[robb01]

Im currently working on finishing off my basement. I have a 2 story house, and the stairs to the 2nd floor are over the stairs that go to the basement. You can see the underside of the stairs when going down to the basement, and I'd like to cover them with either drywall or a hardwood plywood.

I'm not sure what would be the best way to do this. The finished product will be painted, Im thinking the hardwood plywood would be the best way to go.

Any thoughts?

 

[rossfingal]

Hi!
Welcome to "DIY"!
5/8 's inch, Type "X", firecode drywall, on the underside of the stairs - for
starters.
Post some pictures!

rossfingal

 

[rossfingal]

Also, since you're going to finish your basement off -
see this useful link (from a member here) - concerning "Fire-Stopping" -
http://www.diychatroom.com/f98/how-fireblock-framing-37190/
Very good read!

rossfingal

 

[Blondesense]

I don't know your experience level, and I'm not sure this answers your question, but you might take a look at this thread:

http://www.diychatroom.com/f98/how-fireblock-framing-37190/

It's a good thread, but long. Page 5 goes into stairs too.

Edited to add: Oops, just a little too slow.

 

[robb01]

Im more worried about aesthetics. There is currently no "fire block" now, so Im just wanting something that will look nicer than what is currently there

 

[rossfingal]

If you're going to cover the underside of the stairs - something that complies
to "Fire-code" is a must!
"Fire-code" isn't "aesthetics" - it's "Life Safety"!
If you cover the underside of the stairs with something that is not fire-
code compliant - Oh, well - not my stairs!
You can always put the drywall on first, and then the wood -
(NO, 1/2 inch drywall is not compliant!).
You came for advice - I hope you listen.
By the way, one of my "specialties" as a Philosophy Major in college was
"Aesthetics" - it's good to talk aesthetics, once in a while!

Regards, in your quest for beauty!

rossfingal

 

[Gary in WA]

What a coinkydink.... I just posted this last, about 10 min. ago.... R302.7 Under-stair protection. Enclosed accessible space under stairs shall have walls, under-stair surface and any soffits protected on the enclosed side with 1⁄2-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board. http://publicecodes.citation.com/icod/irc/2009/icod_irc_2009_3_sec002_par018.htm


Gary