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Smaller HomesRenovatingDesign Dilemma
katherine_gamble15

bugbear under stairs support post

Katherine
4 years ago

In a bid to maximise the area underneath the stairs in our cottage renovation, we want to remove an annoying vertical post. Due to limited space, we don't wish to transform the entire area into a cupboard. I have reclaimed the space directly underneath the stairs, before the return, and the plan is to build a storage cupboard that includes this and the area up until the second support post. It is the third post (the one with the telephone cable attached), that we want to remove. Can anyone advise us on how we can do this without compromising safety?



This photo is of the area above the posts/stairs:



Any advice would be appreciated. Many thanks.

Featured Answer
  • obobble
    4 years ago

    I think only a structural engineer would be able to give you the answer. It looks like it is holding up the floor support beam which in turn is supporting the top of the stairs. They don’t look especially sturdy individually so maybe that’s why there are 3. Maybe the engineer would want you to replace the second one with something sturdier before you could remove no. 3. Alternatively they may not be structural at all, but the only way to be sure is to ask a qualified person.

    • Comments (7)

    • obobble
      4 years ago

      PS Just checking - is the cottage is listed?

    • Katherine
      Original Author
      4 years ago

      Thanks for your recommendation. My thinking is the same as you, that a sturdier post may work but we'll get it checked out by an expert. And no, it's not a listed property.

    • PRO
      Studio O+U Architects
      4 years ago

      Katherine


      Hello


      The diagonal stringer supports the stair itself and it looks like there may be a small timber edge trimming beam at the top running along the edge.


      I don't think the posts are structural but do ask a structural engineer to confirm.


      The other thing you can check is which way the joists run in the floor at the top of the stair. In an old house the boards run in the opposite direction to the supporting timber joists, so if you lift the carpet you can tell which way the joists run.

      If the joists run parallel to the stair the load is not being taken by the stair opening in the floor. If they run perpendicular they may be bearing on the trimming beam and the posts could be structural, even though they don't look it.


      Ask a skilled builder or and engineer to take a look.




    • Katherine
      Original Author
      4 years ago

      Thanks for the advice and for taking the time to think about my dilemma. I'll check under the carpets on the weekend. Either way, I'll get an expert onto the case.

    • PRO
      Studio O+U Architects
      4 years ago
      last modified: 4 years ago

      He/ She will do that anyway :)

      been with too many engineers checking for load paths in old buildings

      They are like ferrets looking for clues

      No worries

    • Katherine
      Original Author
      4 years ago

      Great image!

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