Crack in home staircase

Jul 22nd, 2021 1:32 pm

#1

moofur [OP]: Deal Addict; Jan 9, 2010; 2620 posts; 2385 upvotes

Jul 22nd, 2021 1:32 pm

So I recently realized that there's a crack in the staircase of my home (see image below, it's a bit hard to see). The crack runs around half the length of the step and I'm pretty concerned that this is a safety issue. Does anyone have a contact that can take a look? Thanks in advance!

Jul 22nd, 2021 2:13 pm

#2

smitty9999: Deal Addict; Dec 25, 2007; 1343 posts; 854 upvotes; GTA

Jul 22nd, 2021 2:13 pm

Where is the crack?

+4

Jul 22nd, 2021 2:21 pm

#3

Chickinvic: Deal Fanatic; Dec 27, 2009; 7835 posts; 5350 upvotes; Victoria, BC

Jul 22nd, 2021 2:21 pm

You're kidding, right? Can't even see the thing.

+2

Jul 22nd, 2021 2:41 pm

#4

moofur [OP]: Deal Addict; Jan 9, 2010; 2620 posts; 2385 upvotes

Jul 22nd, 2021 2:41 pm

It's hard to make out in the picture, but it's definitely there, and there's a slight gap as well.

It's a bit more prominent in the attached pic and I've circled it. Again it goes around half the length of the step.

Images

Jul 22nd, 2021 3:23 pm

#5

smitty9999: Deal Addict; Dec 25, 2007; 1343 posts; 854 upvotes; GTA

Jul 22nd, 2021 3:23 pm

If there is a crack there, it's barely visible. Your stairs are safe.

+3

Jul 22nd, 2021 4:11 pm

#6

Jon Lai: Deal Expert; May 30, 2005; 48262 posts; 9157 upvotes; Richmond Hill

Jul 22nd, 2021 4:11 pm

The nosing is largely a decorative piece, the handrails are screwed into the floor. It's fine.

Tons of things for sale!
Silver Coins and Numismatics | Hardwood cutting boards, dining tables, home decor, and more | Heatware

Jul 22nd, 2021 4:24 pm

#7

JEDI Force: Deal Addict; Feb 25, 2004; 1687 posts; 1248 upvotes; Longueuil

Jul 22nd, 2021 4:24 pm

Are you talking about the hardwood? I can't really see the crack but the hardwood has no structural value.

Try not! Do or do not, there is no try...

Jul 22nd, 2021 4:37 pm

#8

moofur [OP]: Deal Addict; Jan 9, 2010; 2620 posts; 2385 upvotes

Jul 22nd, 2021 4:37 pm

Thanks guys. Sorry if I'm sounding really overly dramatic but the crack like I said goes half the length of the step itself so I'm afraid that it will crack more and be a safety hazard over time if it eventually snaps. I have a 14 month old at home who is climbing the stairs which is also why I wanted to get it checked out and funny enough she was the one who found it.

Jul 22nd, 2021 5:45 pm

#9

DoorCrasher: Deal Fanatic; Nov 21, 2013; 8128 posts; 9304 upvotes; Montréal

Jul 22nd, 2021 5:45 pm

/sarcasm ON

I personally would call an engineer to have a look at this. Your 14 months old is possibly to heavy to step on this.

/sarcasm OFF

Jul 22nd, 2021 6:57 pm

#10

baymoe: Deal Addict; May 24, 2004; 2334 posts; 527 upvotes

Jul 22nd, 2021 6:57 pm

I wouldnt worry much about it. As it sits currently, there isn't much you can do aside from wedging the crack open and throw some wood glue in there. Other option is to allow it to fully separate, wood glue and clamp.

Jul 22nd, 2021 7:03 pm

#11

fkl118: Sr. Member; Apr 29, 2007; 938 posts; 642 upvotes; Richmond Hill

Jul 22nd, 2021 7:03 pm

Saw thread title. Thought it was about discovering a stash of crack cocaine in secret compartment in stairs.

Clicked. Disappointed.

Jul 22nd, 2021 7:04 pm

#12

bacalhau4me: Deal Addict; Feb 25, 2015; 1185 posts; 570 upvotes; York Region

Jul 22nd, 2021 7:04 pm

Fill the crack with dust

+1

Jul 22nd, 2021 7:05 pm

#13

jacquesstrap: Deal Addict; Nov 9, 2008; 1852 posts; 877 upvotes; Toronto

Jul 22nd, 2021 7:05 pm

I have a similar crack in one of my stair treads.

Don't worry OP, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. The tread is not going to collapse and you fall through the stairs.

Jul 22nd, 2021 7:09 pm

#14

moofur [OP]: Deal Addict; Jan 9, 2010; 2620 posts; 2385 upvotes

Jul 22nd, 2021 7:09 pm

Thanks a lot everyone, much appreciated.

Jul 23rd, 2021 9:51 am

#15

exrcoupe: Deal Addict; Apr 26, 2003; 2488 posts; 1539 upvotes; GTA

Jul 23rd, 2021 9:51 am

That looks like a natural crack in the wood, which resulted in the finish cracking. If you're REALLY paranoid about your kid cutting themselves on that crack, refinish that tread with varnish to eliminate the sharp edges, but as others have said, it's not a structural issue.