My grandfather had a saying about building steps: "The feet remember."

So why is it that the 1" shorter riser onto the landing at the top of a
staircase in a vacation rental I'm in hasn't bothered anyone? I didn't even
notice that the riser was 1" shorter until I actually noticed it with my
eyes after being here for 5 days. 4 of us have been sleeping upstairs and
using the upstairs bathroom all week, so we've been up and down the stairs
countless times.

I think I know why it hasn't bothered us and I did a little test with my 2
adult sons to see if I was right.

I watched them both go up the stairs and they did the same thing that I
realized I had been doing all week.

When we reach landing we have to turn right to go up 2 more steps to reach
the hallway. As we step up onto the landing, we take a regular stride,
which puts us in the middle of the landing. This allows us to take the same
size stride all the way up. In other words, the shorter riser onto the
landing allows us to step farther onto the landing, making the transition
to the next steps easier.

Is it possible that the builder had this in mind when he built the steps?

After a week in the house, I'd say that it is pretty well built, with some
nice built in features. It doesn't seem like the short riser could be a
glaring mistake in an otherwise very nice house.

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?

On 8/9/2012 8:53 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
My grandfather had a saying about building steps: "The feet remember."

So why is it that the 1" shorter riser onto the landing at the top of a
staircase in a vacation rental I'm in hasn't bothered anyone? I didn't even
notice that the riser was 1" shorter until I actually noticed it with my
eyes after being here for 5 days. 4 of us have been sleeping upstairs and
using the upstairs bathroom all week, so we've been up and down the stairs
countless times.

I think I know why it hasn't bothered us and I did a little test with my 2
adult sons to see if I was right.

I watched them both go up the stairs and they did the same thing that I
realized I had been doing all week.

When we reach landing we have to turn right to go up 2 more steps to reach
the hallway. As we step up onto the landing, we take a regular stride,
which puts us in the middle of the landing. This allows us to take the same
size stride all the way up. In other words, the shorter riser onto the
landing allows us to step farther onto the landing, making the transition
to the next steps easier.

Is it possible that the builder had this in mind when he built the steps?

After a week in the house, I'd say that it is pretty well built, with some
nice built in features. It doesn't seem like the short riser could be a
glaring mistake in an otherwise very nice house.

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?



I've not ever heard of doing something like this on purpose. Code
dictates that all risers be equal.

Maybe it was a really old carpenter (gee, I am one) who struggled with a
problem and decided to try one out. I would think that the odd riser
would really mess with you on the way down.

--


___________________________________

Keep the whole world singing . . .
Dan G
remove the seven

DanG wrote:
On 8/9/2012 8:53 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
My grandfather had a saying about building steps: "The feet remember."

So why is it that the 1" shorter riser onto the landing at the top of a
staircase in a vacation rental I'm in hasn't bothered anyone? I didn't even
notice that the riser was 1" shorter until I actually noticed it with my
eyes after being here for 5 days. 4 of us have been sleeping upstairs and
using the upstairs bathroom all week, so we've been up and down the stairs
countless times.

I think I know why it hasn't bothered us and I did a little test with my 2
adult sons to see if I was right.

I watched them both go up the stairs and they did the same thing that I
realized I had been doing all week.

When we reach landing we have to turn right to go up 2 more steps to reach
the hallway. As we step up onto the landing, we take a regular stride,
which puts us in the middle of the landing. This allows us to take the same
size stride all the way up. In other words, the shorter riser onto the
landing allows us to step farther onto the landing, making the transition
to the next steps easier.

Is it possible that the builder had this in mind when he built the steps?

After a week in the house, I'd say that it is pretty well built, with some
nice built in features. It doesn't seem like the short riser could be a
glaring mistake in an otherwise very nice house.

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?



I've not ever heard of doing something like this on purpose. Code
dictates that all risers be equal.

Maybe it was a really old carpenter (gee, I am one) who struggled with a
problem and decided to try one out. I would think that the odd riser
would really mess with you on the way down.


I would have thought so too, but it doesn't. Maybe it's because of the way
we take the long step from the center of the landing on the way down too.

On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 03:35:11 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

DanG wrote:
On 8/9/2012 8:53 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
My grandfather had a saying about building steps: "The feet remember."

So why is it that the 1" shorter riser onto the landing at the top of a
staircase in a vacation rental I'm in hasn't bothered anyone? I didn't even
notice that the riser was 1" shorter until I actually noticed it with my
eyes after being here for 5 days. 4 of us have been sleeping upstairs and
using the upstairs bathroom all week, so we've been up and down the stairs
countless times.

I think I know why it hasn't bothered us and I did a little test with my 2
adult sons to see if I was right.

I watched them both go up the stairs and they did the same thing that I
realized I had been doing all week.

