Stairs: Rebuild vs. New
I have a three-story one-family. The stairs from the garden to the parlor are in sad shape. Probably would be easier to build a new staircase. As built, the step width is 32 inches. The width of the garden hall is 36 inches. Is there code requiring the width of new stairs to be 36inches?…
I have a three-story one-family. The stairs from the garden to the parlor are in sad shape. Probably would be easier to build a new staircase. As built, the step width is 32 inches. The width of the garden hall is 36 inches. Is there code requiring the width of new stairs to be 36inches? If so, that would make the hall less than the required 36 inches. What would take priority?
If brownstone stairs need renovating, call Antonio 347-218-2122, he did a great job on our stairs
The hall wall, which supports the main beam, was replaced with a masonry wall (used to be wood). It is in the identical place as the old wall. That masonry wall surrounds my mechanical room (no sub basement). It also made the supports for the joists that run to the stair opening fireproof. It supports the main beam at proper code distances, but also moves into the mechanical room creating closets in the hall.
My understanding was always that you can retain the original specs even if they don’t fulfill the exact code… but it had to be within reason. No?
But if you had renovated the hallway — i.e., made the hallway wider or narrower, then you would have no excuse for the stairs… but you didn’t, right?
Thanks for the imput. Not looking for someone to do the job. I have built new stairs in the rest of the house myself. No potential code conflict. With the garden/parlor steps, if there were no hall width restriction, I would make the 40″ wide. Next house I guess. My concern is the 32″ width and making a whole new set of steps using original specs.
I second Soxco–Anton will give you good advice. They did a great job on two flights of our stairs.
You may want to check with Antoon Schollee at Soxco stairs or someone else who has expertise in the area. Soxco did all four of our staircases, and they came out fantastic.
We were able to save the treads on our main parlor floor and I think his company did a fabulous job.
Anyway, sure he would come and inspect and let you know in his professional opinion what makes the most sense.
I think they have an ad on the Brownstoner pages.
I would recommend rebuilding existing stairs.
We did one last week, replacing treads and risers we fabicate from 5/4 poplar.
The treads were 1″ out from wall stringer, and looked bad with patches from many “handymen”. Now they are gorgeous. I can send pic’s if you are interested.
Also, a repair in place like this avoids “imperial entanglements”
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