Do my stairs need to be replaced?

[all-thumbs]

Hi, another newbie question. Our outdoor backyard stairs seem to be splintering. You can fee them sink when you step on them. No cover over them so always exposed to the wind & rain. Is there anything I can do fix the stairs or do they need to be replaced completely? 

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @all-thumbs,

It's brilliant to see you showing interest in improving and maintaining your new home. Any questions you have are welcome here.

Your indication that they seem to sink when stood on makes me think there may be some issues with either the treads themself or with their connection to the stringers. 
 

The treads don't look fantastic, but they might be in ok condition. If you take a flathead screwdriver and poke it into the crack in the step treads, does the timber appear soft? Or is it still fairly solid?

If it is soft, then the treads may have begun to rot internally which would mean you need to at least replace the treads. If they are fairly solid, the problem is more likely to be with the connection to the stringers.

Is it possible to get some photos of the underside of the stairs, particularly where the treads connect to the stringers? I have circled where I mean below.



If there is rot where the treads connect to the stringers, depending on the severity, you will likely need to replace the stringers or add additional support to the underside of the treads. 
 

If you can upload some photos of the underside of the stairs, I'd be happy to advise further.
 

Jacob

[all-thumbs]

Hi Jacob,

Thanks again. If I poke the crack, the timber is fairly solid. Have taken some photos from the bottom for your reference.

 

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @all-thumbs,

Thanks for the additional photos.

The stringers look to be in good condition, so if the treads are not rotting, the sinking you are feeling may be the treads flexing while under load.

 
If you wanted some peace of mind, you could always replace the treads with new ones. Something like these 240 x 42mm 0.9m Merbau Domestic Use Stair Tread might be suitable depending on the thickness of the cutouts and the spacing of the stringers.

It's hard to say whether you definitely need to replace anything without being able to feel what you are describing.

Unfortunately, I can't say yes or no in this situation. You may have to get a carpenter in for their assessment.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob
 

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @all-thumbs 

I was thinkng about your flex issue. You could screw another piece of timber across between the rails to the stair tread (maybe 50mm shorter all up) from underneath.

Effectivly it will give the tread a backbone and should stop that flexing feeling. (Yeah I can hear that song in my head now)

Try one step to start with and see how it feels?

Dave

[all-thumbs]

Thank you Dave. I’ll give that idea a try. 1 step at a time

Thanks Jacob as well for your feedback. I’ll give Dave’s idea a try else will call a carpenter.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @all-thumbs,

There should be no flex in a tread of that calibre over such a short span. I have significant concerns about their structural integrity, and I recommend you have them assessed by a professional. As these stairs are at height, there's not a whole heap of room to assume they might be okay. Just from your description and the look of them, I suggest you should replace them. If they were to fail, it could cause significant injury. At the very least, have them assessed by a professional.

Mitchell

[all-thumbs]

Thanks everyone. We will be replacing the treads. We notice that they seem to be nailed in from the side. What is the best way to remove these old ones? Thank you.

 

[Noyade]

Cutting them out with a handsaw.

Then prying out the end sections - carefully, to not upset/fracture the trench edges.

Cut and punch out the nails.

Do you know @all-thumbs how they're attached the treads on the brick side?

Was this section built - then placed against the wall?

Cheers.

[JacobZ]

Hi @all-thumbs,

@Noyade's advice is spot on. I'd suggest following his instructions.

You can use a handsaw to cut out the treads and then punch the nails out with a hammer and nail punch.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob