How do you make an open stringer staircase from a closed stringer staircase?

Youtube quote:The outside of the closed stringer is covered off by wainscoting. And that conceals all the mess that was made by closing it in the last step is to finish off the top.

Can you replace the stringer on stairs?

Youtube quote:So if you do need to replace a center stringer then you're probably going to need to cut it in half or in some cases you might need to cut it into thirds. However if you can avoid cutting it.

Can you have an open sided staircase?

(1) Stairways less than 44 inches in width may have one handrail or stair railing except that such stairways open on one or both sides shall have stair railings provided on the open side or sides. (2) Stairways having less than four risers need not have handrails or stair railings.

How do you open a closed staircase?

Youtube quote:The floor joists by putting a beam in little run along the bottom of the floor underneath the joist here and that way we'll be able to open up the stairway.

How do you install risers on open stairs?

Youtube quote:You can see I did one up here pocket hole screws on the top. And then I'll put screws straight through the back into the back of the treads. Along the back here.

How do you make a stair stringer?

Youtube quote:Now that we mark the run of the top tread I'm going to use the carpenter's square to extend that rise line down and that's going to be the back of the stringer.

How do you make an opening for a staircase?

Stair opening = ((floor thickness + headroom clearance) x stair run) / stair rise. The length of the stair opening is represented by the following equation. Progressively simplifying the equation gives (94 x 140) / 120, then 13,160 / 120, and finally 109.67.

How much does it cost to open up a staircase?

Open vs Closed Staircase

Type Average Costs (Installed)
Closed $2,000 – $5,000
Open $10,000 – $50,000


Can I remove the wall under my stairs?

As long as you weren’t thinking of removing any of that, just the triangular section you’ll be fine. The straight middle section of a staircase is nearly always self supporting, hence why you can remove the spandrel section, as it’s where the top and bottom parts of the staircase anchors is the critical part.

How do you tell if a wall is load bearing under stairs?

The only way to know if a staircase wall (or any wall for that matter) is load bearing or not is to look at the joists, frames, beams, and other structural elements. That being said, nearly all walls next to stairs can be assumed to be load bearing because they interrupt joists from more than one direction.

Is a staircase self supporting?

Due to the construction of the back wall, we dropped the staircase spines down to the ground as a form of support so the staircase is fully self supporting and not reliant upon the walls surrounding it.

Do you need planning permission to change staircase?

No Planning Permission Needed!



In the vast majority of cases, you do not need planning permission from your local authority to relocate your stairs. If the new design does not impact the external appearance of your property, you just need to submit a building regulations application.

What is the 4 year rule in planning permission?

The ‘4 Year Rule’ allows you to make a formal application for a certificate to determine whether your unauthorised use or development can become lawful through the passage of time — rather than compliance with space standards — and can continue without the need for planning permission.

Can I change the stairs in my house?

Yes, you can move a staircase yourself. Planning the actual job will take some time, as you’ll need to be sure your new desired space for your stairs will allow you to install a new set of stairs that is code compliant.