Broken or loose stairs are not only unsightly, but they can also be incredibly dangerous. Repairing stairs doesn’t have to be difficult and unless they need a total replacement, you should be able to take care of it with just some basic tools.
To get started, you’ll need to have some nails, screws, a ladder, a hammer, screwdrivers, and a level. It is vital to make sure that your repairs are sound and a level is a very essential tool for this.
For a creaky stair or one that is a little lose, you’ll need to head into the well of the stairway. From there, you will be able to pinpoint the exact problem. Grab your ladder and locate the stair that is causing the problem. There should be a bracket with some screws under each step. Try tightening these screws to see if that doesn’t fix the problem. While you’re there, it’s also a good idea to go through all of the brackets to make sure that they are secure.
Nine times out of ten, this will fix your stair problem and it takes only a few minutes to complete. But what if there is a more serious problem at work? In this situation, the wood of the stair may actually be degraded. If you have carpeting, you’ll need to pull it up to take care of this issue. It’s best to start at the bottom and take up the carpet over each step. It’s a little labor intensive, but your only other option is to cut out the area of carpet over the problem step and this only leads to further repair issues.
Once you have the carpet removed and the backing, you’ll be able to see what you are working with. Remember that your safety needs to come first. Avoid walking on any steps that are structurally damaged. Locate the area of wood that needs to be replaced. Most modern steps will be made with a flat board that is secured on top of the sides. You may need to go back into the well to remove the bracket, of if the wood is just nailed on top of the side boards, you can simply remove it.
Now, you’ll need to replace that board. It’s best to do a complete replacement of a bad step, instead of just placing a shim in there. Once you have the wood completely out, measure it and cut a brand new step. You’ll need to make sure that your measurements are exact and that the wood you are using will hold up to daily traffic. Never skimp on quality when you are dealing with steps.
Go back and replace the new board, making sure that it is completely secure and attached. Now, you’ll need to replace the carpet again, but your reward will be a staircase that is no longer dangerous, noisy or falling down. If you have a serious issue with your stairs, it may be best to call a professional, especially if the entire structure is starting to show signs of wood rot or complete disintegration.
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Originally posted 2008-09-17 05:04:28. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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2 comments ↓
Good article, stair repair is one thing NOT to put off doing until later!
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