View the story...I'll probably have it done Monday or Tuesday.

Replacing Stair Treads
http://www.hardwoodinstaller.com/hardwo ... treads.htm

The problem of the last step being off isn't that the upstairs was built at the wrong height but that the "stair builder" did not figure the rise and run correctly. Perhaps there was a plan at one time to add actual flooring to those 2 x 5's upstairs. That would take care of the last step height discrepancy. Your idea to boxed out the bottom step solved the exposed stringer problem nicely and also, it looks better than what it was originally.

You are correct as usual Gary. Rough stair building is something I've never done, but now it makes perfect sense. The 2 x 5's seems like a planned finished floor. You'll see a classic case of what not to use as flooring in this environment. Floor is gapped anywhere between a sliver and 3/8 inch.

On a side note I learned yesterday there were no building inspectors in this county until '92. Even today only electriical and footer inspections are required. I think the overall work is good, but it took me awhile to get used to the rustic trim work.