Mains Stairs Getting Closer

The story of the main stairs is approaching the final chapters. This weekend I got the last of the 1/4" oak ply cut and fitted. This included around the bike storage area, the backside of the lower steps, and other miscellaneous spots. This pretty much concludes this phase of the steps. It should comply with the local building code, which requires that all substructure be covered before the final inspection. The steps still need to be trimmed and finished, but this is going to have to be good for now.

Next up: interior doors. A few weeks back I bought 6 brand new interior doors that need to be bored for door knobs and chiseled for hinges. I’ll also need to build the jams and hang them. That will take a while. But, I’ve got all the wood and hardware, so it’s just a matter of time and energy.

But for now, a look back over the last 2 years of work on the stairs.


Picture taken April, 2002 during the purchase inspection (that's not our table but the home seller's table). Ahhh, it looks so warm and peaceful. Only the floorboards under that table still survive today.



Picture taken January 15, 2004 (over 2 years ago). The first week of working on the stairs. As you can see, the steps have been framed, but no closet yet.




2 years ago. The steps and closet are framed and the electrical wiring had just been put into place.



1 year ago. We had just painted the drywall and were about to install the floors. As you can see there are no treads or risers on the steps. What a mess.



Picture taken today. This picture is sort of kind. The various pieces of ply don't fit snugly and don't really match. They are like frankenstairs... But, I'm hoping with some more trim pieces and the finish, they will look like nice.



Picture also taken today. This is the back side of the stairs. There is this curious little space between the closet wall and the steps. I'm not sure what I'll do with it. Perhaps a coat rack?