WAEC SSCE Technical Drawing

Stairs and staircases

Study notes for Stairs and staircases — part of the WAEC SSCE Technical Drawing syllabus. 1 learning objectives with explanations and exam tips.

Objectives1
SubjectTechnical Drawing
ExamWAEC SSCE
Study Notes
Objective 1 of 1
Stairs and Staircases: Parts and Types

Staircases are structures that help people move between different floor levels in buildings. Think of the stairs in your school's three-storey building or a multi-level shopping mall in Lagos—those are practical examples of staircases you see daily.

The main parts include the steps (which consist of the tread, the horizontal part you step on, and the riser, the vertical part), the stringers (the slanted beams supporting the steps), handrails for safety, and balusters (vertical posts). Common types you'll encounter in exams are straight stairs, which run in one direction; L-shaped or dog-legged stairs, which have a landing and change direction; spiral stairs, which curve around a central post; and winding stairs, which gradually change direction without a landing.

Understanding these components helps you draw staircases accurately in your technical drawing exams.

💡 Exam tip: When drawing staircases, always sketch the stringer lines first as your guide, then add the treads and risers proportionally, ensuring your handrails are parallel to the stair slope.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many WAEC objectives are in Stairs and staircases?
The WAEC SSCE Technical Drawing topic 'Stairs and staircases' has 1 learning objectives you must master.
Does Stairs and staircases appear in WAEC Technical Drawing exams?
Stairs and staircases is part of the official WAEC SSCE Technical Drawing syllabus, so questions can be drawn from it in any year.
How do I study Stairs and staircases for WAEC?
Study each of the 1 objectives listed above. For each one, understand the concept, learn one worked example, and practise past questions on the topic.
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