Landing Logic: Deciding When Your Stair Needs a Tussenbordes

If you’re planning a new staircase, few choices impact safety, comfort, and compliance as much as deciding whether you need a tussenbordes (intermediate landing). The key trigger is clear: when a stair’s vertical height exceeds 4 metres, a tussenbordes becomes mandatory. In this guide, you’ll learn the exact rules, the 80 × 80 cm landing requirement, and how to integrate a tussenbordes smartly into your design—without sacrificing style or space.

What is a tussenbordes—and why it matters

A tussenbordes is a flat platform inserted between two runs of stairs. Beyond compliance, it serves several essential purposes:

• Breaks the fall distance to greatly improve safety.
• Offers a rest point, which enhances everyday comfort.
• Enables a change of direction (commonly 90° or even 180° with a double landing).
• Adds a refined, architectural moment in the stair’s path.

A staircase that uses landings to change direction is called a bordestrap. Landings can be placed at the start or end (often called afstapbordessen) or in the middle (tussenbordes) to reorient the stair—typically by 90°, and even 180° with a double landing. This flexibility makes a bordestrap a strong alternative to a spiral stair while maintaining a generous, elegant feel.

The core rule: When a tussenbordes is mandatory

• A tussenbordes is required when the vertical distance from the top of the lower floor to the top tread exceeds 4 metres in a new-build stair.
• The minimum size of a tussenbordes is 80 × 80 cm.

These two points define the bare minimum for compliance. From there, you can optimise comfort, turning angles, and aesthetics to fit your space.

Quick answer for featured snippets

When is a tussenbordes required? If the stair’s vertical height is more than 4 m. Minimum tussenbordes size: 80 × 80 cm.

Related Bouwbesluit dimensions you must meet

Designing a safe, comfortable stair is about the whole system—steps, width, headroom, handrails, and the landing all work together. The following requirements apply to new-build stairs:

Step geometry (comfort + safety)

• Maximum riser (optrede): 18.8 cm
• Minimum going (aantrede): 22 cm

These dimensions promote a natural walking rhythm and reduce missteps.

Stair width and walking zone

• Minimum stair width: 80 cm (measured between the outside edges of the stringers).
• Climbing line (klimlijn): the line connecting the front edges of the treads must lie at least 30 cm from each side of the stair.
• Walking zone (loopgebied): the area between climbing lines must be at least 20 cm.

On an 80 cm-wide stair, this yields 30 cm (left) + 20 cm (walking zone) + 30 cm (right).

Headroom (doorloophoogte)

• Minimum headroom: 230 cm, measured from the climbing line to the underside of the ceiling or obstruction. Ensure this clearance through the entire run, including at and above the landing.

Handrails and guarding

• If the stair is higher than 1 metre, a handrail is mandatory.
• Handrail height: position the rail 80–100 cm above the top of the tread.
• For a stair gate or similar guard, the distance between vertical bars (spijlen) must not exceed 10 cm.

Stair pitch (overall steepness)

• A stair must not be steeper than 70° and not flatter than 30°.

Staying within this range, while meeting riser and going limits, helps achieve a safe, comfortable climb.

How Houtentrappenwinkel integrates a tussenbordes into your design

Houtentrappenwinkel designs and builds stairs that meet the rules and elevate your space. Here’s how a compliant landing fits into a complete design:

• Strategic placement: landings can sit at the start, middle, or end of the stair to adjust direction and flow. Mid-flight landings (tussenbordes) commonly turn the stair 90°, while a double landing can achieve 180°.
• Code-first geometry: riser, going, width, headroom, and handrail height are engineered to meet requirements from the outset—including the mandatory 80 × 80 cm minimum for the landing.
• Practical in-measure: accurate measuring starts with the finished-floor-to-finished-floor height. If floors aren’t yet finished, allowances are factored in to preserve compliance.
• Options for comfort and safety: enhance visibility and grip with purpose-built accessories:
  • Trapverlichting (stair lighting): metal recessed spots in the stringers or LED strips under treads; available in warm or cool white, optionally with motion sensors for automatic on/off.
  • Leuninghouders (handrail brackets): aluminium or stainless steel (RVS), typically spaced every 60–80 cm for solid support.
  • Antislip rubber strips: fitted into the treads to help prevent slips on painted or lacquered stairs.
  • Houten balustrades: add single- or double-sided guarding, or protect a landing/opening at the upper floor for continuous safety and comfort.

