Do I need a landing at the top and bottom of the stairs?
Yes — a landing at least 36 in deep is required top and bottom (IRC R311.7.6).
A floor or landing is required at the top and bottom of each stairway. For a straight run, the landing must be at least 36 inches (914 mm) deep in the direction of travel and at least as wide as the flight it serves.
One common exception: a landing is not required at the top of an interior flight, as long as a door does not swing out over the stairs.
Verified against
Related answers
Need this scoped to your jurisdiction?
Adopted edition and local amendments vary by city and county. Ask Donnie checks your jurisdiction and cites the exact adopted section.
Ask Donnie →General information based on the International Residential Code (a model code). This is AI assistance to verify — not legal advice. Confirm the adopted edition and any local amendments with your local building department (AHJ) and a licensed professional before you build.