• Overview

  • In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva reveals his quick fix for cracked wooden stair treads.

    Steps:
    1. Use tapered bit to drill three holes into the edge of the cracked stair tread.
    Hold layout square on tread to ensure straight, level holes.
    2. Pull on front edge of tread to open crack.
    3. Inject carpenter's glue into the crack, then wiggle tread to work glue down into crack.
    4. Smear glue onto tapered dowels, and then tap them into the holes with a hammer.
    5. Wipe off excess glue with clean, damp cloth.
    6. File the ends of the dowels flush with the stair tread.
    • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
      requires basic carpentry skills
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    Video Directory

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      Tools List

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      • drill
        Drill/driver, used to bore dowel holes in stair tread
      • glue syringe
        Glue syringe, used to inject glue to crack
      • flat file
        Flat file, for filing dowel flush with tread

      Shopping List

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      1. Tapered wood dowels and tapered drill bit, for repairing cracked tread

      2. Carpenter's glue, used to glue together cracked tread

      3. White cotton cloth, for wiping off excess glue