...no accountin' for taste

[Jim Baird]

...never mind the lack of code required rails/guards.  I just wonder why a carpenter would want to build a set of steps that looks like this...

[Tom Raymond]

I have built several "low rise" stairs for elderly people, or their little dogs.

I can't stand walking on them. 

[Jim Baird]

...far as I know the occupants were able bodied non-elderly.

I think there was a lot of 2x6 lumber left over from the 16x35 foot deck, and the carpenter directed to use it up.  These steps are 8' wide.

[Erby]

I've seen several like that.  Some disabled folks are only able to raise their feet so far.  Need low rise stairs.  Maybe they're for a relative who visits.  I'd want the guards and rails but don't see an issue with the stairs themselves.

 

[Jim Baird]

Thanks Erby.  Have not done any math but I think they could have built a 1 in 16 ramp with that much material.

[Jim Katen]

That's what I call and "are we there yet?" stairway. They always make me feel like I'm walking up the "down" escalator. 

When I was coming up, I learned two basic rules about stair geometry: 

1. If at all possible, make the rises 7" and the treads 11". 
2. If that's not possible, make them fit these parameters: 
   1. 2 rises + 1 tread = 24" - 25"
   2. 1 rise + 1 tread = 17" - 18"
   3. 1 rise x 1 tread = 70" - 77"

 BTW, we also used 7/11 for door hinges - 7" from the top and 11" from the bottom.