Stairs to basement, as they looked after carpet was removed.
How to rebuild steps?
After removing carpet, this is how the steps look that lead to my basement. They must have been too narrow, as an addition of approx. 1-3/4" was added to each step. But due to the way they are constructed, this addition only makes you feel as if you're falling head-first down the stairs. I am on a fixed income and professional help is not in the budget. I enjoy tackling some DIY home improvement projects but where do I even start?
A close up of stairs.
This approx. 1-3/4" addition was added to each step, presumably to make them wider and more user friendly, but only makes them more dangerous.
Related Discussions
How to widen my front steps without doing a total demo and rebuild?
How do I make a pet ramp for only 2 stairs for my aging dog?
How do I build device for laundry basket to move up & down stairs?
Please, I need ideas for builds that do the carrying/pulling of a laundry bag/basket up & down stairs. A crank pulley system will not work since that still requires a... See more
How can I cover concrete stairs with composite decking?
I have 6 concrete stairs and a small Landing leading to my house. I would like to go over them with a composite type decking material without having to dispose of the... See more
How can I install a banister or railing on stairs with no side?
The basement stairs are dangerous - there's nothing on one side! But they are narrow and if I close them in permanently, I will have trouble getting furniture up and ... See more
How can I make metal tree branches for a railing system??
I am up for rebar or any kind of metal to make a railing system - any ideas??
You can pop them off and replace them with something shorter as it looks to me that your tread, from the photos, is still too short. Your tread depth plus riser height should add up to about 17.5". Typically treads are 10-11" deep which you should attempt to maintain for safety.
If it was my job, I would sand all the stairs down and stain them and add a few coats of varnish. For the area you mentioned that has been added. You can add rubber non slip tread to the ends which will cover the add on and also prevent you from slipping. There are many options on the market. You can even add a wallpaper to the under side of the stairs for a nicer look. Good luck with your project. Here is a link to give you an idea what I mean.
https://goo.gl/images/VixCWu
https://goo.gl/images/zTPD4r
I would add 1x10's to the top of each stair. And cover the front with luan. Caulk everything and paint.
Becky and Anita's got it right. You state to Becky the steps are 10" to 11 1/4' deep. Which is what they should be according to building codes. The 1 3/4" was added to make them legal and a bullnose for the carpeting.
This is what other Hometalkers did.
https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=remove%20carpet%20from%20stairs