New stairs to the basement: They need to be steeper than the old ones.

[seamlyne]

The stairwell to the basement was an afterthought when the house was "renovated" in 1962. Going down the stairs you have to duck under the edge of the first floor. It's been this way for decades.

So I don't have to duck, or at least reduce the amount of ducking, I'd like to make the stairs a little steeper: do I make the risers taller or the steps narrower?

[TinyTool]

Hi seamlyne, to make your basement stairs steeper and reduce how much you have to duck, you should primarily focus on making the risers (the vertical parts of the steps) taller. Taller risers will make the stairs steeper. You can also make the treads (the horizontal parts) a bit narrower, but be careful not to make them too narrow or uncomfortable. Just remember to check local building codes to make sure your changes are safe and up to standard. And if you're unsure, it's a good idea to consult a professional to get it done right!