Video: Create Stairs and Railings

In part 9 of the tutorial, you add stairs and railings to a model in a plan view.

This video demonstrates the following:

1. Create a stair between the lower level and entry level.
2. Create railings using an offset value and picking model lines.
3. Create railings using an offset value and drawing along model lines.
4. Change the railing type to a pipe guardrail.

Note: This video was recorded using Revit LT 2018. When performing the procedures, you may notice minor differences in functionality and user interface.

Follow the steps

Transcript

When adding stair elements to your project, it is easiest to work in a plan view. Begin by selecting the Stair tool on the Architecture tab of the ribbon.

On the Properties palette, specify the base and top levels for the stairs. The number of risers for the stairs is automatically calculated based on the difference in height between these 2 levels and on the calculation rules established in the stair type.

Notice that the Straight Run tool is selected on the Components panel. When you use this tool to draw stair runs, the lines for the boundary and the risers are automatically generated. The sketched line represents the center point of the stair run. In this project, the intersection of the 2 reference planes indicates the point for the start of the stair run.

After you click the starting point, a rectangle displays representing the extents of the stair run. As you move the cursor along the run, the display continuously updates to show the number of risers created and the number of risers remaining. Once you move the cursor beyond the extent of the rectangle and click to specify the endpoint, all of the calculated risers are created.

Click the Finish Edit Mode tool to create the stair run. Railings are automatically generated and attached to the stair. Additional railings can be added using the Railing tool. Use the Pick Lines tool on the Draw panel along with an offset value you specify on the Options Bar. This tool allows you to use the edges of the floor as a layout guide for the railing sketch. Use grip points on the sketch line to make adjustments. The Line tool with an offset can also be used to trace along an edge to sketch additional railings. Sketches for railings must be drawn as connected segments.

So in this case, you draw 3 different railings, one for the interior balcony, one for the entry porch, and one for the long exterior balcony. The results of the sketched railings can be seen in the 3D view of the model. Select one railing object and right click to display the context menu. Then use the Select All Instances option to select all of the railings in the project. Now you can use the Type Selector on the Properties palette to simultaneously change the type of all railings as needed to match your design intent.