Scissor Stairs: Moving Furniture Guide
Two interlocking independent stairways in one shaft for fire safety
Can I move furniture up scissor stairs?
Most furniture can navigate without special techniques. Scissor Stairs have a minimum clearance of 44 inches. The 180° turn allows furniture reorientation.
Standard Dimensions
Turn Configuration
Allows furniture reorientation at the turn point
Building Code Compliance
Moving Tips for Scissor 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 Scissor Stairs?
Standard scissor stairs have a width of 44 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 scissor stairs?
Yes, most standard sofas (up to 84" wide) can fit up scissor stairs with 44" clearance. The key is to tilt the sofa and navigate it diagonally.
What is the minimum clearance for moving furniture up scissor stairs?
The minimum clearance on scissor stairs is 44 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
Fire Escape
32" clearance
moderate navigation
Straight Stairs
36" clearance
simple navigation
L-Shaped Stairs
36" clearance
moderate navigation
U-Shaped Stairs
36" clearance
moderate navigation
Quarter Winder
26" clearance
complex navigation
Half Winder
26" clearance
complex navigation
Spiral Stairs
25" clearance
complex navigation
Circular Stairs
30" clearance
complex navigation
Curved Stairs
36" clearance
moderate navigation
Helical Stairs
32" clearance
complex navigation
Elliptical Stairs
34" clearance
complex navigation
Floating Stairs
36" clearance
simple navigation
Cantilevered Stairs
36" clearance
simple navigation
Butterfly Stairs
36" clearance
simple navigation
Imperial Stairs
60" clearance
simple navigation
Geometric Stairs
36" clearance
moderate navigation
Alternating Tread
24" clearance
simple navigation
Ship Ladder
20" clearance
simple navigation
Split Level
36" clearance
simple navigation
Folding Stairs
24" clearance
simple navigation
Retractable Stairs
26" clearance
simple navigation
Custom/Other
36" clearance
unknown navigation
Calculate Your Stair Fit
Use our stair calculator with your exact measurements to see if your furniture will fit up your stairs.
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