The precise method for repairing cracked wooden stair treads

How to Repair a Broken Stair Tread | This Old House · 3:49 · Video: This Old House · Watch at the source

In short: When a wooden step cracks, you don't always need to replace the entire unit. General contractor Tom Silva demonstrates a professional-grade repair technique using dowels and specialized adhesives to restore structural integrity.

The repair process focuses on reinforcing the crack from the inside out. By using a tapered drill bit to bore holes into the tread, you can insert tapered wood dowels. These dowels act as internal anchors that bridge the break.

To ensure a permanent bond, carpenter's glue is injected into the crack using a syringe. After the glue sets, any protruding dowels are filed flush with the surface using a flat file, and excess glue is wiped away with white cotton cloth.

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