When we reach landing we have to turn right to go up 2 more steps to reach
the hallway. As we step up onto the landing, we take a regular stride,
which puts us in the middle of the landing. This allows us to take the same
size stride all the way up. In other words, the shorter riser onto the
landing allows us to step farther onto the landing, making the transition
to the next steps easier.

Is it possible that the builder had this in mind when he built the steps?

After a week in the house, I'd say that it is pretty well built, with some
nice built in features. It doesn't seem like the short riser could be a
glaring mistake in an otherwise very nice house.

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?



I've not ever heard of doing something like this on purpose. Code
dictates that all risers be equal.

Maybe it was a really old carpenter (gee, I am one) who struggled with a
problem and decided to try one out. I would think that the odd riser
would really mess with you on the way down.


I would have thought so too, but it doesn't. Maybe it's because of the way
we take the long step from the center of the landing on the way down too.


I'm not sure it was a mistake because I think it depends on the bottom
and top elevation of the stairs. I think there is a code about stair
construction but depending on the difference in elevations, there may
have to be an adjustment and this stairs may fit that situation.

On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 01:53:41 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

My grandfather had a saying about building steps: "The feet remember."

So why is it that the 1" shorter riser onto the landing at the top of a
staircase in a vacation rental I'm in hasn't bothered anyone? I didn't even
notice that the riser was 1" shorter until I actually noticed it with my
eyes after being here for 5 days. 4 of us have been sleeping upstairs and
using the upstairs bathroom all week, so we've been up and down the stairs
countless times.

I think I know why it hasn't bothered us and I did a little test with my 2
adult sons to see if I was right.

I watched them both go up the stairs and they did the same thing that I
realized I had been doing all week.

When we reach landing we have to turn right to go up 2 more steps to reach
the hallway. As we step up onto the landing, we take a regular stride,
which puts us in the middle of the landing. This allows us to take the same
size stride all the way up. In other words, the shorter riser onto the
landing allows us to step farther onto the landing, making the transition
to the next steps easier.

Is it possible that the builder had this in mind when he built the steps?

After a week in the house, I'd say that it is pretty well built, with some
nice built in features. It doesn't seem like the short riser could be a
glaring mistake in an otherwise very nice house.

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?

The only person who can answer this is the builder. I'd contact him and
ask. If this is an old house and the builder is dead, I'd have him dug
up from his grave. Then get some DNA samples. Maybe some DNA samples
run thru a computer could reveal his thoughts. Just be sure the
computer is a Macintosh, because Microsoft computers are obsolete before
you buy them.

Also, when the builder is dug up, see if his leg bones are the same
length. He might have been a stubbie, pogo, zeffer, or have a longer
middle leg than the other two, which would have made him a tripod!!!!
(and every tripod knows that the middle leg hits the stair first when
turning corners).

Best reply of the week.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

wrote in message
...

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?

The only person who can answer this is the builder. I'd contact him and
ask. If this is an old house and the builder is dead, I'd have him dug
up from his grave. Then get some DNA samples. Maybe some DNA samples
run thru a computer could reveal his thoughts. Just be sure the
computer is a Macintosh, because Microsoft computers are obsolete before
you buy them.

Also, when the builder is dug up, see if his leg bones are the same
length. He might have been a stubbie, pogo, zeffer, or have a longer
middle leg than the other two, which would have made him a tripod!!!!
(and every tripod knows that the middle leg hits the stair first when
turning corners).

On Thu, 09 Aug 2012 22:53:18 -0400, wrote:

On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 01:53:41 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?

That's his story and he is sticking to it. ;-)


It is a mistake. Probably a preassembled staircase that wasn't ordered
for exactly the right height.

I tend to agree with that. I've run into plenty of staircases with
short (low) last steps. In public places sometimes there's a warning
sign.
If you can see them, you naturally adjust your step. In the dark you
almost trip if you're moving fast.

--
Vic

On Aug 10, 8:01*am, Vic Smith wrote:
On Thu, 09 Aug 2012 22:53:18 -0400, wrote:
On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 01:53:41 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?

That's his story and he is sticking to it. *;-)

It is a mistake. Probably a preassembled staircase that wasn't ordered
for exactly the right height.

I tend to agree with that. *I've run into plenty of staircases with
short (low) last steps. *In public places sometimes there's a warning
sign.
If you can see them, you naturally adjust your step. *In the dark you
almost trip if you're moving fast.

--
Vic

That's why they're known as "trippers".

Harry K

On Aug 9, 9:03*pm, "Doug" wrote:
On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 03:35:11 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03





wrote:
DanG wrote:
On 8/9/2012 8:53 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
My grandfather had a saying about building steps: *"The feet remember."

