Quality Standard for Stairs

American National Standard: ANSI/AWI SMA 0643-2021 – Wood Stair, Handrail, and Guard Systems

The Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) and Stairbuilders and Manufacturers Association (SMA) collaborated to develop the ANSI/AWI SMA 0643-2021 – Wood Stair, Handrail, and Guard Systems standard. The standard differentiates between structural and aesthetic requirements for stair systems, ensuring that industry professionals can tailor the product to their specific needs. The ANSI/AWI SMA 0643-2021 – Wood Stair, Handrail, and Guard Systems standard includes a separate installation section, to be used by stair system installers in the field.

View/Purchase Your Copy Today!

Jointly developed by AWI and SMA, ANSI/AWI SMA 0643-2021 – Wood Stair, Handrail, and Guard Systems is now available to access for FREE through the SMA website and the AWI Portal or is available to purchase in print form through the AWI Store.

SMA Members! A member discount code has been sent to you via email and is also available on the Member Profile page.  If you need assistance, please contact the SMA Office at sma@stairways.org prior to ordering your copy to receive your member discount code.

Supplemental Documents

SMA’s Glossary of Stair Terminology

MSU Design Values Report Summary

Design Values for Domestic Wood Species Used in Stairway Construction

Physical and Mechanical Properties of Clear Wood from Red Oak and White Oak



SMA Visual Interpretations of the Stairbuilding Codes


Visual Interpretations are the key to understanding, visualizing, and keeping stairbuilders and lay people informed of ever-evolving technical concepts. The SMA offers the most up-to-date manuals for stairbuilders to construct safe, functional, and beautiful stair designs that adhere to industry requirements, while supporting the architectural and design goals of the project. These invaluable guides are perfect for visualizing the most basic to the most complex of designs.


The Collaborators


The Architectural Woodwork Institute has produced and collaborated on the development of standards in accordance with its mission from its founding in 1953 to the present day.


The Stairbuilders and Manufacturers Association was formed in 1988 to insure the growth and prosperity of the group’s industry and craft. We are a collective focused on the stair industry of the future.


Founded in 1918, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private non-profit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system.