I am considering remodelling the entire wood topped with carpet stairway inside the house going to the second floor.
What I had in mind was to remove the carpet from over the wood stairs and put backer board over the wood and then place tile. (Not sure what tile yet) And also replace a wood (oak) railing with wraught iron.
will I have problems?? if so what ?? and what do I need to watch out for etc.?? and what is the best way to proceed??
Comments/suggestions/concerns---greatly appreciated. Thanks
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Your biggest worry is that you do not create a safety hazard and building code violation by doing what you propose.
Most codes do not permit variations in heights between the risers in any set of stairs to vary by greater than 5/16ths of an inch.
If you alter the thickness of the treads as you would by simply adding layers on top of existing treads, the top most tread and the bottom most tread heights will likely vary by more than 5/16 inches and create a serious fall hazard.
This would expose you to full legal liability if someone fell and got hurt on your stairs and make your liability insurance of no effect.
It is usually not wise or allowable to add anything to the existing treads of any stair and end up with safe stairs.
Most codes do not permit variations in heights between the risers in any set of stairs to vary by greater than 5/16ths of an inch.
If you alter the thickness of the treads as you would by simply adding layers on top of existing treads, the top most tread and the bottom most tread heights will likely vary by more than 5/16 inches and create a serious fall hazard.
This would expose you to full legal liability if someone fell and got hurt on your stairs and make your liability insurance of no effect.
It is usually not wise or allowable to add anything to the existing treads of any stair and end up with safe stairs.