So why is it that the 1" shorter riser onto the landing at the top of a
staircase in a vacation rental I'm in hasn't bothered anyone? I didn't even
notice that the riser was 1" shorter until I actually noticed it with my
eyes after being here for 5 days. 4 of us have been sleeping upstairs and
using the upstairs bathroom all week, so we've been up and down the stairs
countless times.

I think I know why it hasn't bothered us and I did a little test with my 2
adult sons to see if I was right.

I watched them both go up the stairs and they did the same thing that I
realized I had been doing all week.

When we reach landing we have to turn right to go up 2 more steps to reach
the hallway. As we step up onto the landing, we take a regular stride,
which puts us in the middle of the landing. This allows us to take the same
size stride all the way up. In other words, the shorter riser onto the
landing allows us to step farther onto the landing, making the transition
to the next steps easier.

Is it possible that the builder had this in mind when he built the steps?

After a week in the house, I'd say that it is pretty well built, with some
nice built in features. It doesn't seem like the short riser could be a
glaring mistake in an otherwise very nice house.

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?

I've not ever heard of doing something like this on purpose. *Code
dictates that all risers be equal.

Maybe it was a really old carpenter (gee, I am one) who struggled with a
problem and decided to try one out. *I would think that the odd riser
would really mess with you on the way down.

I would have thought so too, but it doesn't. Maybe it's because of the way
we take the long step from the center of the landing on the way down too..

I'm not sure it was a mistake because I think it depends on the bottom
and top elevation of the stairs. *I think there is a code about stair
construction but depending on the difference in elevations, there may
have to be an adjustment and this stairs may fit that situation.

No, "trippers" are prohibited by code and for that very good reason.

Harry K

On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:05:02 -0700 (PDT), Harry K
wrote:

On Aug 10, 8:01Â*am, Vic Smith wrote:
On Thu, 09 Aug 2012 22:53:18 -0400, wrote:
On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 01:53:41 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?

That's his story and he is sticking to it. Â*;-)

It is a mistake. Probably a preassembled staircase that wasn't ordered
for exactly the right height.

I tend to agree with that. Â*I've run into plenty of staircases with
short (low) last steps. Â*In public places sometimes there's a warning
sign.
If you can see them, you naturally adjust your step. Â*In the dark you
almost trip if you're moving fast.

--
Vic

That's why they're known as "trippers".


Never heard it, but it makes sense.
Here's a very nice write-up on stairs if you get to building some.
http://www.benteague.com/features/stairs.pdf

Wish I had that about 20 years ago. A fire destroyed the back porches
and staircases on my 2-flat in Chicago.
Got an insurance adjuster who hired illegal Poles to fix the place.
I had to learn to make stringers so I could teach the guy doing it.
Up to then I'd just used old ones as templates.
It all turned out well, but only because I was a hardass. Total PITA
getting things done right.
I've seen codes that allow 1/4" to 3/8" on any height variation.
If you're off 1/32" by the time you get to 13 steps you've blown it.

--
Vic

On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:06:02 -0700 (PDT), Harry K
wrote:

On Aug 9, 9:03*pm, "Doug" wrote:
On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 03:35:11 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03





wrote:
DanG wrote:
On 8/9/2012 8:53 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
My grandfather had a saying about building steps: *"The feet remember."

So why is it that the 1" shorter riser onto the landing at the top of a
staircase in a vacation rental I'm in hasn't bothered anyone? I didn't even
notice that the riser was 1" shorter until I actually noticed it with my
eyes after being here for 5 days. 4 of us have been sleeping upstairs and
using the upstairs bathroom all week, so we've been up and down the stairs
countless times.

I think I know why it hasn't bothered us and I did a little test with my 2
adult sons to see if I was right.

I watched them both go up the stairs and they did the same thing that I
realized I had been doing all week.

When we reach landing we have to turn right to go up 2 more steps to reach
the hallway. As we step up onto the landing, we take a regular stride,
which puts us in the middle of the landing. This allows us to take the same
size stride all the way up. In other words, the shorter riser onto the
landing allows us to step farther onto the landing, making the transition
to the next steps easier.

Is it possible that the builder had this in mind when he built the steps?

After a week in the house, I'd say that it is pretty well built, with some
nice built in features. It doesn't seem like the short riser could be a
glaring mistake in an otherwise very nice house.

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?

I've not ever heard of doing something like this on purpose. *Code
dictates that all risers be equal.

Maybe it was a really old carpenter (gee, I am one) who struggled with a
problem and decided to try one out. *I would think that the odd riser
would really mess with you on the way down.

I would have thought so too, but it doesn't. Maybe it's because of the way
we take the long step from the center of the landing on the way down too.

