Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Currently have a set of stairs that rest on another deck/ landing. Tips for Building Deck Stairs on Uneven Ground, Wood Floor Stairs: Designing the First and Last Treads, 7 Signs It's Time to Fix Your Boat Stringers. In this video I'm showing you how to fix loose handrails / banisters on a staircase. Sand the putty with a 200-grit sandpaper and then paint it to match the stairs to disguise the repair. Deck stairs carry more traffic than any other part of the deck so they are often the first to feel the strain. 2. Apply wood glue along the gaps and edges of the stairs and where the stringers meet for additional support. Attach the nuts and washers on both external sides of the stringers. For example, a stair tread might have been too thin. Deck railing causes stairs to wobble badly 04-14-2014, 06:42 AM. Carefully tighten so that the riser and tread fit tightly into the housing. At the top of the deck everything is solid as a rock, but when I wiggle the railings, the whole stairway rocks and torques. Paul is a State of Michigan Licensed Builder. Details: 3 - 16' stringer (up to 9' deck) cut at 7.5 rise over 10" run. It's a quick and easy way to firm up the railing. Countersink one 3/8-inch carriage bolt into each block of wood. Two bolts4. If the step bounces, rattles or moves, locate loose nails and drive them down with the hammer. Since the newel post is very important to the safety of the stairs, if one bolt doesn't fix the loose newel post you may need to install a second bolt. Scoop up 1 tbsp. suggestions. You may freely link Screw and glue a wooden block to the stringer, underneath either side of the tread for additional reinforcement. Replace loose screws with new ones using a powered drill. Farewell Mark C! If you can get at the stairs from underneath, you can use wedges, brackets, or wood blocks to secure the treads to the risers. This will allow you to run the threaded rods through both ends. Now that you have replaced one broken part you should examine the rest of the deck stairs to make sure that there are no other treads or stringers looking in danger of breaking. Loose Ledger. (Wear eye protection to keep sawdust and other debris from getting into your eyes.) Wood screws and Wood glue6. Two pieces of block wood 5. Run the first row down the middle of the span, check the deck for bounce, then add rows to further reduce it. Replacing these is just as simple, though. Install the blocking in rows along a chalk line snapped at a right angle to the joists. Tap on the steps with a hammer. View our Privacy Policy here. For tread-sized runners, remove only individual runners necessary to obtain access to the squeaky nail. home improvement and repair website. Step 1. Over time the stringer(s) can pull away from the treads and risers. We welcome your comments and All information is provided "AS IS." His kindness and knowledge is surely missed. Go up and down the stairs a few times making sure there is no unusual play in the deck and stair structure. For example, a stair tread might have been too thin. Repair a loose or wobbly spindle with simple tools. Go ahead and walk along the stairs and hammer down any areas that may be loose. For continuous runners, remove the entire runner. The easiest way to correct this problem is by installing a support beam and posts under the joists to cut the span in half. I just replaced my deck stringers, stairs, side rails, balusters, and handrails. Press the plunger of the syringe down to eject a few drops of glue into the gap. If they have become loose, this can be remedied with new deck screws, or by attaching metal brackets to add more strength. Scrape off the excess putty from the top until it is flush with the post and then wait until it dries. Before making a replacement part you should check the broken part in case the design caused the break. Before making a replacement part you should check the broken part in case the design caused the break. Depending on the severity of the gap, you may have to install more than one rod above or below, as needed. The screw replacement is a fix-once repair. Replace the damaged stringer by using the new one to support the steps as the broken stringer is removed. If your deck gets a case of the shakes when you walk across it, there’s probably no reason for concern. How to repair and replace your porch/deck steps and make them like new again. Paul serves as President and founding member of Nationally franchised HandyPro Handyman Service, servicing Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland Counties. How to Repair a Loose Newel Post | This Old House - YouTube Use treated lumber blocking that’s the same size as the joists (usually 2×8 or 2×10). Is there a kit available or something I can do to repair the problem?