Asked on Mar 8, 2019
How do I fix a broken step?
One of the steps of our carpeted basement staircase broke. I don’t know where to begin to even try to fix or replace. Any suggestions?
It would help if you could provide a photo so we can see what you're working with! :-)
Shiloh, I can't really picture how it might have broken. Some pics might help, but regardless you will need to pull back the carpet to get started and to assess it. Carpet is held in place by tack strips along the edges. You can gently pull this up off the tacks to see what's happening underneath.
I'd use a mason -- brick layer/concrete mason ... check with a local 'home improvement center' they usually have a list of persons in various trades.
Hi Shiloh!
Here you go! I have listed some videos and information on this for you. Good luck.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=How+do+I+fix+a+broken+step%3f&qpvt=How+do+I+fix+a+broken+step%3f&FORM=VDRE
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=How+do+I+fix+a+broken+step%3f&docid=608049088703234124&mid=D7660943F4C50B32DE84D7660943F4C50B32DE84&view=detail&FORM=VIREHT
https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-fix-broken-stairs
Hi Shiloh,
Here's an article that should help you. I do think you'll need to replace the carpet or do something different with the stairs. You can try cutting the carpet off then gluing it on later but that will make it very hard to remove in the future. Wishing you the best.
https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/skills-and-know-how/carpentry-and-woodworking/how-to-replace-staircase-treads
All-Thanks so much for all of the quick replies and suggestions.
I have attached a couple pictures that show the actual step and staircase.
Please let me know if you have any other suggestions or ideas based on the pictures.
Thanks
Thanks for the photos, Shiloh. There's no way that failure can happen unless the stairs were built incorrectly. Can you contact the builder? This is not a DIY repair. If the one tread was built improperly, it's possible there will be additional failures in the future. I would recommend getting a couple of opinions from various contractors.
Laura- Thanks for your feedback. I was afraid that would be the case. The house was built in 1972 and we bought it “as is” bc it was a short sale. The homeowners before us were DIY’ers and there have been a lot of things that we have had to “correct “. I’m guessing that you are right and they were originally built wrong. Thanks for your time and suggestions.
Have a nice weekend.