[Bpowell88]

Hello everyone! Glad to have found this forum!

I am trying to add some storage under the stairs that is currently untapped. I opened up a section of drywall and took a look under and there is a stud that may or may not be supporting the stairs.

Is this removable to allow for a bigger door opening? There are studs on either side of this middle one as well. If removing it isnt an option would sliding it over to allow a larger opening work?

Thanks for any help or insight!

(sorry for the sideways pictures)

 

[Nealtw]

It looks like you are under a roof and not a staircase.
I would take no chances and install header to support the missing stud.

So 2 plys of 2x8 or 2x10 nailed together with a jack stud under each side.

It is not going to fall down fast so you can just cut it out and install the header but gather all the you need first so you can complete the job timely.

 

[Bpowell88]

Thanks!

It is a staircase going from my garage up to the first level of our house. Im pretty sure the middle beam of the staircase is just resting on that header for the wall. I can add a header and stud system like you described to further beef up the wood it appears to be resting on.

 

[Nealtw]

You want get this in tight with out changing the height, so measure carefully.
To get it in just lean the two studs in place and set the header on them and then push the bottoms into place.

 

[Nealtw]

Thanks!

It is a staircase going from my garage up to the first level of our house. Im pretty sure the middle beam of the staircase is just resting on that header for the wall. I can add a header and stud system like you described to further beef up the wood it appears to be resting on.

It is better to be safe. If the stairs are supported by a rim joist we double that rim to make it a header, so I would still put the header below that.

 

[Bpowell88]

It is better to be safe. If the stairs are supported by a rim joist we double that rim to make it a header, so I would still put the header below that.

Great! Thanks for the info! Doesn't appear too difficult and better to be safe for sure!