The two choices for building a new back stairway in a limited space were a closed staircase with a built-in storage cabinet or an open staircase. The open staircase provided more light into the small space from two new windows, creating a picture gallery space.
This old farmhouse was sorely in need of updating. After gutting the old rudimentary back staircase and old plaster, lath, and blown in fiberglass insulation down to the bare studs, new windows and doors were installed, new wiring run, icynene insulation in both the exterior walls and floor was sprayed in, and new drywall was hung. A hexagonal red Mexican tile was chosen for warmth of color and geometric interest. The custom stairway revolved around an eight-sided red oak timber that added an old-fashioned character to the space as a result of the natural “checking” of the large solid timber post.
The material chosen for the stringers was kiln dried red oak for strength while the ten treads and four winding platforms were air dried white oak dadoed into the stringers and attached with countersunk and oak plugged ceramic coated screws.
The stringers and winding platforms supported by kiln dried red oak frames were attached to the eight-sided post utilizing the unique Knapp Duo connector system. This allowed for precision assembly within a confined, irregular space while creating a clean, hidden hardware solution.
The following construction photographs illustrate the process of the stair construction.
Finally, a wrought iron railing with birdcage basket balusters maintained a minimal appearance while providing a contrasting material element, capped by a brass railing.