QA

Question: How To Close Off Open Basement Stairs

How do you close an open stairwell?

Closing off a stairwell is a matter of installing joists in the floor opening of the same dimension as the existing floor joists. In most cases, you can install new floor joists and remove the steps leading to the lower level. You might not be able to remove a wall on either side of the stairs, however.

What can I use to cover my basement stairs?

The 2 best solutions for basement stairs are: 1) carpet and 2) hardwood/wood…or even better a combo of these two – wood plus a carpet runner. What is this? Now, if you have concrete steps, I would just recommend doing carpet. It is the easiest, safest and least expensive option.

Should basement stairs be open?

The international building code says that you can open the stairwell to the third stair without a railing as long as you have a continuous handrail on the opposite side. Opening to the third stair will likely make it easier to get furniture in & out of your basement so that could prove to be a tipping point.

How do you close a gap in stairs?

Riser-to-Tread Gap Place the cove molding face up across two sawhorses. Measure the width of the stair tread where it meets the riser. Apply a bead of construction sealant to the back of the molding. Apply colored silicone caulking to stringer gaps. Cut the tip off of a tube of colored silicone with a utility knife.

How do you make open stairs safe?

For most people, a handrail is more than enough of an aid in getting up and down floating stairways. If you’re still concerned about slipping on the stairs, consider using Viewrail’s Grip Strips in the front of your treads. The metal creates more friction than a finished wood does, giving you better grip.

What is a floating staircase?

What are Floating Stairs? Floating stairs are a type of straight staircase that is self-supported. Because of the self-supported design a floating staircase requires no extra support between the underside of the staircase and the floor below or a wall.

How do you fill the gap between stair tread and riser?

Run a heavy bead of the silicone along the gap to fill it, and then use a wet fingertip to smooth it out if necessary. It’s the fastest way to fill minor gaps, and if you’re not happy with the way it looks, you can always install molding over it.

How do you baby proof open stairs?

How to Babyproof Your Stairs Get Baby Gates. Anchor the Baby Gates. Check Your Stairs. Expandable Baby Gates. 3-in-1 Baby Gates. Tall Walk-Through Gates. Get a Banister Guard. Try a Do-It-Yourself Solution.

How do you cover concrete basement stairs?

To cover over concrete stairs, run a line of carpet from top to bottom. When covering wood stairs, fairly narrow strips of carpet are typically run down the center portion of the stairs, leaving bare areas on each side. For concrete stairs, cut the carpet to fit edge to edge.

Can you put marmoleum on stairs?

Marmoleum® can be installed on stairs, however it is NOT recommended to be wrapped on stairs. The substrate must meet all the requirements set forth in the Substrate Evaluation & Preparation section of the Forbo Installation Guide. A stair nosing must be used with an individual piece of Marmoleum® for each stair.

What is the safest covering for stairs?

Carpet Flooring For Stairs Out of all the options on our list, carpet is by far the safest type of flooring for stairs. A carpeted staircase with short, dense fibers can do a lot for your home. The shorter fibers are more durable and can weather heavy foot traffic while still feeling soft and comfortable underfoot.

What is a closed staircase?

Also known as closed tread stairs or box stairs, closed riser stairs often have a full timber riser between each tread. In other words, the gap between each step is closed by a small, vertical wall, preventing you from seeing underneath or in between the steps.

How do you fill space between stairs and walls?

The easiest and most used product to fill each gap would be a latex caulking. A cartridge (or tube) is placed in a caulking gun and applied in a continuous bead along the gap. Once the gap is covered press it into the gap with a putty knife. This will also flatten the caulking so that it conforms with the flat wall.

Are open tread stairs safe?

Some builders or contractors may think these regulations are a nuisance but they are there to protect you and your family from serious injury. As long as you new build follows these stipulations, open tread stairs present no more of a risk to children than traditional staircases.

Are floating staircase safe?

Are Floating Staircases Safe? Yes, floating stairs are just as safe, if not more safe than a traditional staircase. They must adhere to certain code requirements (check with your local code official for your state’s requirements) — but as long as you install according to code, your floating staircase will be safe.

How do you dog proof open stairs?

One of the best ways to give your slippery stairs some extra grip is with stick-on stair treads. Place a tread on each step, and your clumsy dog will never slip down your stairs again. You could also use a stair runner.