Expert: Joseph G. Swallow - 4/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: I would like to remove a staircase that comes from a bedroom upstairs and into the kitchen.  Then I would like to make a floor where the stair case was. Which would also increase the size of my kitchen area.

ANSWER: Dana,

How can I help you with this?  Is there a secondary staircase that allows access to the bedroom?

Thank you,

Joseph

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes there is another staircase.  How would I go about finishing the floor for the upstairs once I take the stairs out?

Answer
In removing the stairs, is that leaving a hole (4ft x 4ft as an example) that needs to be filled?  Usually, if that is the case, you would get some u-shaped stud hangers, attaching to the opposing stringers and put in 2x10 or 2x12's to match whatever the floor framing consists of.  Over this you would lay a 5/8" or 3/4" cut plywood and laminate or carpet over that.  The bottom, if exposed to the floor below, would need to be drywalled and repaired to match the surrounding ceiling.  Hope that helps.