Bedroom stairs

by brae  

As you may recall, I raised the ceiling in the parlor on the first floor to accommodate the new narrow staircase but left the kitchen the original lower height so I wouldn't have to alter the swinging windows of the upper floor.  This means the hallway floor is higher than the bedroom floor.  I've been in old houses where doors open to reveal the bottoms of staircases.  I've also seen a set of two to three steps leading up a wall to a door.  So, I figured this was the way to go for the Heritage.

When Lyssa and I went to the Art Institute when she came for a visit this past October, we naturally saw the Thorne Miniature Rooms first.  In one of the fine bedrooms, there was just such a setup.  :]  I already had a vague image in my mind, but this helped solidify the idea.

I like how the top step is even with the door...as though it were a continuation of the floor on the other side.  This makes sense to me, so that one doesn't open the door and immediately fall down a drop off.  :O

I didn't need to make up that much height between the floor and the bottom of the door, so I used pieces of foam core board to build two steps.  I chose this material mainly because I had scraps and it is easy to cut.  I cut two pieces 2 3/4" L x 1 1/4" W, and two pieces 2 3/4" L x 1/2" W.  It wasn't quite high enough, so I add a shim of 1/16" thick balsa.

I then added risers from 1/16" thick basswood.

I cut treads from 1/16" thick basswood but didn't glue them to the assembly since I wanted to stain them to match the floor.

I cut side pieces from 1/16" thick basswood that will enclose the entire unit.

I stained the treads Minwax English Chestnut and painted the remaining pieces Vintage White by Folk Art to match the trim throughout the house.  I was impatient for the stain to dry, so I've assembled the stairs for a quick photo shoot.  No more floating door.  :D

When installed permanently, the door will open into the bedroom, but the photos look better with the finished frame showing.  The door is also in need of final finishing.

12 comments

Comment from: Blondie [Visitor]
It's such a treat to look at your beautiful creations. You inspire me so much! :)
12/13/12 @ 22:02
Comment from: April [Visitor]
Great simple fix, it fits right in and matches up beautifully.
12/13/12 @ 22:07
Comment from: Norma [Visitor]
Very creative - turns a problem into a feature.
12/13/12 @ 22:54
Comment from: Keli [Visitor]
Nice job, it looks great. Everything looks great, I just haven't had time lately to comment on all the posts.
12/14/12 @ 02:44
Comment from: Jackie [Visitor]
Brilliant. Looks perfect. We have this in our actual house - which isn't even that old, but it's on a hill. And to be honest it's what sold it to us! I like odd corners and curious places.
12/14/12 @ 03:41
Comment from: Kathi [Visitor]
Thanks for sharing the way you constructed these steps. I'm planning a staircase for my garden center. I would like to add lights to the stair risers. Foam core is a great idea for hiding the wiring. :D
12/14/12 @ 04:46
Comment from: Lisa from Petitpointers [Visitor]
Brae, this is a wonderful room. I love the stenciling on the walls and thank you from provided a how to on the stairs - I just may copy your idea in one of my roomboxes.
12/14/12 @ 08:12
Comment from: Mona [Visitor]
Your stair also make the house more exciting I think. Great job. One of my brothers has a stair like that in his house :) Mona
12/14/12 @ 08:51
Comment from: Lucille [Visitor]
Thanks so much for sharing the construction, Brae! The steps are awesome!
12/14/12 @ 08:56
Comment from: brae [Member]
Thanks so much, everyone! &#59;D
12/14/12 @ 11:45
Comment from: Ruth Ramaekers [Visitor]
I keep hearing about you all over the miniature blogosphere, how much people who's blogs I follow think you're wonderful, amazing, generous, I just had to stop by! Your blog looks great! Hugs from Canada, Ruth
12/16/12 @ 16:21
Comment from: brae [Member]
Aw, thanks so much, Ruth! :D
12/16/12 @ 18:04


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