I'm not sure it was a mistake because I think it depends on the bottom
and top elevation of the stairs. *I think there is a code about stair
construction but depending on the difference in elevations, there may
have to be an adjustment and this stairs may fit that situation.

No, "trippers" are prohibited by code and for that very good reason.

Harry K


Ok, I believe you. Please tell me the code reference.

On Aug 10, 9:01*am, Vic Smith wrote:
On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:05:02 -0700 (PDT), Harry K





wrote:
On Aug 10, 8:01*am, Vic Smith wrote:
On Thu, 09 Aug 2012 22:53:18 -0400, wrote:
On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 01:53:41 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?

That's his story and he is sticking to it. *;-)

It is a mistake. Probably a preassembled staircase that wasn't ordered
for exactly the right height.

I tend to agree with that. *I've run into plenty of staircases with
short (low) last steps. *In public places sometimes there's a warning
sign.
If you can see them, you naturally adjust your step. *In the dark you
almost trip if you're moving fast.

--
Vic

That's why they're known as "trippers".

Never heard it, but it makes sense.
Here's a very nice write-up on stairs if you get to building some.http://www.benteague.com/features/stairs.pdf

Wish I had that about 20 years ago. *A fire destroyed the back porches
and staircases on my 2-flat in Chicago.
Got an insurance adjuster who hired illegal Poles to fix the place.
I had to learn to make stringers so I could teach the guy doing it.
Up to then I'd just used old ones as templates.
It all turned out well, but only because I was a hardass. *Total PITA
getting things done right.
I've seen codes that allow 1/4" to 3/8" on any height variation.
If you're off 1/32" by the time you get to 13 steps you've blown it.

--
Vic

I took a correspondence course in carpentry, took one from digging the
foundation to finsish work inside. The chapter on stairs was
ummm...interesting. I had to restudy it a couple times when laying
the basement stairs in my remodel.

Harry K

On Aug 10, 12:17*pm, "Doug" wrote:
On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:06:02 -0700 (PDT), Harry K





wrote:
On Aug 9, 9:03*pm, "Doug" wrote:
On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 03:35:11 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03

wrote:
DanG wrote:
On 8/9/2012 8:53 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
My grandfather had a saying about building steps: *"The feet remember."

So why is it that the 1" shorter riser onto the landing at the top of a
staircase in a vacation rental I'm in hasn't bothered anyone? I didn't even
notice that the riser was 1" shorter until I actually noticed it with my
eyes after being here for 5 days. 4 of us have been sleeping upstairs and
using the upstairs bathroom all week, so we've been up and down the stairs
countless times.

I think I know why it hasn't bothered us and I did a little test with my 2
adult sons to see if I was right.

I watched them both go up the stairs and they did the same thing that I
realized I had been doing all week.

When we reach landing we have to turn right to go up 2 more steps to reach
the hallway. As we step up onto the landing, we take a regular stride,
which puts us in the middle of the landing. This allows us to take the same
size stride all the way up. In other words, the shorter riser onto the
landing allows us to step farther onto the landing, making the transition
to the next steps easier.

Is it possible that the builder had this in mind when he built the steps?

After a week in the house, I'd say that it is pretty well built, with some
nice built in features. It doesn't seem like the short riser could be a
glaring mistake in an otherwise very nice house.

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?

I've not ever heard of doing something like this on purpose. *Code
dictates that all risers be equal.

Maybe it was a really old carpenter (gee, I am one) who struggled with a
problem and decided to try one out. *I would think that the odd riser
would really mess with you on the way down.

I would have thought so too, but it doesn't. Maybe it's because of the way
we take the long step from the center of the landing on the way down too.

I'm not sure it was a mistake because I think it depends on the bottom
and top elevation of the stairs. *I think there is a code about stair
construction but depending on the difference in elevations, there may
have to be an adjustment and this stairs may fit that situation.

No, "trippers" are prohibited by code and for that very good reason.

Harry K

Ok, I believe you. *Please tell me the code reference.

Since hyou believe me, you don't need it .

Harry K

On Aug 10, 12:17*pm, "Doug" wrote:
On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:06:02 -0700 (PDT), Harry K





wrote:
On Aug 9, 9:03*pm, "Doug" wrote:
On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 03:35:11 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03

wrote:
DanG wrote:
On 8/9/2012 8:53 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
My grandfather had a saying about building steps: *"The feet remember."

So why is it that the 1" shorter riser onto the landing at the top of a
staircase in a vacation rental I'm in hasn't bothered anyone? I didn't even
notice that the riser was 1" shorter until I actually noticed it with my
eyes after being here for 5 days. 4 of us have been sleeping upstairs and
using the upstairs bathroom all week, so we've been up and down the stairs
countless times.

I think I know why it hasn't bothered us and I did a little test with my 2
adult sons to see if I was right.

