Hello,
I would like to install hardwood on the upper level of my house. A contractor told me that the residential building code for stairs states that max riser height should not exceed 8.25" and the max variation in riser height for a staircase should not exceed 3/8". My top stair riser is already at the max height, so adding 3/4" hardwood to the top floor would put me way out of code.

The contractor advised that I could possibly sneak-by with engineered wood which is thinner, but I don't want to do that. I am sure I am not the first person to encounter this problem. I'm wondering if anyone found a clever solution other than replacing the whole staircase. -)

Thanks
Dave

According to the IRC Stair building code:
The maximum riser height shall be 7 3⁄4 inches.
The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3⁄8 inch.
Your state/local may follow an amended code which is what your contractor may be referring to.
What is the current finished floor surface? Won't you be replacing this with the hardwood?

Jimmiem,
Thanks. There was carpet on the floor, but I removed that and the top riser is still at about 8".

How old is the house? Where is the house located? The stairs may have been within code at the time the house was built and are grandfathered in. Some older houses have stairs that are quite steep. What are the stair treads made of? Are the stair treads original to the house? What are the other riser heights? What's the riser height from the bottom landing to the first step? Can you post a picture of the stairs?

The house was built in 1986. It is located in NJ. The stair treads are pine. The riser from the bottom landing is 7 3/4. All of the others are about 8".

https://www.flickr.com/photos/84875158@ ... res/0s8sFT

Here in San Jose I would recommend a 5/16th inch thick floor on top of the steps and also for the upstairs. It would be top-nailed with a C shaped nosing that goes over the existing nosing on the steps. Flooring made by Lebanon Flooring in Tennessee. It is also made in 3 inch to 8 inch widths.
Even though it is a thin floor, it is square edged, and can be sanded almost as many times as ¾ inch T&G.
Once sanded and finished it can be re-coated easily so how many times it can be sanded is not much of a concern.

If you want to install 3/4" thick flooring I would remove the top step and lay a piece of 3/8" plywood on the subtread/stringer and replace the step. The rise to the landing would then be 8 3/8", the next rise (going down) would be 8 3/8", and all the rest would be 8". I would not be concerned about the 7 3/4" from the first floor landing to the first step as it would not be changed from what it is now either going up or coming down the stairs.

Thanks much. I will suggest this to the contractor.

Keep us posted.