skip to main content

Door Under Stairway Different Height

12 days ago

We are in the process of building a custom home. I had been planning on painting our interior doors SW iron ore with brass hardware. On a recent walk through, I realized that the door under our stairway is a different height (shorter) than our other doors. There are 4 other doors on this relatively short hallway, which is making me rethink painting the doors. Would it look strange to paint the doors such a bold color with one being a different height? Would it be better to paint the doors the same color of the walls?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

millworkman
12 days ago
You could paint the othger three how you wish and I would just paint the door under the stairs the wall color. You really are not looking to make that door a feature or really noticed entity, you just kind of want it there and to blend in and sort of disappear.
PRO
Norwood Architects
12 days ago
Am not sure painting your doors the same color as the walls is a good idea. Would suggest a crisp white for doors and trim including the door to the understair area.
Related Discussions
What to do about huge threshold height difference?
Q
Comments (18)
We had this same situation. I did some research and found that you could either make or buy a "ramp" made for just this purpose. Ours was installed under the carpet pad and its made of a very heavy rubber. Tapered on the sides as well as the approach and it spans the whole width of the doorway. and about 24" long so you've got a nice gradual transition. It's absolutely a perfect solution. The carpet installers ordered it and I couldn't be happier. I'll try to attach a photo of ours tonight. Ours were similar to this as they were rubber http://www.johnsonite.com/WallBaseFinishesAccessories/FinishingAccessories/SubfloorLevelerSystem/tabid/813/Default.aspx But I'd suggested the website carpetshims.com to the carpet installers when we first realized the problem. The ones from caroet shims.com are wooden. I'd have been majorly unhappy with the look and tripping hazard of a step up/ uneven threshold.
...See More
Standard cabinet height under counter...Barker cabs say 34.5" Huh?
Q
Comments (26)
Sophie Wheeler, 23 years is WITHIN the last hundred years. That was my point. Using your logic, a house built in 2001 was instantly obsolete. Site built /stick built construction is actually considered to be desirable - completely custom, and often done in higher end homes. Is it cheaper to build modular and install? It can be - it's certainly more convenient for the homeowner. But for new construction, site built is great. Can both be equal in quality? Sure. I only know about this because I know a few builders, and we've actually discussed this exact topic. Hell I could gain major improvements just by replacing all the doors and drawers and all new hardware. But what I have still works quite well. If I had issues with drawers sticking and doors that didn't fit right, that would be a different story. But I don't. Everything works and fits as it should, so I will pursue changes where I need them. And those changes are all that we really should be discussing here. Again, thanks for the advice, but your suggestions have nothing to do with my topic.
...See More
French door fridge vs over/under cubic feet difference
Q
Comments (19)
I would not let the .7 cf dictate here... like someone had said previously - it probably is due to one single door vs the 2 french doors. Is the non-french door model a side by side or it is still a bottom freezer with a large single door fresh food area? I dislike the side by side. My friend has a french door - it makes me crazy because you feel like you have to open both doors all the time to see everything. I have a single door ref and love it! However it is in a location where that larger door swing is not an issue - so take your layout into account. I do find that I only really fully open the door when I am putting groceries away or cleaning it. Good luck!
...See More
height difference after replacing solid hardwood with engineered
Q
Comments (9)
The answer to you question is: you can‘t use engineered flooring. The height difference means you must go with real hardwood and tile the concrete area. Think about wanting to raise your ceilings to install taller crown height that you love. You just can’t. We looked at a $2M house that offered engineered flooring over the expected site-finished hardwood and for me, it immediately made the house seem cheap. I don‘t care for the faux finish on engineered wood or the sound made when heels walk on it. I also don’t see where repairs are easily made. Engineered makes for a faster install, no fumes, no cure times, sustainability, and a large variety of widths. All of that works in a new construction environment. But keep in mind, there too, you cannot revert back to real hardwood. What is a homeowner to do?…raise all the cabinets and doors? Obviously, no. I definitely would not chaulk the gaps. That is a maintenance nightmare for routine cleaning and changes in humidity and settlement. Choose real hardwood and tile the concrete area. You will be happy you did and you will love it forever.
...See More
Jackie Hall
Original Author
12 days ago
Fair point. I meant a more neutral color (a crisp white) as opposed to a black
PRO
JAN MOYER
12 days ago
Bold doors should lead to something equally bold or great......

