I was wondering if it is possible to convert closed stairs to open stairs before I replace my metal railing system with wood newel posts, railings, spindles, etc.. I was just trying to get an idea of how invasive this project would be if I cut the closed part out and of course replaced with a supportive skirt board and longer treads, would certainly compliment other project I have done in the house. Appreciate any feedback, thanks.
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Questions? do you have access to the under side. How long ago were the stairs built, the original method of contruction. What type of wood.
Most likely you will be compromising the integrity of the stair case so you will need to rebuild it structurally at least in part. Unless you replace the treads the stair case will a little narrower. Finishing the riser into the new skirt will be challenging.
Closed stairs and open stairs are built quite differently. One thing will be the carriage (stringers) will now be visible, and it ain't pretty; another that often the tread will be 5/8" plywood, and you'll need at least 2x material for an open stair. This means that the bottom riser will be 7/8" higher, and the top 7/8" lower. Nasty.
rip it out and start afresh.
All the best...
To those who know - this may be obvious. To those who don't - I hope I've helped.