August 1Aug 1 Hi, We're getting into 1st fix on our renovation and in need of sorting out a staircase. As we've still got lots of work to do, we've opted to go cheap for now with the longer term plan of putting in something nicer if we choose to. I was looking at https://www.selcobw.com/standard-staircase-2640-x-865-x-4144mm-263530086 for <400 quid, seemed like a good bet however measuring today, I think our total rise is likely to be 2665 i.e. about 25mm taller than these. I can't say for sure as the screed is due next week at which point I'll have exact measures but assuming it's in that ballpark, is there an option to pack out the bottom by that much or is it a no go? I've heard before stories of steps being even the slightest bit out leading to tripping etc so wary of going down this route... Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
August 1Aug 1 I’ve a distant memory of being told that it is ok if the bottom step is slightly less high than the rest, but a real no no if it’s higher. 25mm would be a lot to raise the bottom step by.
August 1Aug 1 With a straight flight it is simple to do a bit at the top or bottom or alter the pitch. No issue.
August 2Aug 2 4 hours ago, Lears said: Hi, We're getting into 1st fix on our renovation and in need of sorting out a staircase. As we've still got lots of work to do, we've opted to go cheap for now with the longer term plan of putting in something nicer if we choose to. I was looking at https://www.selcobw.com/standard-staircase-2640-x-865-x-4144mm-263530086 for <400 quid, seemed like a good bet however measuring today, I think our total rise is likely to be 2665 i.e. about 25mm taller than these. I can't say for sure as the screed is due next week at which point I'll have exact measures but assuming it's in that ballpark, is there an option to pack out the bottom by that much or is it a no go? I've heard before stories of steps being even the slightest bit out leading to tripping etc so wary of going down this route... Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Contact stairpartsdirect or stairbox / similar and ask for a solution. The first or last tread can be different, but muscle memory is a bitch and it'll keep catching you out.
August 2Aug 2 If I remember correctly, if the bottom step can become a 'landing' (length at least equal to the width of the staircase) then it can have a different rise. We did this when we had installed drainage membrane and insulation and a floating floor in a basement kitchen.
August 2Aug 2 I've never personally seen a bco measure a set or stairs although I'm sure its been known to happen. I think 25mm at the bottom isn't too bad. You could always explain that you are likely to have a different thickness flooring on gf to what is covering stairs. I'd be tempted to have a friendly chat with bco and sound him out. Explain you want a bigger bottom step to give you flexibility on finished floor options at the bottom. See what he says.
August 2Aug 2 26 minutes ago, Oz07 said: I've never personally seen a bco measure a set or stairs although I'm sure its been known to happen. I think 25mm at the bottom isn't too bad. You could always explain that you are likely to have a different thickness flooring on gf to what is covering stairs. I'd be tempted to have a friendly chat with bco and sound him out. Explain you want a bigger bottom step to give you flexibility on finished floor options at the bottom. See what he says. I’ve had this happen a number of times, where there is an overhead obstacle and the requisite head-height has looked even remotely questionable.
August 2Aug 2 17 minutes ago, Nickfromwales said: I’ve had this happen a number of times, where there is an overhead obstacle and the requisite head-height has looked even remotely questionable. I can believe it. Have they ever measured the rise of each tread though?
August 2Aug 2 Just now, Oz07 said: I can believe it. Have they ever measured the rise of each tread though? Nope.
August 2Aug 2 You or the BCO won't need to measure anything, 25mm is a lot, the momentary heart attack stepping off the bottom step will alert them something's off!
August 2Aug 2 You could always add a bit more screed - but that cause many other issues, now I have written it down.
August 2Aug 2 Buying a "standard" staircase of fixed rise always struck me as odd. Unless you are VERY lucky it would never work, unless you design your floor levels around the staircase. As above stairbox etc will get what you actually want, made to fit.
August 2Aug 2 Author Thank you all. Definitely going to go custom to our measures once the screed is in! For a couple hundred quid difference it seems a no brainer.
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