Butterfly Stairs: Moving Furniture Guide
Split staircase with two flights diverging from central landing
Can I move furniture up butterfly stairs?
Most furniture can navigate without special techniques. Butterfly Stairs have a minimum clearance of 36 inches. The 180° turn allows furniture reorientation.
Standard Dimensions
Turn Configuration
Allows furniture reorientation at the turn point
Building Code Compliance
Moving Tips for Butterfly Stairs
- Measure your furniture and the stair clearance before moving
- Remove doors at top and bottom of stairs for extra clearance
- Use furniture sliders or moving blankets to protect walls
- Have at least 2 people for heavy items
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the standard dimensions of Butterfly Stairs?
Standard butterfly stairs have a width of 72 inches, tread depth of 11 inches, and riser height of 7.5 inches. The total rise is 105 inches with 14 risers.
Can a sofa fit up butterfly stairs?
Yes, most standard sofas (up to 84" wide) can fit up butterfly stairs with 36" clearance. The key is to tilt the sofa and navigate it diagonally.
What is the minimum clearance for moving furniture up butterfly stairs?
The minimum clearance on butterfly stairs is 36 inches. This is the narrowest point furniture must pass through. For safe passage, furniture's smallest dimension should be at least 2-3 inches less than this clearance.
Related Guides
Other Stair Types
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