Stairs Repair

Question

The level of the concrete in my basement floor is off about an inch between where the ends of the stair stringers will be. This means the stringer height will be different. How should I fit and trim these two different stair stringers?

Answer

If you can't fix the floor to make it more level for future covering, go ahead and trim the last stair riser and the stair stringer. Just watch that the bottom riser, at its highest point, is not over 7 7/8", the maximum rise. Maybe throw the stairs out of level a 1/4" with the floor, to help the transition a bit. Keep it level on the top—the main floor.

I've seen the upper floor out 3/4" in 3' before. You do what you have to do. If it can't be rectified easily, give a bit, so it is not as noticeable.


Dave

(Ask Dave) (About Dave)



Your source for building tips, woodworking & furniture plans, house plans and building advice directly from Dave...

Hi, I'm Dave Osborne. With over 50 years experience as a journeyman carpenter, foreman and contractor in heavy construction I enjoyed working with apprentices and sharing the tricks of the trade that others shared with me. Now I get emails from Members all over the world and we include many of my answers in our Free Monthly Newsletters. Some of my answers include drawings and instructions specific to a project, but may also answer your questions. I use correct construction terminology, so you can confidently inform your building supply dealers or contractors exactly what you need.

ASK DAVE!

The Benefits of Membership

Membership gives you full access to our hundreds of how-to articles, woodworking plans, converters, calculators and tables. Our Stair Calculator is one of the most popular on the internet. We have projects you can build for (and with) your kids, furniture for your wife, and sheds and gazebos. If you run into a problem or need advice your Membership includes unlimited email questions to me through our Ask Dave quick response button.

Join us!








legal