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Hi Michel,
The file that resulted from importing the stairs into SketchUp was a bit confusing. So, I made couple of changes:
– Draw the existing situation again, this time in 3D (well, assumed all angles are 90 degrees as I have no possibility to measure). In the drawing you can see the underfloor. On top of it there will be a wooden floor, 21mm thick, probably to be taken into consideration for setting the first/last step.
– Play with the SD file, attempting to bring the newel post that will replace the old one in the right position. I think is still off a bit as I have no way to check the dimensions in SD. Could you please move it in the right position? Start of the stringboards for the first flight were brought to the underfloor beams limit (I hope my calculations are correct without dimensions in SD). Perhaps would be better to make them a bit longer, without changing the position of the steps so I can cut at the bottom a connection to the beams (?)
I believe now becomes visible where the handrail from the attic will be needed, as well as what I meant by lateral connection on the first flight.
Looking forward to hearing your comments/suggestions
Daniel
P.S. You’re using a newer version of Sketch-up so I was able to open the result of importing only with the viewer. Any chance to save future files in version not newer than 17.2.2555?
I’m aware about the position of the new newel post in SD, was just a draft and at that time got stuck with the shape of the first step so left it for adjustments at a later stage.
I’ll check and revert (most likely after Easter).
Happy Easter!
August 7, 2014
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Hi Daniel
I imported the stair in your drawing. Take a look at it and revert with comments. The position of the new newel compared to the old is not the same. At least you have something to start with.
Once you have the stair we can look at the handrails.
regards
Michel
Please find below couple of answers and additional details
michel melon said
Hi DanielThe best way is to show me the current situation and a drawing of what you want to achieve to get a better view
I’m attaching the current situation
Now to answer your questions
Start below floor level. This means that the first step height has to be changed. There is no direct way to do it and the easiest way is to add on the stringers in a cad program. My question is why do you need to start below floor level. A stair is usually set on top of the floor and joins to the next floor level
There are basically two reasons: 1. the existing stairs are fixed in the same way, on the wooden beams and not on the floor. This approach gives you the possibility to change the floor easier (in my view); 2. The floor is actually formed from an uderfloor of OSB3 (22mm) with solid oak parquet glued on it. I don’t believe the OSB3 offers sufficient strength to fix the stairs on in and would rather prefer not to drill through parquet.
As long as I have a strong support uncovered already (the wooden beams) I don’t see why not making use of them for better structural support.
First step shape. You can go into the step shaping mode by selecting the step and right click. Then select step-shaping
Thanks for pointing out. Missed that option
Last riser. This is because you did not add a landing step. Again right click and select add a landing.
I didn’t add a landing because I’m actually not landing on the floor (see above about underfloor connections). The floor is installed after the stairs…
I attached the stair with a first step-shape and a landing for you to look at
I see your point. I guess it implies to rethink and potentially change my strategy
About the handrails. Provide me the situation and a drawing of how you want it to be so I am able to answer you in the correct way
I need to close the opening from the attic’s floor with a horizontal handrail. Currently the opening is much bigger than needed, waiting for the stair calculations to determine how much needs to remain open to allow sufficient headspace. Disregarding the size of the opening a solution must be found and it will start from the end newel post
regards
Michel
August 7, 2014
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Hi Daniel
The best way is to show me the current situation and a drawing of what you want to achieve to get a better view
Now to answer your questions
Start below floor level. This means that the first step height has to be changed. There is no direct way to do it and the easiest way is to add on the stringers in a cad program. My question is why do you need to start below floor level. A stair is usually set on top of the floor and joins to the next floor level
First step shape. You can go into the step shaping mode by selecting the step and right click. Then select step-shaping
Last riser. This is because you did not add a landing step. Again right click and select add a landing.
I attached the stair with a first step-shape and a landing for you to look at
About the handrails. Provide me the situation and a drawing of how you want it to be so I am able to answer you in the correct way
regards
Michel
August 7, 2014
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Hi Daniel
I will look into this today evening and revert
Regards
Michel
I want to build new stairs from the 1st floor to the attic. The aim is to keep the style of the existing stairs (ground to 1st floor) and, because the new one will continue the old one, to integrate the new elements with the existing ones (newel post, stringboards, handrail, etc.
The floors are built on wooden beams and the end of stringboards from the existing stairs is fixed on a beam (not floor). I intend to make a similar connection for the new stairs, which implies to start from below floor level. The end will also be on a wooden beam.
Couple of things I’m trying to figure out how to set in SD:
– start from below floor level
– first step “surrounding” the old newel post (or a new one mounted in the same place, if the old requires replacement) – something like in the attached picture
– handrail fixed on a side of the old newel post, ideally with a curve at the beginning
– horizontal handrail from the attic, closing the side of the opening
– last riser seems to be placed outside of the opening, inside the beam practically (nose is on the edge)
I’m attaching a first draft
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