Minimum
England
Going of a tapered tread
Measured at the centre of the flight; at least 50 mm at the narrow end
Winder or tapered tread in a private stair
Every figure for this topic is on one page: Stair dimensions and handrail heights in UK homes
Read the full answerWhere the going of a tapered tread is measured, and the minimum going at the narrow end.
Basis in regulation
How to check it on site
Measure the going on the centre line for flights under 1 m wide, and check the narrow end of every winder rather than sampling one.
Common failure
Winders set out to fit the stairwell, leaving a narrow end that is effectively a point.
Last updated 23 August 2026. This is our editorial summary of publicly available regulation, not building control approval or a warranty determination.