I watched them both go up the stairs and they did the same thing that I
realized I had been doing all week.

When we reach landing we have to turn right to go up 2 more steps to reach
the hallway. As we step up onto the landing, we take a regular stride,
which puts us in the middle of the landing. This allows us to take the same
size stride all the way up. In other words, the shorter riser onto the
landing allows us to step farther onto the landing, making the transition
to the next steps easier.

Is it possible that the builder had this in mind when he built the steps?

After a week in the house, I'd say that it is pretty well built, with some
nice built in features. It doesn't seem like the short riser could be a
glaring mistake in an otherwise very nice house.

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?

I've not ever heard of doing something like this on purpose. *Code
dictates that all risers be equal.

Maybe it was a really old carpenter (gee, I am one) who struggled with a
problem and decided to try one out. *I would think that the odd riser
would really mess with you on the way down.

I would have thought so too, but it doesn't. Maybe it's because of the way
we take the long step from the center of the landing on the way down too.

I'm not sure it was a mistake because I think it depends on the bottom
and top elevation of the stairs. *I think there is a code about stair
construction but depending on the difference in elevations, there may
have to be an adjustment and this stairs may fit that situation.

No, "trippers" are prohibited by code and for that very good reason.

Harry K

Ok, I believe you. *Please tell me the code reference.

Ooops posted before I was ready:

Chapter 10 in the IBC code book

Harry K

Harry K wrote:
On Aug 10, 8:01 am, Vic Smith wrote:
On Thu, 09 Aug 2012 22:53:18 -0400, wrote:
On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 01:53:41 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?

That's his story and he is sticking to it. ;-)

It is a mistake. Probably a preassembled staircase that wasn't ordered
for exactly the right height.

I tend to agree with that. I've run into plenty of staircases with
short (low) last steps. In public places sometimes there's a warning
sign.
If you can see them, you naturally adjust your step. In the dark you
almost trip if you're moving fast.

--
Vic

That's why they're known as "trippers".

Harry K

....and yet 6 people, using this unfamiliar staircase for a week, never had
a problem with the short step in either direction, up or down.

After I knew it was there - by visually noticing it 5 days into the
vacation - I paid attention to my use of it, and found that it was very
natural to step in the middle of the landing which made the length of the
stride onto and off of the step feel as if was perfectly sized.

Vic Smith wrote:
On Thu, 09 Aug 2012 22:53:18 -0400, wrote:

On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 01:53:41 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?

That's his story and he is sticking to it. ;-)


It is a mistake. Probably a preassembled staircase that wasn't ordered
for exactly the right height.

I tend to agree with that. I've run into plenty of staircases with
short (low) last steps. In public places sometimes there's a warning
sign.
If you can see them, you naturally adjust your step. In the dark you
almost trip if you're moving fast.


....and yet 6 people, using this unfamiliar staircase for a week, never had
a problem with the short step in either direction, up or down.

After I knew it was there - by visually noticing it 5 days into the
vacation - I paid attention to my use of it, and found that it was very
natural to step in the middle of the landing which made the length of the
stride onto and off of the step feel as if was perfectly sized.

On Aug 10, 9:27*pm, DerbyDad03 wrote:
Vic Smith wrote:
On Thu, 09 Aug 2012 22:53:18 -0400, wrote:

On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 01:53:41 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?

That's his story and he is sticking to it. *;-)

It is a mistake. Probably a preassembled staircase that wasn't ordered
for exactly the right height.

I tend to agree with that. *I've run into plenty of staircases with
short (low) last steps. *In public places sometimes there's a warning
sign.
If you can see them, you naturally adjust your step. *In the dark you
almost trip if you're moving fast.

...and yet 6 people, using this unfamiliar staircase for a week, *never had
a problem with the short step in either direction, up or down.

After I knew it was there - by visually noticing it 5 days into the
vacation - I paid attention to my use of it, and found that it was very
natural to step in the middle of the landing which made the length of the
stride onto and off of the step feel as if was perfectly sized.

Probably because the odd step was at the _start_ of the flight vice
midway
or at the top. Yes I realize that the landing is midway but the odd
step is still the beginning of anew flight. N

Harry K

On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 20:39:39 -0700 (PDT), Harry K
wrote:

On Aug 10, 12:17*pm, "Doug" wrote:
On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:06:02 -0700 (PDT), Harry K





wrote:
On Aug 9, 9:03*pm, "Doug" wrote:
On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 03:35:11 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03

wrote:
DanG wrote:
On 8/9/2012 8:53 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
My grandfather had a saying about building steps: *"The feet remember."

