OPen plan staircase help

nickyhutch

I have an open plan staircase that goes round a bend (IYKWIM) that I want to close off as I need the underneath bit for storage space. DOes anyone have any tips or pointers or ideas of where I need to look for help - in fact, does anyone have a clue what my first move should be, because I don't!! Will I have to get a man in? I do have a man, but he's currently stood looking at the stairs going "hmmmmmmmm" :rotfl:

pitdog

thats wat i like to see a fellow male spending time weighin the job up, i trust he has a ready supply of beer for this long weighing up process ...... its crucial !!!!!!!!!!!!!

nickyhutch

:rotfl: Of course he has hehe....doesn't the first week of ANY DIY job consist purely of chin rubbing, head scratching, loud long "hmmmmmmm"s and a few bottles of my mate stella??! It does in THIS house, that's for sure :beer:

nshackle

I have just purchased a property which had an open tread staircase with no hand rail (ie an exposed side - looking down on to the hallway) it had at one point been a feature of an open plan living room hallway. The steps were polished wood with no carpet.

The previous occupants must have thought this looked fashionable in the 1970's, but to me it was an accident waiting to happen, particularly on a wet day.

I had a Joiner attend to this nightmare set up, and he has now filled in the opened tread, added spindles and a hand rail, and created a walk in cupboard underneath which neatly houses all the electricty/gas meter's, but has also provided plenty of space for the vaccum cleaner, ironing board and coats.

I'm really happy with his work and it looks great. I'd suggest getting a joiner round to provide you with a quote in the first instance.

nickyhutch

I think you're right nshackle, it'll give me an idea of the scale of the problem. I have handrails (hideous but functional!) but yes, the stairs themselves have caused many a slip-up in the 15 years I've lived here. I know, I know, 15 years and only getting round to it now...procrastination is my middle name (or is it just "lazy"?!)