Is there a building code calculator for minimum clearance of stairwell ceiling based on stair rise/run etc.

We are finishing our basement, and have turned the stairs half way down. There is a major drain pipe that limits the ceiling clearance in the low part of the stairwell. We could move the pipe.

The lowest point is about 82" from the step edge to the ceiling. I notice it because I'm 6'2". It really comes down to a safety issue. (The steps are code, 7.0" rise, 10.5" run.)
16958
Thanks!

In my town its 6'8" min. a standard door height.
I'm 6'2+ and got to many bumps because of low headers and clearances.

Check your local codes and use that or just go with 6'8'


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Well, it looks like I have 6'10" which is above minimum code. For a stairwell that I plan to go up and down about 20 times a day, that still seems a bit short. I suppose it comes down to personal preference.

Anyone care to weigh in with good reasons to make it higher? The total basement (half anyway) finishing job is coming in at about $25k, another $400 seems like a small amount to make it aesthetically more pleasing... :confused:

Pwd77. If you can get more height especially the 20 times a day go for all you can get!!

Many times I'm doing re hap in peoples homes weather plumbing or total renovations and the closer ceilings on the stair towers always makes me subconsciously bend my head no matter what. Its being tall like us that we constantly are aware of things like low add signs in groceries lines etc.

So go for the MAX.

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Pwd77. if you can get more height especially the 20 times a day go for all you can get!!!



That's my gut feeling too, thanks for the opinion.

Any others out there?

I'm finishing my basement right now also. I relocated the pipe connecting the outside compressor to the air handler. It would only have lowered the ceiling 3" in part of the basement to accommodate it in place, but would have complicated my ceiling drywall installation. I believe that it was well worth it.

I don't think you would regret having more headroom in the stairwell.

I'm finishing my basement right now also. I relocated the pipe connecting the outside compressor to the air handler. It would only have lowered the ceiling 3" in part of the basement to accommodate it in place, but would have complicated my ceiling drywall installation. I believe that it was well worth it.

I don't think you would regret having more headroom in the stairwell.

Thanks for the input!

I'd go with 7' as a minimum height if possible, 6'-8 is code but it feels really tight to a 6' tall person.

IBC 2009 Code 1009.2 PG230 HEADROOM
Stairways shall have a minimum head room clearance of 80" (6'-8") measured vertically from the edge of nosings to ceiling.