How Do I Fix Steep Stairs With Little Headroom?

Old houses have so much character; it’s no wonder why people choose to buy them. One of those odd quirks that you won’t find in a new home is a steep staircase. New homes have to follow Residential Building Codes, while older homes often get a pass.

To fix steep stairs with little headroom you can lengthen your staircase by removing a section of the floor from the top landing. If lengthening is not an option, you can also use winder stairs with pie-shaped or triangular steps at the transition. A winder staircase takes up about 60 square feet less room than a traditional staircase.

Steep staircases may be a unique feature in your home, but they can be dangerous, too. Shallow treads create tripping hazards, and steep rises become inaccessible for many people.

There are many different staircase designs you can choose from depending on the available space. Before we get there, here is a quick primer on the International Residential Code (IRC).

A winder staircase is similar to an L in that it turns 90 degrees. However, replacing the L’s platform with additional treads is space-efficient. Using pie-shaped or triangular stairs keeps this design closer to the wall.

There are a couple of additional guidelines for winder stairs. First, the treads have to be a minimum of 6” at the narrowest point. This restricts how many stairs you can fit into a turn.

Winder staircases are more difficult to use than L-shaped where you turn on a platform. For this reason, code requires you to install your handrail on the outside of the turn. This will make it easier for people to stay on the widest part of the stairs.

Spiral staircases are very compact, since all treads radiate from a central pole. They are a popular choice for small loft apartments and other spaces with limited floor space.

Spiral staircases are more difficult to navigate, due to their curved treads. For this reason, code prohibits them as the primary access to a full second floor of a home. However, you can use them for loft spaces, basement access, and outdoor patios.

Keep in mind that you can only fit one person on the stairs at a time. For a large family, this may become inconvenient.

Because of their narrow design, it is impossible to carry large objects up these stairs. Moving furniture in or out of the space is impossible.

Ladders take up so little of your valuable floor space. Unfortunately, there are a few real disadvantages to consider.

Just like spiral staircases, ladders cannot be the primary means of access. Imagine having to descend one in the case of an emergency!

Ladders are not as accessible as stairs and can be dangerous for older folks and children. Plus, you won’t be able to train your dog to climb a ladder!

Related Questions

How do I make my staircase less slippery?

Slippery stairs can be a tripping hazard, especially for kids and pets. Anti-slip adhesive stair treads are easy to install and, on average, $30-$80. Carpet treads or runners are attractive décor that protect the hardwood underneath.

What color should I paint my stair risers?

White risers with dark-stained treads provide a beautiful modern aesthetic for your new staircase. White helps brighten dark spaces and can make your staircase look more spacious.

When renovating your staircase to be up-to-code, there is a lot to consider. Little headroom makes long staircases impossible, and residential codes prohibit the most compact solutions, spiral staircases and ladders.

Designing your staircase to turn 90 degrees will decrease the overall length. L-shaped and winder stairs maintain important safety standards that spiral staircases lack.

For the most compact and safe design, use pie-shaped steps in a winder staircase. This will allow you to bring steep steps down to code without sacrificing headroom.