DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi folks,
I've been asking builders etc about this and can't get an answer. I have a landing in a 1950's semi with three silly little trimmers sitting on a brick wall. The wall is now removed as I will put a normal bannister rail there instead so the trimmers are held up for now with an acrow.
I intend to replace them with 4x2's and hang the "loose" ends from an internal wooden beam which is sufficient for the load. My problem is the uppermost surface of the 4x2's will be 2" below the lower surface of the support beam. A long leg hanger will reach absolutely fine but there will be no lateral stability, other than provided by screwing the new landing to the joists, and the hangers themselves. The other end of the 4x2's will be in brick pockets, as normal. Is this ok?

Hi snafu,
4x2 trimmers for a full stairwell would seem to be under size. However you could take the new 4x2s beyond the support beam and use some short pieces of 3x3 to link the two together. Suggest you use timber connectors and coach bolts to tie the new and old beams together.
Regards S

Thanks Stoneboy,
I am only talking about the landing area at the top of a standard flight of stairs. Less than 1sq.m.
Ceiling visibility is a consideration here as well. If a go past the support beam and bolt into "noggins" then it will look ugly. I'd rather find a way of supporting them as per the attached but understand there is a 2" gap between the top of the 4x2's and the bottom of the beam.

Hi snafu,
Suggest you add a 2” piece of timber to the bottom of the support beam so you get structural rigidity. Joist hangers are pretty flimsy especially laterally.
Regards S

Hi Stoneboy,
That could work, I'll have a play with it. Thanks for the suggestion.