its going and pitch. Comparing both prevents one flight from becoming the limiting geometry.

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