DIN EN 18065:2025-11

Planning building stairs safely and in compliance with standards

The DIN 18065 standard specifies the fundamental requirements for building stairs. It defines terminology, measurement rules, principal dimensions and tolerances for stairs in and around buildings, supporting the safe planning, construction and use of stair systems. The standard applies to stairs made from different materials and provides an important basis for the safe use of stairs and escape routes.

What does DIN 18065 cover?

The standard defines requirements for stair geometry, flights, landings, guardrails and handrails, together with the associated measurement rules. It focuses on stair rise, stair going, usable flight width, walking zones and safety requirements. The standard also includes specifications for curved stairs, spiral stairs, guardrail heights, headroom and permissible tolerances in planning and construction.

Particular emphasis is placed on the safe and ergonomic use of stairs. To this end, the standard defines limit values for rise-to-going ratios, minimum goings, landing dimensions and guardrail design and describes the requirements for required and non-required stairs.

Topics covered

• Building stairs and stair types
• Stair rise, stair going and rise-to-going ratios
• Flights, landings and intermediate landings
• Winder treads, curved stairs and spiral stairs
• Walking zones and walking lines
• Stair guardrails and handrails
• Clear stair headroom and stair widths
• Tolerances for stair dimensions and tread positions
• Requirements for required and non-required stairs

Practical relevance

Stairs are among the most frequently used circulation routes within buildings. DIN 18065 helps planners, architects and contractors design safe, comfortable stair systems that comply with standards. It establishes consistent principles for planning, manufacture and construction and helps reduce the risk of accidents.

The specifications for stair rises, goings, walking zones and guardrails are particularly relevant because they directly affect a stair's usability and safety. The standard is also highly significant for the planning of escape routes and compliance with building regulations.

Changes compared with DIN 18065:2015-03

The 2020 edition contains no fundamental technical changes. Compared with the previous edition, the following changes were made in particular:

• editorial revision of the standard
• updating of normative references
• revision of the bibliography

Target audience

• Architects
• Civil engineers
• Specialist building planners
• Stair manufacturers
• Metal, timber and concrete construction companies
• Building control authorities
• Experts and inspection bodies
• Specialists in building safety and construction

Conclusion

The DIN 18065 standard provides the central basis for the planning and construction of building stairs. Through its requirements for stair geometry, safety, guardrails, walking zones and tolerances, it supports the compliant design of stairs that are safe to use and helps ensure compliance with building regulations.