Building Regulations in England: Approved Document K

In England, building work follows the Building Regulations 2010. For stairs, ramps and guarding in a home, the guidance you build to is Approved Document K (2013 edition). It sets the rise, going, pitch, headroom, handrail and guarding numbers — and it’s guidance showing one way to meet the regulations, not the only way.

For the full set of numbers — 220 mm max rise, 220 mm min going, 42° max pitch, 900 mm guarding — see the England stair & guarding rules.

Wales runs a parallel Approved Document K that currently matches England, but can change. Scotland (Building Standards Technical Handbook) and Northern Ireland (Technical Booklet H) use their own separate codes — building rules are devolved, so always confirm which nation the job is in.