So why is it that the 1" shorter riser onto the landing at the top of a
staircase in a vacation rental I'm in hasn't bothered anyone? I didn't even
notice that the riser was 1" shorter until I actually noticed it with my
eyes after being here for 5 days. 4 of us have been sleeping upstairs and
using the upstairs bathroom all week, so we've been up and down the stairs
countless times.

I think I know why it hasn't bothered us and I did a little test with my 2
adult sons to see if I was right.

I watched them both go up the stairs and they did the same thing that I
realized I had been doing all week.

When we reach landing we have to turn right to go up 2 more steps to reach
the hallway. As we step up onto the landing, we take a regular stride,
which puts us in the middle of the landing. This allows us to take the same
size stride all the way up. In other words, the shorter riser onto the
landing allows us to step farther onto the landing, making the transition
to the next steps easier.

Is it possible that the builder had this in mind when he built the steps?

After a week in the house, I'd say that it is pretty well built, with some
nice built in features. It doesn't seem like the short riser could be a
glaring mistake in an otherwise very nice house.

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?

I've not ever heard of doing something like this on purpose. *Code
dictates that all risers be equal.

Maybe it was a really old carpenter (gee, I am one) who struggled with a
problem and decided to try one out. *I would think that the odd riser
would really mess with you on the way down.

I would have thought so too, but it doesn't. Maybe it's because of the way
we take the long step from the center of the landing on the way down too.

I'm not sure it was a mistake because I think it depends on the bottom
and top elevation of the stairs. *I think there is a code about stair
construction but depending on the difference in elevations, there may
have to be an adjustment and this stairs may fit that situation.

No, "trippers" are prohibited by code and for that very good reason.

Harry K

Ok, I believe you. *Please tell me the code reference.

Ooops posted before I was ready:

Chapter 10 in the IBC code book

Harry K


Thanks, I'll look it up. I think I have a copy of the IBC code book.

On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 20:39:39 -0700 (PDT), Harry K
wrote:

On Aug 10, 12:17*pm, "Doug" wrote:
On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:06:02 -0700 (PDT), Harry K





wrote:
On Aug 9, 9:03*pm, "Doug" wrote:
On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 03:35:11 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03

wrote:
DanG wrote:
On 8/9/2012 8:53 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
My grandfather had a saying about building steps: *"The feet remember."

So why is it that the 1" shorter riser onto the landing at the top of a
staircase in a vacation rental I'm in hasn't bothered anyone? I didn't even
notice that the riser was 1" shorter until I actually noticed it with my
eyes after being here for 5 days. 4 of us have been sleeping upstairs and
using the upstairs bathroom all week, so we've been up and down the stairs
countless times.

I think I know why it hasn't bothered us and I did a little test with my 2
adult sons to see if I was right.

I watched them both go up the stairs and they did the same thing that I
realized I had been doing all week.

When we reach landing we have to turn right to go up 2 more steps to reach
the hallway. As we step up onto the landing, we take a regular stride,
which puts us in the middle of the landing. This allows us to take the same
size stride all the way up. In other words, the shorter riser onto the
landing allows us to step farther onto the landing, making the transition
to the next steps easier.

Is it possible that the builder had this in mind when he built the steps?

After a week in the house, I'd say that it is pretty well built, with some
nice built in features. It doesn't seem like the short riser could be a
glaring mistake in an otherwise very nice house.

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?

I've not ever heard of doing something like this on purpose. *Code
dictates that all risers be equal.

Maybe it was a really old carpenter (gee, I am one) who struggled with a
problem and decided to try one out. *I would think that the odd riser
would really mess with you on the way down.

I would have thought so too, but it doesn't. Maybe it's because of the way
we take the long step from the center of the landing on the way down too.

I'm not sure it was a mistake because I think it depends on the bottom
and top elevation of the stairs. *I think there is a code about stair
construction but depending on the difference in elevations, there may
have to be an adjustment and this stairs may fit that situation.

No, "trippers" are prohibited by code and for that very good reason.

Harry K

Ok, I believe you. *Please tell me the code reference.

Ooops posted before I was ready:

Chapter 10 in the IBC code book

Harry K


Ok, the local code will dictate but often the local codes from my
experience, will make reference to IBC. If this is true, this stairs
is out of code but the code does make a variance for each tread and
riser which makes sense to me in case of some odd height of stairs.

BTW, your reference was on the money. Thanks.

On Aug 9, 9:53*pm, DerbyDad03 wrote:
My grandfather had a saying about building steps: *"The feet remember."

So why is it that the 1" shorter riser onto the landing at the top of a
staircase in a vacation rental I'm in hasn't bothered anyone? I didn't even
notice that the riser was 1" shorter until I actually noticed it with my
eyes after being here for 5 days. 4 of us have been sleeping upstairs and
using the upstairs bathroom all week, so we've been up and down the stairs
countless times.

