No stair string

[Oates]

Hi
I have a flight of stairs going up between two walls, with a wall mounted handrail. There is no stair string up each side of the staircase. I would like to retrofit a string so it looks nice.

I also want to fit a stair runner with stair rods so putting stair carpet all the way accross isn't really an option.

So what is the easiest way? I thought about a length of architrav along the where the string should be then fitting losts of triangle pieces in between the tread and the riser???

Thanks

 

[skwdenyer]

If you really must do this (and I don't think it will ever look right) then the only way may to make it look convincing will probably be to make a paper / cardboard template, trim it until it fits perfectly, then transfer to timber and cut out.

Alternatively, if you want to do it piece-by-piece, start by fitting lots of square / rectangular pieces, fitted into place. When those are in place, mark the line you want for the top of the "stringer" and either (a) remove the pieces and cut on the bench, or (b) run a router up them in-situ.

For the amount of work involved (large) it might be easier just to fit a new staircase

 

[gregers]

is this going to be painted?if so do as suggested with the template then transfer onto mdf then install some beading on top then paint.

 

[Oates]

Thanks for the reply, yes it is going to be painted. I have thought about replacing the staircase but I have just had all the walls plastered! Also the staircase is quite wide (over 1m) so I can't buy a simple off the shelf £120 quid one. The house is a 160 year old cottage so the staircse is steep too, it would have to be custom made.

 

[Oates]

Well, finally finished. We ran a 3m length of architrave up each side, just touching the treads. Then hammered panel pins in all the way round the inside part of the triangle formed between the architrave and the tread and riser then filled with bonding. 3 coats undercoat and 3 coats gloss and it looks perfect. I also went around all the joins first with decorators filler to help prevent any cracking between the surfaces. I am delighted with the result.