CEN/TC 175/WG 37 - Specific user requirements - Timber in stairs

This European Standard constitutes a frame standard for the design of timber stairs as well as wood and wood-based components used in stairs by calculation methods. Some calculation methods can be derived from testing results, for example CEN/TS 15680. This document specifies the design and the requirements for materials and components to be used in these calculation methods. It may be complemented by national application documents based on this European Standard.
This European Standard applies to coated and uncoated components. This document covers load-bearing components such as strings, treads, risers, posts and guardrails. Requirements for a timber stair are defined in the product standard, EN 15644. This document does not cover stairs that contribute to the overall stability of the works or the strength of the structure.
This European Standard is valid for the verification of mechanical performance characteristics, usability and load-bearing capacity and their related durability. Other requirements, e.g. requirements for acoustic properties, are not covered by this European Standard.
For the design, calculation and determination of not solely resting actions, additional requirements need to be taken into account (to be checked).
For the dimensioning with special reference to resistance to fire and earthquake/seismic action, additional requirements may be taken into account.
Without further verification, the methods in this European Standard are valid for different types of stair structures and their components, as illustrated in Figure 1:
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This European Standard defines general terms relating to timber stairs or to timber in prefabricated stairs, including wood-based materials for dwellings and buildings other than dwellings for permanent use.  
NOTE   This European Standard contains terms relating to stairs in general and these terms could be reviewed when a general document becomes available.

This European Standard gives specifications and requirements for prefabricated stairs made of solid wood, i.e. where the components contributing to the fulfilment of mechanical resistance and stability characteristics are made of solid wood. These stairs are traditionally designed.
NOTE 1   If the filling of the guarding does not contribute to the mechanical stability and resistance, the used material is not relevant.
NOTE 2   Examples of traditionally made/designed stairs are given in Annex E.
This European Standard covers: stairs either pre-assembled, partly pre-assembled or in component form including balustrades and handrails for internal or external use.
This European Standard does not consider the contribution of these elements to the overall structure design. The ability of a stair to contribute to the overall stability of the works or to the strength of the structure is not covered by this standard.
Carpets on stairs are not covered by this Standard.
The surfaces of the wooden elements may be exposed or covered by finishes.
Where stairs are supplied with a finish or covering, aesthetic or visual characteristics will not be covered by this Standard and references shall be made to the appropriate product standard (e.g. colour fastness of carpet finishes).

This Technical Specification gives test methods for prefabricated timber stairs. These stairs are made from timber and/or wood-based materials.
The methods included in this document can also be used for single components used in stairs (e.g. steps, handrails, balusters, …).
This document does not consider the overall structure design of these elements. Stairs that are designed to contribute to the overall stability of the works or to the strength of the structure are not covered by this standard.
The surfaces of the timber elements may be exposed or covered by finishes.
NOTE 1   Where stairs are supplied with a finish or covering, some basic characteristics will not be covered by this standard and references should be made to the appropriate product standard (e.g. colour fastness of carpet finishes)
NOTE 2   Where the term "stair" is used in this document, it may also apply to individual element or component where appropriate
Tests can be carried out on a complete fully assembled system according to manufacturer installation instructions or on individual components.
A fully assembled stair test cannot be used to evaluate individual components.
There is no particular hierarchy of sequences or the need to carry out all the tests.
NOTE   The nature of used tests and elements can be given by national regulations.

This European Standard defines general terms relating to timber stairs and timber prefabricated stairs.