Expert: maura macaluso - 2/4/2008

Question
I have beautiful stair treads purchased, and was ready to install until I saw something on HGTV. No one can help with how to do it. This man lifted the front of his stair tread to expose storage undearneath the threads - like a hidden box. My issue is lifting the tread and having enough clearance in the back for the stair to actually lift. The hardware was toward the riser, and it somehow cleared the back without a gap between where the riser and tread meet. I don't know if was special hardware that sort of jutted a little forward to allow clearance? I can't put the hardware in the front of the stair as I don't want it to pop up when you step on the edge of the stair coming down them. Does my question make sense? Thank you for your time.
Maryanne G.

Answer
What you're suggesting doesn't seem difficult to do, and what a nifty idea at that.  I'm not familiar w/ what you saw on hgtv but if it were me, this is what I would do.  remove a tread.  cut it horizontally about an inch and a half or so from the back edge(find someone w/ a tablesaw, you want this cut straight).  Now you have a tread in two pieces, one narrow and one broad.  I would get a sturdy "piano hinge" or other hidden hinge type  3" shorter than the length of the tread. attach the hinge to both pieces of tread(place it in the middle so that there is no hinge on the outer edges of the tread so that it will sit right on the stringer and riser) and then set the tread back in place, but only attach the back portion of the tread.  This seems like it will do the trick.  you will be able to lift the front of the tread and be able to rest it up against the next step.  While you have the tread off, you will have to construct the box inside by fitting another riser and modified tread in the empty space, or you can use any scrap wood you have available as it won't be seen except for when you open it.    Hopefully you can understand what I'm suggesting.  If you need more directions let me know.  Thanks for a great question.