What is Dog Legged Staircase?

When it comes to building design, staircases play a crucial role in ensuring vertical movement within a structure. Among the various types of staircases, the dog legged staircase is one of the most widely used, particularly in residential and commercial buildings with space constraints. It combines practicality with structural efficiency, making it a popular choice among architects and builders.

Understanding the Dog Legged Staircase

A dog legged staircase is a type of staircase where two flights run in opposite directions with a landing between them. These flights are typically arranged at a 180-degree angle, which means the lower flight ascends to a mid-landing, and then the upper flight continues in the opposite direction. The name “dog legged” is derived from the resemblance of the stair’s profile to the sharp bend in a dog’s hind leg.

This layout allows the staircase to occupy a compact rectangular area, making it highly space-efficient. Unlike open-well staircases, the dog legged type does not require much longitudinal space, and its design suits narrow or constrained layouts.

Key Components of a Dog Legged Staircase

To better understand the design and structure of a dog legged staircase, let’s look at its main components:

To understand this staircase clearly, it’s important to know the key components involved:

• Flights: These are the sets of steps going from one level to another.
• Landing: A flat platform between two flights where people can rest or turn.
• Tread: The horizontal part of the step where the foot is placed.
• Riser: The vertical portion between each tread.
• Stringer: The inclined member that supports the steps.
• Balustrade: Includes handrails, balusters, and newel posts for safety and support.
• Headroom: The clear vertical space above the staircase to allow safe movement.

Each element plays a role in ensuring safety, comfort, and usability of the staircase.

Features of Dog Legged Staircase

A dog legged staircase has two flights of stairs that go in opposite directions with a landing in between. The direction changes by 180 degrees at the landing, and the shape resembles the sharp bend of a dog’s hind leg—hence the name “dog legged.”

This type of staircase usually fits within a rectangle, utilising minimum floor space. It is most suitable when the total space available is narrow or restricted. Dog legged staircases are commonly built using concrete, stone, steel, or wood, depending on the design and purpose of the building.

How to Determine the Space Required for a Dog-Legged Staircase?

Before starting construction, it is important to calculate the space needed for a dog legged staircase. Here’s a simple guide:

1. Total Rise: Measure the vertical height from one floor to the next.
2. Tread and Riser Calculation: Typically, a comfortable riser height is 150–175 mm, and tread depth is 250–300 mm.
3. Number of Steps: Divide the total rise by the height of one riser to get the number of steps.
4. Length of Flight: Multiply the number of treads in one flight with the tread width to get the horizontal length.
5. Landing Width: Add the size of the landing between flights. Usually, the landing width is equal to or more than the width of the staircase.
6. Stair Width: For residential buildings, 900–1000 mm width is common. For commercial use, wider stairs are recommended.

Example:
If floor height = 3 metres, and riser height = 150 mm, then number of risers = 3000/150 = 20.
Divide into two flights of 10 steps each with a landing between them.

This basic method helps you estimate the required space for planning and design.

Advantages of Dog Legged Staircase

The dog legged staircase offers several advantages, particularly in modern construction:

1. Space Efficiency

One of the most significant benefits of a dog legged staircase is its compact footprint. As the two flights run in opposite directions, the staircase fits within a confined space, which is ideal for small or medium-sized buildings.

2. Privacy and Separation

This type of staircase naturally provides a break or visual separation between floors. For buildings that house multiple tenants or serve as offices, the intermediate landing offers a level of privacy not available in open staircases.

3. Structural Support

The central landing provides an opportunity for additional support through columns or walls. This improves the overall stability and load distribution of the staircase.

4. Aesthetic Appeal

With thoughtful design and finishes, a dog legged staircase can also be visually appealing. It allows creative use of materials and lighting to enhance its appearance.

Disadvantages of Dog Legged Staircase

While the dog legged staircase has many advantages, it also has some drawbacks:

• Difficult to Move Furniture: The turn at the landing can make it hard to carry large items between floors.
• More Complex Construction: Compared to straight staircases, dog legged designs can be more challenging to build and require accurate measurements.
• Limited Design Flexibility: Because of its compact form, it may offer fewer customisation options in terms of layout or width.

Applications of Dog Legged Staircase

Dog legged staircases are commonly found in:

• Residential Homes: Especially in duplexes and houses with limited space.
• Apartment Buildings: Used to connect multiple floors while conserving floor area.
• Commercial Premises: Offices and retail spaces often use this staircase due to its efficient design.
• Institutional Buildings: Schools and colleges also adopt this layout for safe and compact movement between floors.

Design Considerations

When planning a dog legged staircase, several factors should be kept in mind:

• Building Codes: Local regulations dictate minimum dimensions for tread depth, riser height, and headroom.
• User Safety: Non-slip treads, secure handrails, and adequate lighting are essential for safe use.
• Material Selection: Depending on the structure, materials such as concrete, steel, timber, or a combination may be used.
• Aesthetics: The staircase should blend well with the interior theme and add to the building’s character.

Construction Process

Constructing a dog legged staircase typically involves:

1. Site Measurement: Determining the total height to be covered and space available.
2. Design Layout: Preparing detailed drawings showing the dimensions of each flight and landing.
3. Formwork and Reinforcement: Building the supporting frame and inserting steel reinforcement (for concrete stairs).
4. Pouring Concrete or Installing Pre-fabricated Steps: Depending on the chosen materials.
5. Finishing Work: Includes tiling, railing installation, and painting.

Conclusion

The dog legged staircase remains a practical and elegant solution in modern construction. Its compact design, structural efficiency, and ability to blend into various architectural styles make it a favourite choice among professionals. Whether in a small home or a multi-storey commercial complex, the dog legged staircase offers both function and form, proving that even in restricted spaces, good design can thrive.