Do closets or STAIR qualify? Not usually: )
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
12 days ago
Alternatively you CAN install a standard height door there, the top part of the door would be 'blind' when opened. Could lead to some knocked heads but can look better. I had this situation in a previous house where the bedroom had full height ceilings but the hall outside had a slope (roof) that would have clipped the top corner of the door off. By leaving the door square it looked much better from the bedroom side and avoided a custom door.
Jackie Hall
Original Author
12 days ago
@Jan Moyer, I’m not sure I agree with this statement. Does a bedroom, laundry room or bathroom qualify? I’m more focused on uniformity and symetrt
Jackie Hall
Original Author
12 days ago
@hallet & Co, wish this was an option. The door under the stairway is 6’8” so not worried about folks hitting their heads generally. Our other doors are 8’ and there is just not enough space under the stairway for a door that height
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
12 days ago
But there is enough space in the wall- I assume the wall is standard height on the hall side but you are accessing the space under the stairs with a lower ceiling?
Jackie Hall
Original Author
12 days ago
Yes because he landing is not at 10ft (the overall ceiling height)and the door is under where the stairs increase in height to the second floor.
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
12 days ago
Does this picture help? See the door with a triangle of the opening blocked? That’s the roof slope and I didn’t want a funny shaped door in the bedroom so the wall was framed for a standard door even though the roof rafter blocked the top left corner. Now imagine in your house an 8’ door in a 10’ wall. When you open the door the top 16” would be a blank panel because the room beyond only has an 80” ceiling height.

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Key Measurements for a Heavenly Stairway

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Learn what heights, widths and configurations make stairs the most functional and comfortable to use

DECORATING GUIDES 8 Clever Ideas for the Space Under the Stairs

By Bryan Anthony

This small area can be an ideal spot for a reading nook, playspace, mini office and more

STAIRWAYS 17 Ideas for Storage Under the Stairs

By Mitchell Parker

It’s not just about the ups and downs. These clever staircases also provide storage, display and seating

DESIGN DETAILS The Secret to Pocket Doors' Success

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Pocket doors can be genius solutions for all kinds of rooms — but it’s the hardware that makes all the difference. See why

STAIRWAYS What to Build Under the Stairs

By Simon Farrell-Green

These imaginative examples show the many ways to use this space — as a playhouse, study, wine cellar or bike rack

DECORATING GUIDES What to Do With the Space Under the Stairs

By Nicole Jacobs

Whether your stairway is curved or straight, it’s valuable real estate. Here are 10 ways to use it and dress it up

DOORS Creative Ways With Barn-Style Doors

By Laura Gaskill

Considering jumping on the barn-door bandwagon? These examples in different styles offer inspiration aplenty

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Under a Metal Canopy in Texas

By Becky Harris

New technology, reclaimed materials and an enormous protective roof combine in this Hawkins home for irresistible modern rustic charm

GREAT HOME PROJECTS Upgrade Your House With New Interior Doors

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

New project for a new year: Enhance your home's architecture with new interior doors you'll love to live with every day

DECORATING GUIDES 8 Elegant Ideas for a Stairway Wall

By Christine Tusher

Turn an awkward area into a graceful scene with low seating, a pretty wallpaper, just-right tables and more

Sponsored

More Discussions

Ideas for efficient space utilization for small but tall bedroom

9

Grab bar placement and type

8

Big changes or no?

25

living room help

2

Too Many Tile Cuts?

2