I think I know why it hasn't bothered us and I did a little test with my 2
adult sons to see if I was right.

I watched them both go up the stairs and they did the same thing that I
realized I had been doing all week.

When we reach landing we have to turn right to go up 2 more steps to reach
the hallway. As we step up onto the landing, we take a regular stride,
which puts us in the middle of the landing. This allows us to take the same
size stride all the way up. In other words, the shorter riser onto the
landing allows us to step farther onto the landing, making the transition
to the next steps easier.

Is it possible that the builder had this in mind when he built the steps?

After a week in the house, I'd say that it is pretty well built, with some
nice built in features. It doesn't seem like the short riser could be a
glaring mistake in an otherwise very nice house.

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?

Sounds a bit like it was a dimensional allowance
for some sort of special flooring on the landing
that never got installed...

On Aug 11, 10:19*am, "Doug" wrote:
On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 20:39:39 -0700 (PDT), Harry K





wrote:
On Aug 10, 12:17*pm, "Doug" wrote:
On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:06:02 -0700 (PDT), Harry K

wrote:
On Aug 9, 9:03*pm, "Doug" wrote:
On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 03:35:11 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03

wrote:
DanG wrote:
On 8/9/2012 8:53 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
My grandfather had a saying about building steps: *"The feet remember."

So why is it that the 1" shorter riser onto the landing at the top of a
staircase in a vacation rental I'm in hasn't bothered anyone? I didn't even
notice that the riser was 1" shorter until I actually noticed it with my
eyes after being here for 5 days. 4 of us have been sleeping upstairs and
using the upstairs bathroom all week, so we've been up and down the stairs
countless times.

I think I know why it hasn't bothered us and I did a little test with my 2
adult sons to see if I was right.

I watched them both go up the stairs and they did the same thing that I
realized I had been doing all week.

When we reach landing we have to turn right to go up 2 more steps to reach
the hallway. As we step up onto the landing, we take a regular stride,
which puts us in the middle of the landing. This allows us to take the same
size stride all the way up. In other words, the shorter riser onto the
landing allows us to step farther onto the landing, making the transition
to the next steps easier.

Is it possible that the builder had this in mind when he built the steps?

After a week in the house, I'd say that it is pretty well built, with some
nice built in features. It doesn't seem like the short riser could be a
glaring mistake in an otherwise very nice house.

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?

I've not ever heard of doing something like this on purpose. *Code
dictates that all risers be equal.

Maybe it was a really old carpenter (gee, I am one) who struggled with a
problem and decided to try one out. *I would think that the odd riser
would really mess with you on the way down.

I would have thought so too, but it doesn't. Maybe it's because of the way
we take the long step from the center of the landing on the way down too.

I'm not sure it was a mistake because I think it depends on the bottom
and top elevation of the stairs. *I think there is a code about stair
construction but depending on the difference in elevations, there may
have to be an adjustment and this stairs may fit that situation.

No, "trippers" are prohibited by code and for that very good reason.

Harry K

Ok, I believe you. *Please tell me the code reference.

Ooops posted before I was ready:

Chapter 10 in the IBC code book

Harry K

Thanks, I'll look it up. *I think I have a copy of the IBC code book.

I tried another one that was in PDF but got totally lost. Dial-up
doesn't help.

Harry K

On Aug 11, 10:31*am, "Doug" wrote:
On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 20:39:39 -0700 (PDT), Harry K





wrote:
On Aug 10, 12:17*pm, "Doug" wrote:
On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:06:02 -0700 (PDT), Harry K

wrote:
On Aug 9, 9:03*pm, "Doug" wrote:
On Fri, 10 Aug 2012 03:35:11 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03

wrote:
DanG wrote:
On 8/9/2012 8:53 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
My grandfather had a saying about building steps: *"The feet remember."

So why is it that the 1" shorter riser onto the landing at the top of a
staircase in a vacation rental I'm in hasn't bothered anyone? I didn't even
notice that the riser was 1" shorter until I actually noticed it with my
eyes after being here for 5 days. 4 of us have been sleeping upstairs and
using the upstairs bathroom all week, so we've been up and down the stairs
countless times.

I think I know why it hasn't bothered us and I did a little test with my 2
adult sons to see if I was right.

I watched them both go up the stairs and they did the same thing that I
realized I had been doing all week.

When we reach landing we have to turn right to go up 2 more steps to reach
the hallway. As we step up onto the landing, we take a regular stride,
which puts us in the middle of the landing. This allows us to take the same
size stride all the way up. In other words, the shorter riser onto the
landing allows us to step farther onto the landing, making the transition
to the next steps easier.

Is it possible that the builder had this in mind when he built the steps?