Whether your aesthetic leans minimalist or statement-making, a carefully placed tussenbordes can make circulation feel intuitive while complying with the rules.

A practical decision guide: Do you need a landing?

Use these steps to decide quickly and design with confidence.

1. Measure the storey height

   • Measure from the top of the lower finished floor to the top of the upper finished floor. If finishes aren’t installed yet, account for their thickness.

2. Compare to the 4 m threshold

   • If the vertical height exceeds 4 m, you must add a tussenbordes. Size the landing at least 80 × 80 cm.

3. Check headroom along the route

   • Ensure a minimum 230 cm headroom measured from the climbing line—especially important under sloped ceilings and above the landing.

4. Validate step comfort

   • Keep risers at or below 18.8 cm and goings at or above 22 cm. Confirm the stair pitch is between 30° and 70°.

5. Confirm width and walking zone

   • Provide at least 80 cm width. Maintain climbing lines 30 cm from both sides and a walking zone of at least 20 cm between them.

6. Plan handrails and guarding

   • Stairs higher than 1 m need a handrail positioned 80–100 cm above the tread. Where you install a stair gate/guard, keep bar spacing at or below 10 cm. Add balustrades to exposed edges of landings and floor openings.

7. Choose the landing’s role

   • Decide whether the tussenbordes simply breaks the run for compliance, or also reorients the stair (90° or 180°) for better space planning, as in a bordestrap.

8. Enhance safety and experience

   • Consider stair lighting for visibility, antislip strips for traction, and high-quality handrail brackets for sturdy support.

Design scenarios: Where a tussenbordes shines

• Tall storey heights: When the floor-to-floor height pushes beyond 4 m, a tussenbordes keeps you compliant while creating a natural resting point.
• Tight footprints: A landing enables a 90° turn to tuck a stair neatly along two walls, unlocking space you might not use with a straight run.
• Elegant circulation: A considered landing can stage views, daylight, or a change in material—creating architectural interest without sacrificing safety.

Practical tips for smoother planning

• Start with compliance: Design around the 4 m rule and the 80 × 80 cm minimum landing early—retrofits cost time and space.
• Measure finished-to-finished: Always reference final floor levels to avoid surprises later.
• Protect headroom: Map the 230 cm clearance along the climbing line, including above the landing and near soffits.
• Keep the walk comfortable: Respect 18.8 cm riser max and 22 cm going min for a natural stride.
• Secure the edges: Incorporate balustrades at open sides; plan handrail height and anchoring from day one.
• Light the path: Add motion-sensor stair lighting for visibility and convenience, especially if the stair is used at night.
• Add traction: Fit antislip rubber strips in painted or lacquered treads.
• Ask for an in-measure: If your space has quirks (slanted walls, uneven floors), a professional in-measure saves rework and helps ensure compliance.

Conclusion

A tussenbordes isn’t just a code checkbox. It’s a pivotal design element that can make your stair safer, more comfortable, and better integrated with your space. For new-build stairs, if the vertical height exceeds 4 metres, a landing of at least 80 × 80 cm is mandatory. Pair that with compliant step geometry, width, headroom, and handrail details, and you’ll have a staircase that feels as good as it looks.

Ready to design a compliant, beautiful stair with a perfectly placed tussenbordes? Get expert help with measuring, designing, producing, and installing your staircase. Contact Houtentrappenwinkel at info@houtentrappenwinkel.nl or +31 348 43 41 89. Explore related topics like our bordestrap options, how to measure a stair, wooden balustrades, stair lighting, and antislip solutions to complete your design.