Fixing Timber Stairs

by

Tauqeer Hassan

Wood sustains little damage over time. Same is the case with timber stairs. Frequent use of the stairs and other elements over time cause some damage to the timber stairs. The most common damages done to the timber stairs are: squeaking steps, damage treads or nosing, and cracked, damage or loose handrails and supporting.

1-The damage done to treads is mostly due to lack of cover. The most damage is done to the nosing of the stair. You can simply remove the damaged timber and place the new timber to fix the problem. What you need to do is to cut the 50mm wide section of the damaged part. Use jigsaw to cut a new timber section of same size and screw it or glue it to the damaged section.

2-Squeaking steps can be due to many reasons. You have to figure this out. Sometimes it is caused due to the loose wedges or a defective joint between tread and bottom of the riser. Loose glue blocks can also be responsible for squeaking steps. Squeaking is sometimes common in the steps which are wide enough and no proper central support. To find out the cause of squeaking step, you need to inspect the underneath of the staircase.

-The first thing you need to do is to check the glue blocks. They should be positioned properly between the tread and the riser. If you find any block missing or loose, replace it with new block. Remember at least two blocks are required under each tread.

-The next step is to check all the wedges. Wedges become shriveled over time, so make sure that all the wedges are well held at their respective positions. Any loose or worn wedge should be replaced with new piece.

-If it is not possible to access the bottom of the staircase, there is another way to fix the problem. What you need to do is to drive screw down through the tread into the top of the riser. Do not forget to countersink the heads of screw properly.

-If you see the joint between the tread and the riser has loosened up, you can simply drive screw from bottom side of the tread into the riser. You need three screws at equal distance to secure the joint.

3-The 3rd thing which you have to check is the damaged or loose handrails and balusters. They are extremely dangerous for your timber stairs. You need to take quick remedial actions to prevent severe damage.

-If there are small gaps and opening in handrails, just simply insert some glue into that gap or crack and use clamps to put both the parts together. But if the cracks or openings are large, use dowel of equal length. If the damage is irreparable and wants replacement, take a new handrail of same length and join it with the existing handrail with the help of screws, dowels or handrail bolts.

-The damaged balusters should need immediate treatment. It is hard to get the decorative replacement for your balusters, so the best option is to repair it in one way or another. The simple way is to take the new timber and join it with the existing baluster with glue.

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Article Source:

ArticleRich.com