Hello - I own a 3 storey stone weavers cottage built 1792 in Huddersfield which I am in the process of renovating which I will then rent out. It has lots of original features including stone steps from the ground floor to the 1st floor. The stone is in good condition - they have never been covered up or painted, there is no flaking with only the natural wear & tear on each step where people have put their feet. At a similar property which I have just renovated the stone steps were not in good condition and so my joiner lined them in plywood and then they were carpeted - the property is now rented out to a very good tenant - a lady with a young child who I know would not have liked stone steps. My dilemma is what to do with the stone steps at my current renovation - I would like to keep them but fear people might not consider them practical for everyday use. For example, I have seen some pictures where people have used a runner up the middle of the steps. I've never lived with a stone staircase so don't know what it would be like. Anybody got any advice or links to pictures to give me some ideas or inspiration? Many thanks.
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Original stone steps - rip out or restore?
- Thread starter Jayne
- Start date
I can't imagine ripping out being a good choice. Someone will appreciate the worn stone step which will be tightly integrated into the fabric of the building.
Removing them will be a big job and could substantially devalue the property.
Thinking of how stone steps might be more practical:
Last for centuries
Don't rot.
Quiet when walked on.
Main disadvantage: expensive.
Like you say, if you're afraid of cold feet, you could always put a runner carpet.
Removing them will be a big job and could substantially devalue the property.
Thinking of how stone steps might be more practical:
Last for centuries
Don't rot.
Quiet when walked on.
Main disadvantage: expensive.
Like you say, if you're afraid of cold feet, you could always put a runner carpet.
Gervase
Member
- Messages
- 1,500
- Location
- North London
Keep them at all costs. You can fit a runner, even if the rod chairs need to be fixed to the stone with epoxy resin. Steps like that are irreplaceable. Talk to your local Conservation Officer and be guided by what s/he says (sorry, I know that sounds like a stuck record on this forum - but with any listed building it really is the best approach).
FamilyWiggs
Member
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- 3,452
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- Flintshire, N Wales.
I'm quite a purist in these matters.
You are lucky enough to own a building with 200 years of heritage already, and hopefully many more to come long after we are all worm food. Removing something significant from the building that has been enjoyed by the last 200 years of inhabitants, and thereby denying the next 200 years' worth of inhabitants the same experience is a very serious decision.
Not one I would take on the grounds of aesthetics or convenience.
Stone steps can be fantastic, and have many benefits. I'd enjoy them if I were you.
You are lucky enough to own a building with 200 years of heritage already, and hopefully many more to come long after we are all worm food. Removing something significant from the building that has been enjoyed by the last 200 years of inhabitants, and thereby denying the next 200 years' worth of inhabitants the same experience is a very serious decision.
Not one I would take on the grounds of aesthetics or convenience.
Stone steps can be fantastic, and have many benefits. I'd enjoy them if I were you.
Lime
Member
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- 2,749
- Location
- East of England
I've never heard of anything quite so ridiculous if it is proposed to take the stone stairs out.
I hope not.
I hope not.
Schoolmarm
Member
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- 1,894
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- edgworth, lancs
Lime said:I've never heard of anything quite so ridiculous if it is proposed to take the stone stairs out.
I hope not.
Exactly what Lime said. Is it april the 1st today?