Greetings Gazeboat:
While searching, I discovered a message board at Bob Vila's site,
http://www.bobvila.com/wwwboard/messages/46610.html. The title of the
thread there reads "Plans for Alternating Tread stair???" and the
forum name is "Bob Vila's Fix-It For'em"
Someone commented regarding building codes and *resale* of a home with
a stair of this type. That link is
http://www.bobvila.com/wwwboard/messages/46645.html. The gentleman
states in part:
"The problem is that there are building code in this country that
apply everywhere. You have to build per code, or get specific approval
for non-code items and this is unlikely to happen. They [alternate
tread stairs] are great for ships, lighthouses and even rarely used
areas but patently unsafe for everywhere else.
"...if a kid gets hurt playing on stairs like these, you would be sued
big time and so would the building comission that let you put them in.
It would be even worse on a deck. Yes, decks have to meet code too.
And they are outside so easily visible and you would not get away with
having them for long. They would constitute an "attractive nuisence",
like a swimming pool...If they don't meet the building code, you
insurance carrier will not cover you. Same deal on the stairs. Sorry,
but this is a bad idea."
This surprised me when I read it because I didn't consider resale of a
home with this type of feature. You may want to check with the local
building commission to make certain you can add this stair to your
home with approval. If not, you might consider a small spiral
staircase. Another commenter stated that alternate tread stairs are
frequently seen in Europe so insurance and code concerns may not be as
much a problem there as in the U.S.
**********
The site for This Old House has an article (and photo) on alternate
tread stairs at http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/knowhow/interiors/article/0,16417,443801,00.html
and it speaks of an architect, Anne Lewis:
"Architect Anne Lewis incorporated this stair in a house she designed
in the Palisades neighborhood of Washington, D.C. "We had to scramble
for every square inch of space," she says, so the client's study was
built as a loft tucked under the peak of the roof and overlooking the
master bedroom. The stair links the two spaces without sacrificing a
precious closet."
"Still, Lewis doesn't recommend the design for any stair that will be
heavily traveled. Neither do the building codes. They generally limit
alternate-tread stairs to use for access to lofts and mezzanines, if
they address them at all. Obtaining approval for a set will usually be
a matter of negotiation with your local inspector."
You may be able to purchase plans from Ms. Lewis but I was unable to
locate contact information for her.
**********
For pre-made metal alternate tread stairs, the site
http://www.b4ubuild.com/links/stairs.shtml offers:
"Lapeyre Stair - a unique stair with alternating treads that uses
minimal floor space. While their current products are used mostly in
industrial applications, the original stair introduced years ago was
made of wood and advertised as a loft ladder. With changes in building
codes over the years, alternating tread stairs are generally only
allowed as secondary, non emergency stairs. So, be sure to check with
your local building officials for specific requirements."
The Lapeyre web site is located at http://www.lapeyrestair.com/ If
you click on the "Products" link, you'll see where one may order
custom-made steel or aluminum alternate tread stairs.
***********
I would have loved to answer your question but I wasn't able to locate
any plans. I did find a book list for stair building at
http://www.b4ubuild.com/books/stairs.shtml and they showed numerous
general resources and a few stair building tools.
Good luck in your quest and I hope another Researcher is able to
assist you in securing the plans.
Best regards,
journalist-ga
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