-Marian S. Ann Arbor. This process can be unsafe if not done correctly, so be sure to call a professional if you feel uncertain. Attach the nuts and washers on both external sides of the stringers. Two connections per deck are all that’s needed. I’d also like to dedicate this article to our former manager who taught me this procedure, as he has since passed. By measuring the gap and using the broken part as a template, make a replacement part exactly the same size. By asking your question, I am confident that you have helped other readers solve a common problem with imminent dangers. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Using a wrench, turn the turnbuckle to bring the stringers together until they are straight and re-supported. A loose nail will work its way back out again in no time. This is my first project regarding the usage of concrete. The stringer can be measured accurately enough, however, to enable the cutting out of a new one. Because the stringer supports all the stairs it is not so easy to remove it while the new one is made. How to remove loose paving slabs yourself: Carefully chip away at the mortar around the paving slab with the plugging chisel and rubber mallet until the slab comes completely loose. Typical stairs are made up of treads, risers and stringers (as seen in photo). Add a bead of sealant to … New steps and risers should be protected with a coat of sealant and a coat of varnish. QUIKRETE has a product called bonding adhesive that’s specifically designed to repair loose steps and things like that. Drill a hole in the stringers about three inches from the tread and in the center of the stringer underneath the stairs, as seen in photo. Start by identifying any loose steps. Frequent maintenance will help catch a problem when it is still an easy fix. When a deck is attached directly to the house, it’s supported by a long, horizontal, … The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of MLive Media Group, You are viewing this article in the AnnArbor.com archives. Over time, decks develop stains and discoloration for several reasons. A drill with a 7/16-inch drill bit7. You should be checking the condition of your stairs every year. Here’s what you’ll need:1. Then, slide the spade into the gap left by the mortar and prise the paver free of the patio. Use a 1:1 ratio for sizing the beam and spacing the posts; for example, a 10-foot span would need two 2x10s. If your deck railing is loose or wobbly, it is probably the result of a weak rail post connection to the deck frame. Look at the damage and see what can be done. Although it is the treads that usually break first it is possible for the stringers to break. The way you fix creaking stairs really depends on whether you're able to repair them from below or above. Still, in some cases, the deck movement puts extra stress on the fasteners and connectors. Be sure one rod is reverse threaded.). After looking underneath, it appears the boards on either side of the stairs are pulling away from the stairs itself. Copyright© Listen to Paul every Saturday at 11 a.m. on “It’s Your Home, Let’s Talk About It” WAAM Talk 1600AM. How to Repair Your Wooden Stair Stringer... How to Repair Your Wooden Stair Stringers. Fix Stains or Discoloration. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Be sure not to drive the screws through the tread’s surface. Apply sealant to all the surfaces first and wait for it to dry. The newel post is the anchor of the handrail on a staircase. For extra wide stairs use the same process, except connect the two rods together with a turnbuckle, see photo. Start down by the kickboard (the 2x4 that anchors the bottom part of the stairs). No reason for that. One 3/8-inch threaded rod (two can be used for extra wide stairs and will be joined by a turnbuckle. 1. Determine the original (or appropriate) width of the stairs, and calculate the length of the threaded rod and bolts, leaving enough room to tighten the threads into the coupling. Loose Deck Stairs Repair Cost. The stringer has an inside slot which the riser and tread fit tightly into called a "housing". TOM: No. After running the bolt or rod from the inside out through the ledger, position the deck-joist hardware and screw it in place. I am replacing the railing on my deck and the posts, as most were installed... http://goo.gl/images/6vHBuQ Hi there Notice the carriage bolts and metal that is attached around the bottom of the joist to the stairs. Remove a damaged rail and replace it with a new one copied from the damaged rail. Carefully tighten so that the riser and tread fit tightly into the housing. