View Full Version : How to make steep stairs less steep
amiano
Apr 27, 2011, 10:13 PM
I have some very steep and narrow(from front to back) stairs going up to my second floor, is reconstructing these stairs to regular size or just wider in general a project that can be done easily?
ballengerb1
Apr 28, 2011, 07:14 AM
Usually not. To make the stairs wider you need to remove at least one of the walls on on side, moving walls can be done but not easy. To make the stairs less steep you need to lengthen the run. The top can't move so lengthening the run means the bottom step must move out into the lower room s few feet. Plus you must remove and cut a completely new stringer, can be doen but far from easy
ma0641
Apr 28, 2011, 03:03 PM
Mr. B's right, not an easy job at all! Were these stairs that came with the house or added later? If they are steep and narrow, would possibly not meet current codes. How narrow is narrow?
zeeeee
Apr 10, 2012, 05:11 PM
I would also like to know if its possible to make my stairs less steep building regulations says they should be 45 degrees mine are 38 can a stair be added to the bottom
ballengerb1
Apr 10, 2012, 05:14 PM
No zeeee, please reread my first post. You'd have to totally tear down the existing stair case, cut new stringers with more steps and a longer run. The new stair case will stick further out into the room where it ends at the bottom. Where do you live that allows a stair case to be 45 degrees?
creahands
Apr 10, 2012, 07:32 PM
Bob is right. You would have to put in a totally new flight of stairs.
Only code I have ever seen in regards to stairs is the riser height and tread width. Check your codes again.
Chuck
sarahd69
Dec 5, 2012, 06:36 AM
Usually not. To make the stairs wider you need to remove at least one of the walls on on side, moving walls can be done but not easy. To make the stairs less steep you need to lengthen the run. The top can't move so lengthening the run means the bottom step must move out into the lower room s few feet. Plus you must remove and cut a completely new stringer, can be doen but far from easy
I do not have room at the bottom to add a stair, is there another answer?
creahands
Dec 5, 2012, 06:59 AM
Welcome to AMHD, sarah
The simple answer is NO.
Chuck