Advice please regarding splitting stair string

Emanuel · May 3, 2016

Robotron said: ↑

Hi all

I've come here for advice following the removal of an old staircase and installation of a new one in our mid 30's semi.

The old staircase was in a fairly poor state, the main problem being that the string had split - a few years ago we had somebody look at it with a view to rennovating the staircase, and when they saw the damage to the string, they told us that there was nothing they could do with it - "once the string is split, it's split" and they walked away from it. No amount of screwing/tightening it since has made things any better.

So we recently took the plunge to get the whole staircase replaced at considerable expense.

The joiner/builder has done a great job however, today, less than a week after the install was finished I've noticed that the NEW string is split (ironically, in pretty much the same place that the old staircase was split)!

I checked a photo taken of the staircase while it was still being installed, and the split is clearly visible - so the builder cannot say the damage has happened in the week after it's been installed.

I've attached the photo and highlighted the split in red - it's approximately 16 inches in length and goes right through the string.

You can imagine how disheartened I am, all the plasterwork has been done and I was cleaning up the woodwork with a view to varnishing it over the bank holiday weekend when I saw the split.

My question is, what are the options now?

I'm guessing the builder's going to suggest screwing up into the string to strengthen it, but in my opinion, on a brand new staircase that is not acceptable.

Surely the split's going to get worse, and before you know it we'll be in the same position we were with the old staircase - wonky newell and creaking treads.

Am I right in thinking the *proper* solution would to rip it all out and replace it all (again)?

Any advice *very* much appreciated, thanks.
Click to expand...

Rob, You got some solid advice here and hopefully you found a solution that suits you.
I agree with DA:

Is it an issue worthy of staircase replacement? I personally think you'd really struggle to win a case on that issue - I cannot see any impartial adjudicator agreeing with you.
Click to expand...

My take on it is that the crack is going to increase (or even crack somewhere else) even if you glue it or use a plywood patch on the back, glued and screwed. And then is the problem of how it will look like. Considering that your stairs are new, you wouldn't want it to have a crack already.
What I would suggest is using a string cladding product to hide your stringer:

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Advice please regarding splitting stair string

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