After a week in the house, I'd say that it is pretty well built, with some
nice built in features. It doesn't seem like the short riser could be a
glaring mistake in an otherwise very nice house.

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?

I've not ever heard of doing something like this on purpose. *Code
dictates that all risers be equal.

Maybe it was a really old carpenter (gee, I am one) who struggled with a
problem and decided to try one out. *I would think that the odd riser
would really mess with you on the way down.

I would have thought so too, but it doesn't. Maybe it's because of the way
we take the long step from the center of the landing on the way down too.

I'm not sure it was a mistake because I think it depends on the bottom
and top elevation of the stairs. *I think there is a code about stair
construction but depending on the difference in elevations, there may
have to be an adjustment and this stairs may fit that situation.

No, "trippers" are prohibited by code and for that very good reason.

Harry K

Ok, I believe you. *Please tell me the code reference.

Ooops posted before I was ready:

Chapter 10 in the IBC code book

Harry K

Ok, the local code will dictate but often the local codes from my
experience, will make reference to IBC. *If this is true, this stairs
is out of code but the code does make a variance for each tread and
riser which makes sense to me in case of some odd height of stairs.

BTW, your reference was on the money. * Thanks.

YOu obviously can navigate through that morass far better than I .

A carpenter who knows his stuff can lay out a flight of stairs no
matter how odd the height and each riser will be identical. I forget
how many times I re-did the one flight I built and still cut the
stringers with one extra tread.

Harry K

On Aug 11, 10:50*am, Evan wrote:
On Aug 9, 9:53*pm, DerbyDad03 wrote:





My grandfather had a saying about building steps: *"The feet remember.."

So why is it that the 1" shorter riser onto the landing at the top of a
staircase in a vacation rental I'm in hasn't bothered anyone? I didn't even
notice that the riser was 1" shorter until I actually noticed it with my
eyes after being here for 5 days. 4 of us have been sleeping upstairs and
using the upstairs bathroom all week, so we've been up and down the stairs
countless times.

I think I know why it hasn't bothered us and I did a little test with my 2
adult sons to see if I was right.

I watched them both go up the stairs and they did the same thing that I
realized I had been doing all week.

When we reach landing we have to turn right to go up 2 more steps to reach
the hallway. As we step up onto the landing, we take a regular stride,
which puts us in the middle of the landing. This allows us to take the same
size stride all the way up. In other words, the shorter riser onto the
landing allows us to step farther onto the landing, making the transition
to the next steps easier.

Is it possible that the builder had this in mind when he built the steps?

After a week in the house, I'd say that it is pretty well built, with some
nice built in features. It doesn't seem like the short riser could be a
glaring mistake in an otherwise very nice house.

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?

Sounds a bit like it was a dimensional allowance
for some sort of special flooring on the landing
that never got installed...

Or in a log house. Every door, window and stair has to allwo for
shrinkage as the logs dry. My BIl in Canada built one and had a
"tripper" as the last riser on the top. No matter how many times I
went up it was always a "stutter" as it used it.

Harry K

Evan wrote:
On Aug 9, 9:53 pm, DerbyDad03 wrote:
My grandfather had a saying about building steps: "The feet remember."

So why is it that the 1" shorter riser onto the landing at the top of a
staircase in a vacation rental I'm in hasn't bothered anyone? I didn't even
notice that the riser was 1" shorter until I actually noticed it with my
eyes after being here for 5 days. 4 of us have been sleeping upstairs and
using the upstairs bathroom all week, so we've been up and down the stairs
countless times.

I think I know why it hasn't bothered us and I did a little test with my 2
adult sons to see if I was right.

I watched them both go up the stairs and they did the same thing that I
realized I had been doing all week.

When we reach landing we have to turn right to go up 2 more steps to reach
the hallway. As we step up onto the landing, we take a regular stride,
which puts us in the middle of the landing. This allows us to take the same
size stride all the way up. In other words, the shorter riser onto the
landing allows us to step farther onto the landing, making the transition
to the next steps easier.

Is it possible that the builder had this in mind when he built the steps?

After a week in the house, I'd say that it is pretty well built, with some
nice built in features. It doesn't seem like the short riser could be a
glaring mistake in an otherwise very nice house.

Could it have been done on purpose to make the turn on the landing easier?

Sounds a bit like it was a dimensional allowance
for some sort of special flooring on the landing
that never got installed...

I doubt it. There's also a lower landing 2 steps off of the living room
floor. The hardwood flooring on both landings matches the living room floor
and all the treads are stained the same color. I doubt the upper landing
alone was planned to be a different material.

Besides, if a "special flooring" was installed to make the last step *onto*
the landing match the others, then that would have resulted in a short
riser for the first step *off* of the landing as you continue up to the
hallway. In other words, the problem would simply have been moved up one
step.