Replies

1. 
   Kgmz | Aug 16, 2007 08:52am | #1

    

   I don't know what code you guys are using down there and if it is a adaptation of the IRC 2003 or 2006.

   If it is similar to or is IRC 2003 or 2006, then the code reads as follows:

   R311.5.1 Width.

   Stairways shall not be less than 36 inches (914 mm) in clear width at all points above the permitted handrail height and below the required headroom height.

   Handrails shall not project more than 4.5 inches (114 mm) on either side of the stairway  and the minimum clear width of the stairway at and below the handrail height, including treads and landings, shall not be less than 31.5 inches (787 mm) where a handrail is installed on one side and 27 inches (698 mm) where handrails are provided on both sides

    

    

   So what it says is the walls cannot be less than 36", but the handrails and any trim can encroach into this area as long as the minimum space is 31.5".

   And if you read farther into the code, there is a section concerning landings and it says landings have to be a minimum of 36" and by the pictures it looks like the treads also have to be 36" to match the landings.

    

   From a quick web search I found this from the CBC:

   STAIRWAYS AND LANDINGS (CBC 1003.3.3)

   Private stairways shall be a minimum of thirty-six inches wide. Trim and handrails may not encroach into this minimum width by more than 3 1/2 inches. The maximum rise of each step is eight inches; the minimum rise is four inches. The minimum run is nine inches. The largest tread width or riser height in any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch.

    

   So from this I see no problems with skirt board as it will not encroach into the area as much as it says above (3.5").

   And skirt board is trim, right.

    

   Handy link from stairways.org where it shows most of the code interpretations with pictures.

   http://www.stairways.org/codes_standards.htm

1. 
   nikkiwood | Aug 16, 2007 04:51pm | #4

   Yes, but the minimum membership required to gain access to all this info is $400 per year.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   BillHartmann | Aug 16, 2007 07:20pm | #5

   Look at the links in the lower right handcorner.The 2006 IRC pdf is free and I assume that the others are also..
   .
   A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

2. 
   wane | Aug 16, 2007 03:47pm | #2

   cut out the drywall and fasten stringers to studs, molding over drywall/stringer interface??

3. 
   IdahoDon | Aug 16, 2007 04:51pm | #3

   As was mentioned, the skirtboards aren't considered in that 36" width so you are just fine.

    

   Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.

4. 
   JTC1 | Aug 16, 2007 11:53pm | #6

   Don't know for sure in So. CA.

   In DE, the skirts would be just fine, need 36" finished wall to finished wall above rail.

   BI's never even measure below rail here - that would involve bending over a bit -- too much work.

   Jim

   Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.