Narrow stair treads

2575236
by 2575236
My family wears size 12 shoe - the house we just bought has very narrow stair treads. Does anyone know how to make them longer?
  5 answers
  • I hate to say it, but rip it out & redo - of course every inch you make them wider takes that much out of the landing areas above or below. For example going from a 10" wide to 11" in a standard 8' area will eat up over 1'2" worth of space approximately - not including all the other work required Can't I just pop the risers? Yes, no, maybe - open treads can work in some locations but they also fall under the allowable size limit for objects to pass which as I recall is 4" http://thehtrc.com/2012/stairs-dreaded-stair-stringer-codes-tips
  • Shirley Kalinosky Shirley Kalinosky on Feb 06, 2016
    He has a point there. We had the same problem, steps too narrow to walk on and had the contractor build a new flight of stairs. It was worth it and they were beautiful! Good luck!
  • Nancy Denick Nancy Denick on Feb 06, 2016
    You could put in an alternating tread staircase. If you are elderly though, this might be even more challenging of a climb. Google some images, there are lots of designs.
  • Nancy Jenkins Nancy Jenkins on Feb 06, 2016
    I too have narrow steps to downstairs in my 1942 house. I have to go downstairs sideways. Is it just the top that is taken off or the whole stairs. Hard to find cheap labour where I am. Lucky you with husbands and man friends to do this job for free.
  • CK CK on Feb 06, 2016
    Your best bet is to take out the old stairs and rebuild the treads wider.