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Stair riser issue

2 years ago

I had the hardwood guys install new treads on the stairs, but they didnt install risers for some unknown reason.

they also didnt fix the sheetrock along the sides of the wall, but I repaired that

what are my options for installing a riser since the treads are already in place? its only 3 steps

Featured Answer

Julie Praus

2 years ago

There are a lot of things in life that we don’t expect, however, tripping on stairs is a very common issue even if it’s just one step. Three steps with more than 2” difference between tallest and shortest riser is definitely a tripping hazard. Code allows 3/8” difference and even that can be noticed while using the stairs. This needs to be fixed before anyone gets hurt and you get sued.

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Comments (12)

Seabornman
2 years ago
Are the three riser heights really as different as it appears in the photo? You could probably add 1/4" (really a little less than that) plywood over what's there. How far does the nosing overhang?
Nick Baratta
Original Author
2 years ago
Yep there all different sizes 4 3/4" 6 3/8" and 6 7/8"
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Peoria, I'm not quite picturing where your problem is--Slateberry's answer is totally different from what I was thinking. Could you clear things up? You say the treads are housed--to me, that means that they fit into the stringer and trim board--your balusters do not rest on the tread, but on the side trim of the stairs in a straight diagonal line, like at the top of the railing. I was picturing the gap as being visible from the top of the tread--that it didn't fit into the trim all the way from front to back--and I couldn't see how the front could fit on every step, but not the back of each? If the treads are open (visible) on one side, with the balusters resting in pairs on each step, then the gap is zero at the front, but wider as you approach the front of the next step, so the gap runs horizontally? It would seem to me that if every step is that way, then they were either poorly done to begin with, or the outside trim was replaced at one time, and the cuts were off.
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Seabornman
2 years ago
If you can remove the treads new risers can be placed so the treads butt up against riser. A little harder to control the gap that way, but you wouldn't lose any nosing depth and you could shim up the treads to get code-legal (and less tripping hazard) riser heights. That is, if the treads aren't glued down.
User
2 years ago
Yikes, stairs with differing riser heights are a trip and fall hazard. Fix that problem first before moving forward.
Nick Baratta
Original Author
2 years ago
It's 2 stairs I can't easily redo the foundation of the house...I also don't expect anyone to trip on 2 stairs
Nick Baratta
Original Author
2 years ago
The stairs are unfortunately glued
User
2 years ago
No one expects you to redo the foundation, just pull up those stair treads and move the attachment points to make each of the risers equal.
AnnKH
2 years ago
It doesn't look like your "hardwood guys" were professional floor/stair installers. Differing heights is absolutely unacceptable. You might be able to get used to it, but what about every single guest that comes to your home?
User
2 years ago
I have one bottom step in my basement staircase where that tread was replaced with a board is less than 1/4" less deep than the others. It's noticeable that it's not the same but not enough to be a trip hazard.
Nick Baratta
Original Author
2 years ago
Well i nor anyone else has noticed they were different heights. im not sure why the hardwood guys just put new treads in they did a really good job on the rest of the floors in the home just seems like those got the whatever treatment. i still owe him $500 which he hasnt asked for since i brought it up, but yea not exactly pleased with the end result on those stairs since the caps are glued…
User
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Not legally built stairs. And they are a HUGE *personal* liability, since you have been very publicly told that they are a hazard. And you’ve altered them, without actually fixing what is wrong with them. So you can’t argue that they are grandfathered. They arent.

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