Standard geometry
Open one side
Closed on one side, exposed stringer + balustrade on the other.
- One side wall, one side open
- Newels + balusters on open side
- Most common single-family configuration
- Stain or carpet grade
- Est. 198739 yrs
- Family-Owned
- Veteran-Owned
- 4.8★ Verified
- Lehigh Valley
Definition
What is a open one side stair?
An open-one-side stair is closed against a wall on one side and open on the other, with a finished stringer, newels, and a balustrade on the exposed side. It is the most common single-family configuration, balancing a visible railing detail against the simplicity of one closed wall.
Built & reviewed by Snyder Stairs · Whitehall, PA · Est. 1987 · Updated June 2026
How it compares
How does a turn-style stair save space?
The trade-off across the turning configurations is footprint versus comfort. A landing is easiest to walk; a winder is the most compact. Here is where each one sits.
| Configuration | Turns on | Footprint | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| L-shape | Flat square landing | Largest of the turns | Comfort, code rest point |
| Winder | Pie-shaped treads | Most compact | Tight footprints, basements |
| Switch-back | Mid-landing, 180° | Stacked / vertical | Apartments, stair towers |
| Curved | Custom-radius arc | Open sweep | Formal foyers, statement |
Open one side FAQs
Common questions about open one side.
Q: When does an open-one-side stair make sense over open-two-sides?
When one side of the run sits against a wall — which is the case in most center-hall and subdivision homes. You finish and rail only the side people see, so it costs less than open-two-sides while still showing a full balustrade in the foyer.
Q: What's the IBC railing height for the open side?
Residential handrail height runs 34-38 inches measured vertically from the tread nosing, and the balusters must reject a 4-inch sphere. We build to the adopted code wherever your project is permitted.
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Custom stairs and railings, built in Whitehall.
Custom stairs and railings, built by a family of Pennsylvania craftsmen for nearly forty years. We'll give you a realistic budget on the first call — not a teaser, not a pressure-close. Get in touch, or send a few photos.
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