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. of wood putty using a putty knife and press it into the top of the screw hole. 2 - 1-inch washers3. Website operating For the latest breaking news and updates in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area, see. A pair of adjustable wrenches. Even the rails are very easy to repair. And I’ve got to tell you that using a glue adhesive like that is probably not the best material. In older decks, check for missing or loose nuts on the galvanized bolts holding the post to … Stiffen a wobbly deck with a diagonal brace run from corner to corner. Move the syringe to the opposite side of the base of the spindle and repeat the procedure. You also have a lot of stairs, if safety is a concern you might want to consider enclosing the stairs by sistering the cut stair joist with an uncut joist to box it in and add rigidity. Insert the rod through the block into the countersunk bolt, then attach the block to the wall-side stringer using polyurethane glue and screws. deck screws at both ends. Toe-screw blocking to the rim of the deck with three 3-in. Hello all, The lateral connection joins a deck joist to a joist inside the house. The image below illustrates how to attach the stairs to ensure they are structurally sound to the deck. One reason for a wobbly deck may be that the floor joists are spanning too great a distance. Deck stairs are likely to see more traffic on a daily basis than any other portion of your deck, and they can become somewhat twisted, warped, or bowed from weathering or become loose after a few years. Drive two nails per joist. A second person maybe needed to help with this process. One of the first HandyPro managers was a highly skilled master carpenter, and he taught me a relatively simple repair trick that we continue to use today to help others in the same situation. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". A better solution to pounding down a loose nail would be to pull it out and replace it with a deck screw. Check your railing for … Some of the steps on stringer are damaged - Repair/Replace. I was walking down my stairs to the basement and noticed my stair had some movement. Inspect each deck board attachment at the joists by putting your weight on one foot, and lifting it to determine whether a board is loose. Stiffen a wobbly deck railing by adding blocks along the rim joist. I had to replace the stair treads on my deck stairs. Once the sealant is dry you can apply the varnish and return some of the light airy atmosphere. Apply wood glue along the gaps and edges of the stairs and where the stringers meet for additional support. Rub down the surfaces and remove as much of the old varnish as possible. Remove the Runners and Obstructions If you have a runner on the stairs, remove it. The danger is that the loose parts can affect the integrity of the entire stair-case. The good news is you don’t have to be a master carpenter to repair this issue. Removing and Painting Over Rust Scuff off minor rust spots with steel wool. The stringer has an inside slot which the riser and tread fit tightly into called a "housing". It's worth checking if you need to take some plaster off before getting at them from underneath. If the varnish on the old stairs is looking a bit tired, this is probably a good time to start on the spring cleaning. Screws or nails are not generally acceptable. Repairing deck stairs is not especially difficult because you will have the old, broken part to use as a template and the new part will fit. Since the newel post is very important to the safety of the stairs, if one bolt doesn't fix the loose newel post you may need to install a second bolt. Posts should be connected to the deck framing with lag screws or bolts at a minimum. If you do, it might well be quicker and easier to do the job from above. EZTV is the funny "How To" channel that combines humour and entertainment with information. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent … Glue and screw wood blocks under the tread and against the riser. I believe the writer meant to say, "be sure one *end* of the rod is reverse-threaded." Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy, © 2013 MLive Media Group All rights reserved (About Us). I have stairs shown in the picture ... http://www.doityourself.com/forum/webkit-fake-url://7ca04fdc-be7c-4082-994b... How to hide the new concrete stair repair patch? Email questions or comments to kpaul@handypro.com. Fit the new part into place and check that the deck stairs are fully serviceable. If there has been enough traffic to affect the stairs it would be just as well to check the rails that are attached to the stairs in case they have also been weakened. All rights reserved. What we need to do is to pull the stringers inward and re-secure all parts. Step 1 Investigate possible causes of wobbly deck railing posts, recommends the Simpson Strong-Tie Company in "The 5 Warning Signs of an Unsafe Deck" (see References, below). Position the tip of the syringe over the gap between the lower end of the loose spindle and the hole on the stair tread it rests in. www.handypro.com.
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