I removed a section of wall adjacent to a set of stairs - Stairs are enclosed in stringer on both sides. with wall gone, I want to change just the bottom step to be open/rounded on one side. Can I cut the stringer and add a purchased "starter step" that I see on some stair parts sites? or is there an easy way to build/add the rounded riser and replace the tread? Any advice or tips would be most welcome

 

I guess a question I have for you is, how do you plan to finish off that side of the stairs that is now exposed? "If I'm understanding you correctly"

 

House is a bi-level, with main entry door onto a small landing, with five steps up and five down. This has to do with the down side, which lead into small foyer and family room to right. The wall used to continue past bottom step another 4 feet, with a door into FR. I have removed wall back to the landing to open FR into foyer. Stairs are enclosed stringer both sides. Wall will be angled with the stairs, maintaining current boxed in style (though now ballusters/railing providing open feel.) I want to make just the bottom step open (on one side), with extended, rounded end. I have seen this on several stair web sites, and a couple of them offer a false ends, but I did not think that would make a nice finished product. They also offer a full starting step- and my question is how to accomplish installing this. The wall (partially removed) is not my problem, (non bearing, except the box header above and it is a double joist, so no problems there) I have removed it to expose the stringer and will later build out an angled wall next to the stringer to support railing. I'm just not sure how to add a new starting step. Thanks - and Happy Holidays.

 

Being a right-brain person, I have trouble envisioning without a drawing. I believe you can cut the stringers off to add the bottom step, but they must be properly supported. If you purchase a premade stair "box", perhaps you can attach a scab to the back side upon which the stringers would rest. This scab must go to the floor to provide the support you need. Or maybe the stair unit can be notched out to receive and support the stringers, if the scab idea is unsightly. Get the opinion of your lumber store as well. The more input you get, the better chance of a suucessful solution. I hope this has been helpful.