Building a wall in the stairs - continue on existing balusters?

[KermitW]

We are considering building a wall against our staircase. Initially, we thought about sawing off the spindles that "just" stick up to prevent falling down the stairs, but now we are wondering if we can extend them up to the ceiling and plaster all the way up?

The spindles are 45*70 so a beam in the ceiling and extension feels simple.
Does anyone have any opinions or tips?

 

[justusandersson]

The spindles seem to be on the outside of the joist. If you want to build a solid wall, it should probably be placed on the floor.

 

[KermitW]

Yes, they sit on the outside and go down to the lower level and stand on the joist. We want to plaster on both sides so that the wall becomes tight.

 

[justusandersson]

Then there are no problems, but use new studs that go all the way up. The beautiful wood that currently constitutes the railing will probably fit better somewhere else.

 

[KermitW]

Thanks for the answer! But do you think we should cut them at the floor level? We were hoping to avoid a cut and they must remain for the sake of the stairs. But I can agree with you that it's a shame to enclose the beautiful oak...

 

[justusandersson]

Now we are probably talking past each other. A plastered stud wall needs to stand on a floor or be more strongly anchored at the bottom than a lattice fence. If you want to keep the spindles down there and then continue with a plaster wall, you must attach a horizontal stud to the edge of the joist that can support the wall above.

 

[KermitW]

Yes, maybe. These "spjälor" are 45x70 and are supported by the joist floor one floor down. I hadn't planned to use a larger dimension than that, hence the idea to place the studs on the existing crossbeam and attach a stud to the ceiling. But the alternative is to cut them and place the wall inside on the joist floor on the upper floor.

 

[justusandersson]

You cannot place a wall directly on the lower rafters. The wall needs a sturdier support. Additionally, the rafters must be replaceable without having to tear down the wall. A complete wall might contribute to reducing the light in the staircase. Have you thought about that?

 

[KermitW]

Do they really need to be replaced? They've been there for almost 48 years, and if we have to tear down the entire staircase, we probably have bigger problems. We've thought about the lighting, and if it gets too dark, we'll consider adding more skylights.

 

[justusandersson]

If you want it to look professional, you build a wall on the upper floor and place it on the floor. I find it hard to explain it better.

 

[KermitW]

Thank you very much! We will run it directly on the floor as you write, it's important that it looks somewhat professional as well