U Shape Stairs are two or three flights (often of differing length) that create a U shape by the use of an intermediate flight between the top of the lower flight and the bottom of the upper flight by partitioning the middle area into two square landings or several pie shaped winder treads to reduce the length of the straight flights and thereby reduce the overall footprint of the U shaped stair. Ideally there is a space between the two parallel flights to allow room for skirt boards, stair tread overhangs and clearance between bypassing handrails. This distance is usually greater than the standard Switchback stair. Switchback stairways are sometimes referred to as U shaped stairs.