Halfing the vertical gap between stairs

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cunningdavid

78 posts

Master Geek

#306408 20-Jul-2023 13:29

We're looking for a solution to our stairs, which were obviously built before the maximum 100mm gap was a requirement. They are currently 180mm vertically apart.

Does anyone know of a good solution to this, for example something that could be fitted to block the gap half way between each step?

We're in Wellington in case that matters. Thank you.

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78 posts

Master Geek

#3106228 20-Jul-2023 13:30

I should add that the rail down each side of the stairs is metal, with the bracket to hold each step welded onto it. So not easy to attach more things to. The steps themselves are wood, possibly rimu.

duckDecoy

898 posts

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#3106234 20-Jul-2023 13:52

mattwnz

20164 posts

Uber Geek

#3106238 20-Jul-2023 13:55

How steep are the stairs? From the photo they look steep and not very safe tbh as the treads look like they overlap one another which likely limits what you are trying to achieve.

This will provide more info on stair design https://www.building.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/building-code-compliance/d-access/d1-access-routes/asvm/d1-access-routes-2nd-edition-amendment6.pdf

cunningdavid

78 posts

Master Geek

#3106245 20-Jul-2023 14:06

They're not horribly steep, though they do overlap slightly. They only lead up to a single bedroom. In any case, replacing the whole staircase is out of the question. Perhaps something can be added hanging down underneath the back of each step? Any ideas?

eracode

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#3106250 20-Jul-2023 14:11

Do you want to fit vertical pieces of timber, half the height of the gap, at the rear of each tread?

What are you wanting to achieve?

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

mattwnz

20164 posts

Uber Geek

#3106252 20-Jul-2023 14:15

They do look pretty steep with a big tread overlap. I think you will want to refer to the guide on stairs in the link above for any solution. You may also want to chat with the council about it and whether any changes that you make to it could require consent. I know that our open tread staircase, they were very strict with making sure it was all complaint. Ours has far thicker treads which closes up the gap between them. But the treads only have a small overlap and it isn't steep.

cunningdavid

78 posts

Master Geek

#3106258 20-Jul-2023 14:27

Thanks Matt. So if it was built before compliance was an issue then we could leave it as-is without the council having cause for complaint, but if we improve anything then it might all need to be compliant?

We were thinking of improving the safety prior to selling the house, but if its going to be a headache to do so then we won't bother.

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neb

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#3106267 20-Jul-2023 14:38

What you could do is to screw something like a 45x19mm closer under the risers to reduce the gap to under 100mm. If you can't get rimu then appropriately stained pine should be OK since it'll be hidden under the risers, and the usual suspects like M10 and Bunnings will have that. However as others have pointed out you'd then need to check that none of the other bits of the staircase are non-compliant.

MikeAqua

7785 posts

Uber Geek

#3106276 20-Jul-2023 14:46

Are you trying to increase the number of treads or close off behind each tread?

Mike

cunningdavid

78 posts

Master Geek

#3106278 20-Jul-2023 14:55

Thanks Neb. I worry that a plain piece of wood sticking down (screwed in) won't be very strong, or look great. I've wondered whether it's worth getting something metal made up, which could be a lot less chunky.

Mike, we're not looking to add treads, just reduce the size of the gap.

gzt

17140 posts

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#3106282 20-Jul-2023 15:01

My first thought is identical timber to fill the gap, that's easy. My second thought is retain view. That's hard. Painting the inserts white might be enough.

Preserving airflow and view would be nice. Some fancy through machining on the timber for light-through or fancy bent white powder coated fancy steel trellis. Not a cheap option. Also, regular detailed cleaning and dusting detail nightmare no thanks.

Re-stepping the whole thing starts to look like an option worth exploring.

gzt

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#3106285 20-Jul-2023 15:05

cunningdavid: I worry that a plain piece of wood sticking down (screwed in) won't be very strong, or look great.

It will be fine in both departments. It needs no structural strength. Any competent woodworker can do a good job on the finishing.

gzt

17140 posts

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#3106286 20-Jul-2023 15:08

Fancy pattern laser cut steel bent and powercoated might be an option if your pocket can stand it.

Jase2985

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#3106287 20-Jul-2023 15:09

the gap from the bottom of 1 tread to the top of another tread is 180mm, the current leagal requirement is 100mm (so a kid couldn't fall through) the OP wants a way to reduce that gap to make it compliant with the current regulations, even though they dont have to comply as it was built proir to those regulations.

could you get some 150x50 rimu and just screw into the back of each tread to close off most of the gap.

tweake

2391 posts

Uber Geek

#3106289 20-Jul-2023 15:11

cunningdavid:

we're not looking to add treads, just reduce the size of the gap.

the gap isn't an issue. the issues with stairs is the height of the step, so you do not trip trying to take a large step. thats why there is rules on size and heights of the treads.

if your selling just leave it. worry about it if its an issue with a buyer. otherwise if you start "fixing it" it will look like there was something wrong with it which is off putting to buyers.

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