Stair wall question

[Jim77]

Hi
I want to re-do my stair walls to have a handrail either side.

At present, the left hand wall has this timber extrusion - see pics. what is it's purpose? Could it be load-bearing? Can I saw it off level with plasterboard to have the whole wall plastered flush?

The house is a Wimpey timber framed semi detached built in 1980.

Thank you
Jim

 

[just pumps]

Just leave it alone and space the handrail brackets accordingly.

 

[Jim77]

Thanks for your quick reply.

 

[just pumps]

No worries. A click on the like button would of saved you typing a reply. lol

 

[vinn]

As above.

I think that you have three sections there:
The top piece is a skirting.
The rounded edge is a nosing covering the edge of the flooring - just like a top tread/landing nosing.
Below is an apron to give a little cover and a bit of class.

 

[Jim77]

Thanks Vinn
I would really like to remove it and have both walls the same. Plasterer is doing walls and ceiling anyway. Just wanted to ensure there are no other risks involved if I remove it. It seems to be just cosmetic.

Jim