Repair cracked stair tread...

[willshak]

I had a brain fart and couldn't remember the word for the "side'. Stringer it is.

[hrhofmann]

If you can access the stringers, sistering a 1x or 2x to the stringer to support the board under the tread is a good idea.

[hallerb]

Gutting a friends home after a fire, I pulled down the cieling over the steps, figuring the cavatity could be insulated. The attic above wasnt a heated space so insulation would be a plus:)

Geez was I surprised such a small cavity. Little room for insulation:(

If OP finds this consider installing a steel suuport of some type since it will take up very little space

I have fond memories of that job, found hacked wiring, bad leaky plumbing, rotted joists and a long list of wierd. Added to my tool collection:) with tools that must of been dropped into wall cavaties over the years..... including a ratchet wrench

the wierdest was two lengths of romex tied in a knot:( running from basement to attic. they went deluxe and went all out with wire nuts:(

The property owner finally admitted defeat and had house completely rewired. Its amazing bad wiring hadnt burned it to the ground:(

cat had knocked over light causing fire....

[HeyBub]

Here's a though:

Rip out all the plaster and so forth. Fix the stairs. Then box the whole thing in and install a 5/8ths bath.

Can't fit it in?

Heh!

Did you know you can get lavatories from scrapped commercial airliners? They'll fit almost anywhere. I think the little sign that says "Occupied" is cute, along with the interior "Fasten seat belt" annunciator.

[amdx]

Darn, I was hoping it would be the garage :-) Mike

[blueman]

Luckily we already have a first floor 1/2 bath that is quite spacious. So my future plans for under the stairs is more likely to be some type of closet or other storage or perhaps a small desk. Still, I am a little hesitant to box it in for anything since it might make the narrow hall parallel to the stairs seem more constricting. Probably, will consult an architect on that one...

Thanks for the idea nevertheless...

Somehow I'm not sure ulttra-modern airline lavatory style will fit our Italianate Mansard home but would definitely be a "conversation piece"

[blueman]

Excuse my obtuseness, but I'm having trouble visualizing this...

Good idea.

I agree that the tread may very well not extend under the baseboard. But I'm more worried about the other end where the balustrades very definitely are secured to the tread and I really hesitate to dissassemble the entire bannister/balustrade system for fear that I wouldn't be able to get it back together as secure as it is now along with the risk of breaking/splitting old balustrades...

[Jim Elbrecht]

-snip-

I think the West system epoxy will fill it with a darker color- but not look that bad. I wouldn't even try to bring them back together- you're likely to just end up with 2 pieces if you do.

My guess on what caused the crack-- That piece that cracked is heartwood- with sapwood on either side. It is the piece that expands and contracts the most. The nails in the stringer held the front and back in place & the wood shrunk, opening the crack.

The stairs look just like mine in my 100 yr old house. *If* they are. . . There are two 5/4 stringers- one on each side of the stairs. They are nailed to the face of a 5/4x10 that serves as a baseboard/trim.

Jim

[Phisherman]

You will need to decide the best method. Either one will require some finishing perhaps tedious work. Fit and glue 2x4s to the underside of the treads and screw in two short 2x4 pieces to the sides to keep the long 2x4s tightly against the bottom of the tread. Instead of the

2x4s you can use 3/4" stock, whichever is cheaper. Use carpenter's glue and allow the glue to dry for day or two before putting any stress on it. A 60-watt light bulb will help the cure rate. The gluing surfaces should be unfinished wood.