Restoring 2 terribly installed stair treads and risers

[bobbidill]

Why would varnish make them look different ?

When varnished the ply will look different to the hardwood which makes up the rest of the staircase.

 

[bobbidill]

Can't the builders change the staircase at their expense?

They won't sadly, so we just have to deal with this ourselves. It's not an uncommon story sadly.

 

[bobbidill]

well, in my opinion it looks awful, however I'm assuming from the story that the builders assumed/hoped it was going to be carpeted or some other flooring on top. That's the only way I could expect that modification not to be noticable. Presumably it's all structurally sound.

Even if they should know that it was "finished" with the wood grain showing, then there's probably many hundred of pounds riding on this from them, and they're not going to have to live with it looking like that, so it's in their interests to hold out and tell you it's fine for as long as possible (apart from their reputation) So if you do want it replaced with proper treads then you're going to have to be extremenly firm!

They knew right from the start before the stairs were ordered that they wouldn't be covered. Do you know if replacing the treads and risers for these bottom 2 steps is possible?

 

[bobbidill]

Thank you to everyone who's responded. It's refreshing to know that there are good people out there too after our experience. Does anyone have any practical knowledge they would share about how we could have the risers and treads for these 2 steps replaced? The builders refuse to take responsibility and frankly we don't have the heart for a battle now, even though we know that we're in the right.

 

[big-all]

ok stairs and and landings in general should be a set minimum and indeed a minimum square as in width up the stairs say 800mm then the landings and lower treads should be the same widths
now i could be wrong and am happy to be corrected but the point i was making was a book shelve should encroach to the minimum to stop anybody suggesting the bottom section is not compatable with the regs as its say knocking 40mm off the square landing requirement ?

 

[foxhole]

You could cut out the bottom steps and make a short box section to replace, existing steps will require supporting from below before new section goes back in.

 

[foxhole]

When varnished the ply will look different to the hardwood which makes up the rest of the staircase.

Looks like pine stairs? Not hardwood?

 

[^woody^]

Not when I did mine .

Give the OP a quote.

 

[geraldthehamster]

I would take them to court, but failing that, it should be possible for a joiner to cut out the winders, measure up and make new to fit. I don't imagine it will be cheap. There's nothing to be done about the join in the stringer on the wall side.

The three winders (steps) at the bottom won't be supporting the straight staircase above. When I fitted my staircase, the straight section went in fits, with the newels, and I then had to assemble the three winders at the bottom.

 

[Diver Fred]

As GtH comments the string joint cannot be hidden without replacing the complete flight. What I'd be questioning is the strength of the treads that have been lengthened - how is the complete tread supported? Why wasn't new treads fitted when the bodge was done? I'm surprised BC has allowed such a bodge without full knowledge of how the treads are supported.

A good carpenter may be able to fit new treads into the Newal Post and L/H string. New risers, extending below the tread so that securing fillets (blocks) can be fitted to both tread and riser, will need to be fitted up to the 3rd tread otherwise you will always get ‘squeeks’ from the stairs when walked on.
Bearers need to be fitted to the R/H and return string for the tread to be supported and I’d be inclined to fit a bearer the full length of the 2nd tread.


What is the flight of stairs made from?

 

[geraldthehamster]

What's bizarre is that in an otherwise softwood staircase, at least some part of the badly joined riser in these photos is some kind of hardwood. They haven't even used the same timber.

I would get a joiner/carpenter in. If you've given up on getting redress from the builder, pay someone to fix it properly.

 

[bobbidill]

What's bizarre is that in an otherwise softwood staircase, at least some part of the badly joined riser in these photos is some kind of hardwood. They haven't even used the same timber.

I would get a joiner/carpenter in. If you've given up on getting redress from the builder, pay someone to fix it properly.

Thanks GtH, I'm grateful for your advice. We're looking for a carpenter who can do this. It's tricky to find someone with the necessary skills though.

 

[bobbidill]

As GtH comments the string joint cannot be hidden without replacing the complete flight. What I'd be questioning is the strength of the treads that have been lengthened - how is the complete tread supported? Why wasn't new treads fitted when the bodge was done? I'm surprised BC has allowed such a bodge without full knowledge of how the treads are supported.

A good carpenter may be able to fit new treads into the Newal Post and L/H string. New risers, extending below the tread so that securing fillets (blocks) can be fitted to both tread and riser, will need to be fitted up to the 3rd tread otherwise you will always get ‘squeeks’ from the stairs when walked on.
Bearers need to be fitted to the R/H and return string for the tread to be supported and I’d be inclined to fit a bearer the full length of the 2nd tread.


What is the flight of stairs made from?

wgt52, the stairs are pine. Thanks for the installation advice, if we ever manage to find a carpenter who's up to the task then we'll certainly speak to them about it!

 

[bobbidill]

I would take them to court, but failing that, it should be possible for a joiner to cut out the winders, measure up and make new to fit. I don't imagine it will be cheap. There's nothing to be done about the join in the stringer on the wall side.

The three winders (steps) at the bottom won't be supporting the straight staircase above. When I fitted my staircase, the straight section went in fits, with the newels, and I then had to assemble the three winders at the bottom.

I simply don't have it

Looks like pine stairs? Not hardwood?

They are pine foxhole, I said they were hardwood in error.

 

[geraldthehamster]

We're looking for a carpenter who can do this. It's tricky to find someone with the necessary skills though.

You need someone who makes and fits bespoke staircases. Whereabouts in the country are you?