How to Repair Basement Stairs

Basement stairs are not used as much as regular stairs, but they still need to be kept in good shape. Broken basement stairs can be very dangerous for you and visitors to your home. You can make most basement stair repairs with simple tools you probably already have, like a hammer, saw and level.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Crowbar
• Hammer
• Level
• Saw
• Nails
• Nail puller

1. Remove the old stair tread by inserting the blade of a crowbar under the tread and above the riser below. Tap the crowbar blade into the gap between the two using a hammer. Then push down on the crowbar blade until the tread begins to pry up from the stair joists. Pry up around the nails of the tread until you can remove the broken basement stair.

2. Insert the crowbar blade between the riser board and the stair joist and pry off the riser in the same fashion. When removed, make sure any leftover nails or screws are also removed by using a nail puller.

3. Measure the tread and riser length and width using a tape measure. Then cut two boards to match these measurements. The tread should be cut from 1 1/2-inch pine board and the riser from 1/2-inch plywood.

4. Place the tread board on the stair joists so it is flush with the wall or even on both sides of the outer joist boards (if the stairs are not against a wall). Drive two 3-inch nails through the tread board and into each joist section with a hammer.

5. Line the riser board up under the tread board and make sure it is even on both sides. Secure it to the stair joists by driving two 2-inch nails through the riser and into each stair joist. Then test the tread to make sure it is stable and securely in place.

References

• Replacing stairs
• Rebuilding basement stairs

Resources

• Structural repairs