Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

UKthailandExpat t1_jd1dqlv wrote

Reply to comment by unhappyoptimist_ in Replacing stair tread by unhappyoptimist_

Creaking of the stairs indicates that they have loosened over time, and that unusual stresses are being given. That is almost certainly why you had a failure. Fix them so they don’t create and they will be OK for another century

1

unhappyoptimist_ OP t1_jd30dfg wrote

Do I just renail the treads into the stringers to fix the creaking?

1

UKthailandExpat t1_jd6gmuv wrote

That is a difficult question to answer. The first thing is to throughly inspect the places where the wood is moving.

It looks as if you may have access to the underside of the stairs, if you do then you will be able to tap the wedges in as they are probably why you have movement. The stairs are cheaply finished as shown by the bandsaw marks still showing on all the treads and risers. While not proof that the original makers skipped steps in production, it certainly makes it a significant possibility. This can be both good and not so great, the good point is that tightening the treads up may be easy, the not great point is that they may have used nails to avoid the time to make and fit the staircase properly.

TLDR just renailing will work for a short time it is a bodge specially if you don’t use cut nails.

1