99% of people or DIYers won’t know what wrong with these steps. Can you spot the accident waiting to happen that could cost you THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS?!?!
Over 1 Million injuries occur each year as the result of stairway falls and 12,407 of these incidents result in death. To put this into perspective stairway accidents constitute the second leading cause of accidental injury, second only to motor vehicle accidents.
So what’s wrong with this step installation?
Each stair uses a thin 2.75-in wide stairnose and these are not designed for heavy traffic. Only 2 nails and a little glue (if this was installed correctly that is) are holding the stairnose down on each step. These are only designed to complete the finish of the hardwood floor at the very top of the steps.
Now imagine what would happen if you’re walking down the steps and one of them snaps off and you have 8 steps left to go. You’re not going to bounce that’s for sure and you could have one hell of a medical bill!
Why does this happen? There are many reasons, but most come down to being ill-informed or to cut cost.
The ill-informed sales rep – When you’re buying hardwood flooring most sales representatives are not installers or have any construction background. They don’t know you need a full tread step and think because this part is called a “stairnose” that it’s supposed to be used on each step when it absolutely cannot.
You are required to have a step that is considered full tred and completely flat. This means absolutly no hand-scarped hardwood steps as your foot will not have full contact as you move up or down them. I’m no lawyer, but these are against building regulations and you could be held liable.
The screw it moment, “we’re already passed our budget and the floor was last” – The other reason is due to cost as a stairnose is a fraction of the cost of a true stair tread. This is one situation you never want to cut the cost to save a few dollars.
Or maybe it could be a hybrid of both examples – Why is this thin stairnose $13 and this large hardwood step $127.95? Well, let’s go with this cheaper one. That will work!
WRONG! Regardless of why this is a lawsuit waiting to happen and this is a photo I took while staying in our last AIRBNB (check out the photos). You’re going to spend more installing the steps correctly, but in the long-term, it’s going to save thousands if you get sued.
Please. Please. Please, if you’re looking to save money on your DIY or AIRBNB project we will walk you through how to install your floor properly. Not only that if you buy your floor through us we will deliver and assist in the initial start of your install to make sure you have no problems (normally free of charge).
It means more to us that you have the floor of your dreams installed as if it were in our own home (even if it means we don’t install or sell you the flooring)!
The Valvano Crew
With that said please let us know about your next project, even if you don’t use us for our installation services. It won’t hurt our feelings and we’ll still make sure you get our top-notch service!
We are looking forward to your call – Here’s our number 513.244.2428 and we’ll help you with your next project!