Circular holes in stair risers - why?

HU-346220789

3 years ago

Our house was built in the 1880's and taking up the carpets on the stairs and landings we found circular holes on every riser. Does anyone know why these holes might be there? Were they originally there for a purpose or added?

We didn't want to put carpet back down but it seems tricky to fill the holes and have them look good

Any advice welcome!

thanks

Gavin.

Comments (9)

Angie
3 years ago
Well, I can’t help, but I am intrigued!
HU-346220789 thanked Angie
Jonathan
3 years ago
Do you have an understairs cupboard that needs ventilation? It ever been a pantry?
HU-346220789 thanked Jonathan
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HU-346220789
Original Author
3 years ago
The odd thing is we have 3 floors so 2 sets of stairs. The first set is above a cupboard under the stairs so ventilation might have been necessary, but the upper flight is just above the first flight but still has the holes.
Wumi
3 years ago
Interesting! If it's not for ventilation purposes, could you chisel our a square groove around the circle and glue in a thin piece of wood OR wooden glue in a wooden dowel and trim flush.

I'd look into tips and tricks for covering old door handle holes.
tamp75
3 years ago
I like the holes & don’t think they look too bad. Not sure I would bother going to the effort of filling them. Would be a bit of a talking point if / when you have guests over!
HU-346220789 thanked tamp75
HU-346220789
Original Author
3 years ago
I think you could be right that once we've cleaned and painted the stairs, the holes might look fine. I'm still curious why someone took the effort to make the holes in the first place!
Fiona Millar
3 years ago
So I Googled it and you are not on your own! Found questions asked in 2007 and 2013. Answers offered ranged from ventilation or a hole to out a light to Borrowers or hamsters. I know which one I want to believe.
HU-346220789 thanked Fiona Millar
embzop
3 years ago
You could always make a feature of them by decorating the stairs.

Lockette's Inspiring Home · More Info
HU-346220789 thanked embzop
HU-346220789
Original Author
3 years ago
At the moment ventilation seems most likely, though why to do that on upper stairs seems odd - unless they just used the same materials. I'm doubting light holes only because I've been assuming the holes are original so unlikely in the 1880's. I think I need to ask neighbours what is in their houses, though they may be carpeted of course. Thank you for the contributions!

Circular holes in stair risers - why?

Comments (9)

Angie

Jonathan

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Circular holes in stair risers - why?

Comments (9)

Angie

Jonathan

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