I need ML opinion on what to do

[fluffydamn]

For my house that is. We are getting new steps for the basement and have run into a problem. If we keep what the installer designed, you would have to duck at the second to last step. (Anyone that is taller than 5'8) If we were to put in the exact same replica that was there before, you would have steep steps going down. Would you rather duck or feel like you're running down the steps?

[ECB]

Being tall (6 feet) and having had steep steps... I'd probably prefer the steep steps. We always told people "It's a controlled fall" when they used the stairs.

I'd hate to have to ALWAYS duck- or just remember to duck! We have a friend who has low ceilings in her basement and then has duct work that makes certain areas REALLY low. Even seeing it, being reminded of it, I almost always almost hit or actually hit my head on the lower sections.

HATE it.

[themoneytree]

Steep steps.

[fluffydamn]

Oct 2, 2014 9:26:06 GMT -5 AutumnRose25 said:

My H constantly hits his head going into both our basement and attic because the ceiling is pretty low in those places (old NE house)

I would do the steeper steps with rails on both sides because it would seem easier than trying to always duck down, especially if carrying something.

that is what I told DH. I'm left handed and prefer to have two rails. I run my hand on the wall and hang on the rail on the other side when I was going up the old steps.

[lurknomore]

Are either of these options even to code? Usually you have to have a certain amount of head clearance and specified rise/run tolerances. I would start by checking to see what building codes are in your area (unless of course whatever work you're doing isn't permitted).

[lostlenore]

Steeper steps

[nomad100]

Oct 2, 2014 9:29:27 GMT -5 lurknomore said:

Are either of these options even to code? Usually you have to have a certain amount of head clearance and specified rise/run tolerances. I would start by checking to see what building codes are in your area.

I was going to say exactly this. Check the building codes.

Our stairs to the basement aren't to current code so until we are ready to redo the basement and some significant structural work to fix them so they are to code, we are living with it (ours are steep, the risers aren't deep enough and you have to duck-it is a hot mess of a staircase).

[fluffydamn]

Oct 2, 2014 9:38:03 GMT -5 nomad100 said:

Oct 2, 2014 9:29:27 GMT -5 lurknomore said:

Are either of these options even to code? Usually you have to have a certain amount of head clearance and specified rise/run tolerances. I would start by checking to see what building codes are in your area.

I was going to say exactly this. Check the building codes.

Our stairs to the basement aren't to current code so until we are ready to redo the basement and some significant structural work to fix them so they are to code, we are living with it (ours are steep, the risers aren't deep enough and you have to duck-it is a hot mess of a staircase).

the guy said right now with the having to duck is code. If we were to do what they had (original steps from 1959) that it would not be code and they would be a bit steeper than the original.

[nomad100]

fluffydamn So having to duck = to code and not having to duck =/= to code?

[shopgirl07]

Do it to code, so duck. Steep steps are more dangerous than having to duck. Regardless, I wouldn't purposefully build anything that wasn't to code.

[circa1978]

Do it to code. That is important for resale and, actually, I think the ducking vs the steep would be too. Our playroom is in our finished basement and that's pretty typical in the Midwest. I wouldn't want my son going down super steep stairs.

[10nille]

Can you do the steps wider so when you get to the bottom it is lower? Less steps? Would that satisfy code?

[whattheheck]

Do it code and duck. Do you have kids? Chances are way higher that they would take a header down steep steps than someone over 5'8" would hit their head. Hell - I'm a full out grown up and cannot handle steps that are a little off. And you can cushion and paint the low hanging area.

[Dezi]

H is tall so I would go with steep steps.

[schitzengiggles]

Do it to code.

[fluffydamn]

Both ways are to code. Its just the ceiling in that area is a little low. Can't raise the ceiling because there are two pipes right above it. Can't widen because there is a support beam right next to the step. Going to try and post a picture.

[stacyb1983]

Steep steps.

[fluffydamn]

Attachment Deleted New runner on left and old on right. You can kind of see the pole to the left.

[devonpow]

I say duck (and I'm 5'9", my dad is 6'5", my sister is 6' even....we are used to hitting our heads). Ducking is inconvenient but we have had very steep steps before and they are such a pain in the ass with: little kids, older relatives, injuries, pets (when our old dog was injured and had to be carried up and down super steep steps.....uuuuggggghhhhh), carrying things (basement laundry and steep steps! No thank you) etc etc etc

Our current house we have to duck on the bottom step into the basement...and the playroom is there so we are up and down a gazillion times a day. I've only bonked my head once so far!

[readyin07]

Do you have kids or plan to? If so, I would say duck. I would rather warn tall adults to duck than worry about kids falling down them.

We were visiting friends in PA recently and another couple's 7 year old took a nasty fall on steep steps so that colors my opinion.

[speckledfrog]

Duck