This three-story rowhome with a basement had three (3.5, really) different staircases… that no longer made sense. They were 30” wide, not 36”; they were steep to save space back in the day; they ended in odd locations; and they were in the middle of the floor plan. The before pictures are shown after the new pictures below.

The new staircase location is typical for a Philadelphia Rowhome—attached to the side of the house. We brought all staircases to code by increasing the width to at least 36” (some up to 42”) and making them less steep by increasing the tread (where you step) and lowering the riser height (vertical piece). We went with red oak which is very hard wood and will stain it to complement the floorboards. Clean edge reveal with a handrail that’s being finalized.

To the basement; landing into the kitchen from the basement; going up to the second floor

 

Side view; looking down to the first floor from the second floor; second floor with the stairs to third

Stairs to the third floor; again, stairs to the third floor with deck door allowing light in; new landing to the guest suite made of repurposed wood from the old third floor floorboards

 

Third floor landing with step up and out to deck; the deck; six stain options for the red oak inside stairs

Here are some “before” pictures.

First to the lower second floor

 

Second floor (Yes, the staircase ends in the middle of the bathroom door and the landing is a step lower than the back bedroom and bathroom!)

 

To the upper second floor; to the third floor