Quck answer
Closed stringer stairs and open stringer stairs are two different types of stair construction. Closed stringer stairs have the stair treads and risers attached to a solid piece of wood called a stringer, which is hidden from view. Open stringer stairs, on the other hand, have the treads and risers attached to a visible, decorative stringer that is exposed on the side of the staircase.
To convert closed stringer stairs to open stringer stairs, you will need to remove the existing closed stringers and replace them with new open stringers. This can be a complex and time-consuming process, as it involves carefully removing the old stringers, cutting new open stringers to the correct size and angle, and attaching them to the staircase.
Here are the basic steps to convert closed stringer stairs to open stringer stairs:
1. Measure and mark the position and angle of the new open stringers.
2. Use a reciprocating saw or circular saw to carefully cut away the old closed stringers.
3. Cut new open stringers to the correct size and angle using a miter saw or circular saw.
4. Attach the new open stringers to the staircase using screws or nails.
5. Install new stair treads and risers, if necessary, and secure them to the open stringers.
6. Sand and finish the new open stringers to match the rest of the staircase.
Converting closed stringer stairs to open stringer stairs can give your staircase a more modern and visually appealing look. However, it is a complex and labor-intensive process that requires careful measurements and precise cutting. If you are not confident in your carpentry skills, it is recommended to hire a professional contractor to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.
If you have a set of stairs with closed stringers, you might want to give the staircase a more open appearance by using open stringers. Stair stringers are the angled supports that hold the staircase in place. It’s important to follow your local building code when building stairs and you may need a building permit and inspection during the process.
How to Convert Closed Stringer Stairs to Open Stringer Stairs
Image Credit:
© by Martin Deja/Moment/GettyImages
Understanding Stair Stringers
Staircases consist of flat sections called treads and vertical sections called risers or toe kicks. The stair treads and risers rest against the stair stringer, which bears the weight of the stairs. In closed stringer stairs, the stringer is not visible. By opening up the stairs on one or both sides, you can reveal the zigzag pattern of the stringer, creating an open stringer staircase.
To achieve a finished look, you’ll need to attach the risers to the inside face of the stringer using a router or screws. This may result in slightly narrower stairs to maintain the stringer’s weight-bearing capacity.
Stair Stringer Layout
Before starting the project, ensure that your stairs are wide enough for the conversion. If you’re opening up the stairwell in an older house, you’ll need to remove the upper section of the wall. The stringer, hidden behind the walls, is located beneath the stairwell. For closed stringer deck stairs, make sure the new stair treads slightly overhang the risers and stringer for an updated and appealing look.
Your stair stringer layout likely follows the traditional stair-step pattern. To proceed with the project, carefully pry the treads and risers from the stringer, removing nails with a nail puller. If the stairs are held by a mortise, remove the boards from the mortise. Next, remove the stair stringer from the top and bottom landings, ensuring minimal damage to the surrounding areas. If the stair stringer is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Opening the Stringer
Once the walls are opened, measure the stringer and use a saw to notch it. This will allow the stringer to hold the risers and treads securely and reveal its pattern. Use a square to measure and mark where the cuts will be made. With a circular or hand saw, cut the stringer to the dimensions needed for placing the risers and treads. Be cautious while cutting to avoid damaging the stringer. Mark the top step to indicate where the staircase will attach to the upper and lower floors. Finally, reattach the stringer to the upper and lower floors.
Firstly, you should reattach the risers and treads to the stringer. It might be necessary to cut them to fit properly. In case you have decided to extend the risers and treads, you may need to install new ones. Make sure that the treads and risers are compatible with the stringer. Begin at the bottom by attaching the risers using screws. Then, proceed to install the treads. Remember that each tread should have a slight overhang over each riser and the stringer. Once finished, trim the new stairs accordingly. If there is a stair railing, it will also need to be reattached. If both sides of the stairway are now open, you might consider replacing the railing with a banister on each side to give your home a polished appearance.
