Can't make stairs where stairs can't go, eh?

Hossenfeffer

Ok, I am no genius, that's for sure. I have a steep set of "stairs" someone made down to our crawl space. The current set are simply 2x4 treads nailed between uncut 2x4 stringers, and are fairly steep, with a 5 foot height over a < 36 inch run....

I use the space for a model train set at the moment and go up and down often. I just have to be careful.

Genius that I am, I thought, well, I'll just get some 2X12 and make stringers with 8 inch treads in the same space. Of course, I see now the result will be virtually the same as the current set, with only a couple of inches exposed "toe" space.

I guess there is no trick or possibility of improving on something that is in such a short run with such a height.

Ron6519

The staircase opening would need to be expanded to increase the run unless it's oversized.
Ron

LIHR

Continue to use the ladder and watch your head.

Jackofall1

Install an elevator, dumb waiter, firemans pole or ding ding, make the opening bigger to fit stairs, or just live with what you have.

I like the elevator.

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Red Squirrel

A DIY elevator could be a fun project.

Hossenfeffer

Thanks gentlemen. Yes, I can see the run needs to be longer. I have actually thought ahead for that and expanded the trap doors by 3X from one door to a row of three so that the opening is over 6 feet long now (so I could get 8 foot pieces of building material into the crawl space).

That would allow me to put in a longer riser with a long run, but I see I would have to open all three traps doors to use it every time, and that is a little inconvenient.

So as the wiseacres have said, I will just use what is there and watch my step. So far I have only slipped once, but even missing my handhold and falling headfirst down 5 feet is not pleasant to contemplate.

Ron6519

"That would allow me to put in a longer riser with a long run, but I see I would have to open all three traps doors to use it every time, and that is a little inconvenient."
You wouldn't do it that way. At least I wouldn't do it that way. You would frame out one large opening. Like the one you have connecting the first and second floors. You would then install a staircase in that opening. You would cover the opening with a hinged access door that looks just like the flooring so it blended in.
A safe and ascetic solution.
Ron

dtsman

Custom Sprial staricase kit?


Bo

Remember,
If the women don't find you handsome,
they should at least find you handy.
(Red Green)