In this section
Building Regulations in Wales: Approved Document K
Wales has its own Approved Document K. Use the Welsh edition and project scope when checking stairs, landings, rails and guarding.
Wales publishes its own Approved Document K. The published text is the 1998 edition with 2000 and 2010 amendments. England’s later edition does not replace it in Wales.
Check the Welsh text for the stair type and work proposed. Rise and going are only part of the design: pitch, headroom, landings, rails and guards need a check too. Confirm the edition and any later amendments that apply to the project date.
The England stair guide can help explain the terms. Use the Welsh document to choose the dimensions. Source and edition checked on 6 September 2026; this is not a full clause comparison between the two nations.
Adoption status
Adopted- Current code in force
- Approved Document K (Wales)
- Next edition
- —
- Adoption / transition
- Wales uses its own edition of Approved Document K (the pre-2013 version), but every private-stair and guarding figure is numerically identical to England.
Last verified 2026-07-28
No state-specific variations recorded yet for this jurisdiction.