How does one significantly change the levels of a stair? How does one change the level of a stair landing? These questions are repeatedly posed Revit beginners as they expect Revit to automatically increase or decrease the number of steps to fit the new elevations of levels. Consider the stair drawn between Level 1 and Level 2. Note the riser height is equal on the first and last step (187.5mm).

If the elevation of Level 2 is changed slightly the chances are that the same number of steps are required to maintain the stair calculation, and they are automatically adjusted. I this case I adjust Level to an elevation of 3900. The number of steps stay the same but the riser heights adjust to 181.25mm.

Change the elevation for level 2 to 3100, and an extra step is required and a warning is displayed to either add steps or to change the “Relevant Top Height” parameter!

Both these options may be exercised through editing the stairs.

Select Steps > Modify

Stairs > Edit Stairs > Select Stairs

To add a step, simply drag the run end control (either in plan or in elevation). This is the blue circle control. While dragging the control there is no visible change, but after it is dropped, the steps update.

After the top step is again dimensioned, it is clear that the steps are correctly spaced.

The alternative method is to change the Relative Top Height to the height of the new level elevation.

This effects the same result as adding to the number of steps.

When landing to be moved up or down, drag the Run control instead (the blue triangle) to lift or drop the landing.  The stair will have to be moved back to its original position.