One thing you want to keep up with is the repairs when you own multifamily rentals or any rental property. Because if your tenant would fall down the steps or becomes hurt due to your negligence, you could be sued. So if your tenant reports; or if you notice a loose stair tread, fixing it as soon as possible is advisable. Therefore; below are instructions on how to repair a stair tread on a wooden staircase.
First block off the stairway so no one can use it. Then pry up any moldings or trim around where the damaged stair is. Also pull up any loose nails. If the bottom of the handrails are in the stair tread, put the notches on the side of the stair tread at each baluster so it’s easier to remove the balusters. With a hammer, strike the bottom of the balusters by striking outward so the balusters are pushed to the side. Now remove any additional nails sticking out.
Next you need to pry the damaged tread up by using a pry bar. You will need to tap the bar in between the stair trend as well as the stringer and then push down on the bar so the step raises. Keep repeating until the tread becomes loose and can be removed easily by hand.
You will then need to measure the worn tread’s length, thickness and width. Next, buy the same wood species as the old tread as well as the same thickness of board when you buy a length of stair tread stock. Now if the tread has a rounded edge, buy a new one already rounded. Then lay the old tread on the new plank and trace the outline or measure and mark the needed dimensions on the new tread. For cutting the new tread, using a circular saw is best.
Make sure the new tread is smooth by using a power sander or sandpaper. Now by drilling pilot holes 3/16-inch at the end of the new tread, when nails are driven into the wood, it won’t split. To close, place the new tread where the old tread used to be and nail it to the stringers. Replace the handrails, moldings and any trim and nail into place also.
When in doubt call a professional.