H how do I reattach riser to thread ? ow do I?

I just took the carpeting all of my steps leading to the den and this is what I found have attached photos. It seems that does thread has separated from the Riser. There is no way to get behind the steps since this room was added on there's only foundation that is behind the steps. Can someone please tell me how I can fix this.

This is the top step weather riser have separated from the step itself. I have no idea how to pull them back together since I do not have access to get behind the steps.

  16 answers
  • Cake Camp Cake Camp on Nov 14, 2020

    More of a comment,love what u did,don't understand y more people don't play with color!! It's easy to undo or re-do if u aren't happy w it!!! Love your color change going up!!

  • Nate Nate on Nov 14, 2020

    Three ideas

    1) are you going to carpet over it? If so, cut a hole in the middle, shove a hammer through the hole and pound it back. Like a slide hammer.

    2) install two long screws in the riser, leaving them sticking out an inch or so and use those to pull on with a hammers claw

    3) install a small piece of quarter round at the junction, installing nails down into the step below and using screws horizontally into the riser to "pull" the riser back in place. Then stain the trim to match the rest of the steps.


    My amateur opinions.

    Nate

    • Stephanie Parise Neogra Stephanie Parise Neogra on Nov 14, 2020

      No I wasn't planning on putting carpet back on steps I was thinking about putting laminate tile on them to match the floor that I'm putting down in the den.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Nov 14, 2020

    What you need to do is measure and cut a piece of molding to fit in there, this is not an uncommon situation in houses. Take a look here for step by step instructions & best to you:


    https://homeguides.sfgate.com/hide-gaps-staircase-63438.html

  • William William on Nov 14, 2020

    The way I would handle it. Use a 2X2 board the width of the stair thread. Drill four 3/8" holes in the board. Then screw the board about 1" from the riser in the stair thread with the four holes facing the riser. Then take four 1/4" lag bolts and washers and feed them through the board and screw them into the riser a little. Slather wood glue on the riser where the nails are and meets with the thread. Start screwing the lag bolts so they pull the riser towards the thread. Once the riser is tight against the thread leave it for a day or two for the glue to dry.

  • Deb K Deb K on Nov 14, 2020

    Hello, you could put some molding or a piece of wood along that section, put it all the way across, then if you are painting the stairs, it won't show the big gap that developed there. Hope these links help you out

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4ixXEoCMRw


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V1X2p4V_Fs



  • William William on Nov 14, 2020

    Problem with using molding you would need to put the same molding on every stair. Another thing to consider is the molding or filler may or may not cover the gap and/or the gap can get bigger over time since there is nothing holding the riser in place.

  • See if you can remove that tread. Once it is up, you can see underneath the stairs and figure out the best way to reattach it so it's structurally sound.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Nov 15, 2020

    Hello Stephanie,

    I would remove the bit of riser that is left and replace it with a new piece to fit using Wood glue. It doesn't look as if it is structural (eg: not taking weight). Decorate as usual. Best wishes.

  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Nov 15, 2020

    I think you need to cover these with new risers and treads and cover this old wood. This wood was meant to always be covered with carpet so it’s very low grade. Here’s how we did it - it’s actually not too expensive! https://www.frugalfamilytimes.com/2020/02/stair-makeover-how-to-install-wood-treads-over-plywood-steps.html

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Nov 15, 2020

    It's difficult to see but it appears that you need to replace the wood where it has pulled away if you are covering with laminate. The only other thing I can think of is to tie them together with "L" shaped ties then add new wood on top of them.


    It's a good thing you pulled up the old flooring and found this issue. You could have some serious safety issues if this has gone undetected.

  • Em Em on Nov 15, 2020

    I think Nate has by far the best ideas/solutions. I would however advise against putting tile on the steps. It is much too slippery a surface to walk on. You are looking for an accident waiting to happen. I had gaps in mine and added molding to each step. It looks great.

  • Stephanie Parise Neogra Stephanie Parise Neogra on Nov 15, 2020

    I think it actually might be the thread that pulls away from the riser if that's the case would I fix it the same way?

  • Abdul Kadir Abdul Kadir on Nov 16, 2020

    Drill two/three small holes diagonally at a low angle from the tread into the riser, then screw the two together

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Nov 17, 2020

    You can probably just add a thin (1/8") piece of plywood over the damaged riser. You probably need to paint everything (or re-carpet) any way. Just ensure the tread is supported in the middle. Stairs need support in middle and on each side.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Nov 18, 2020

    Hi! I recently read an article where the stairs were refaced. They took a sheet of plywood and cut all the risers out of it and then painted them before attaching them with construction glue and nails. Good luck!

  • Jeremy Hoffpauir Jeremy Hoffpauir on Nov 20, 2020

    Use some wood glue or liquid nail and nail it in place.