Repairing a staircase

[OlgaK]

Hi Bunnings Workshop team,

I have an outdoor staircase with two sections. The upper section is in better condition, but the lower one is more damaged.

I need to fix and refresh the stairs and a few steps. What would be the best and most budget friendly way to do this?

Replacing the steps fully isn’t an option, as it would mean taking the whole staircase apart, which I can’t do.

Some steps have cracks and gaps up to about 1 cm.

Thanks in advance for any tips.

the entire staircasethe upper sectionthe lower sectionhow the steps are attachedcracks all the way through the stepcracks all the way through the step

[MitchellMc]

Hi @OlgaK,

Looking at what you have, the upper section of the staircase does appear to still have some usable life left in it. Those steps could be sanded back to remove the existing paint and surface deterioration, then recoated with a good-quality exterior paint such as Cabot's Timbercolour. That will help seal the timber, protect it from moisture, and freshen up the overall look, which should buy you some extra time on that section.

Unfortunately, the lower steps are a different story. The cracking, gaps up to around 10 mm, and visible decay indicate that those treads are no longer structurally sound. At that point, patching or filling is not safe or effective, especially on an outdoor staircase that is regularly exposed to weather. The last couple of photos are particularly concerning, as those steps are a genuine safety hazard. If a tread were to fail under load, there is a real risk of someone falling through and being injured.

Once timber stairs reach that level of decay, replacement is the only safe option. The good news is that this does not usually mean dismantling the entire staircase. Provided the side stringers are still in reasonable condition, individual stair treads can normally be removed by undoing the fixings through the stringers and tapping the treads out the rear. New treads can then be slid back into place and fixed off. I have replaced a full run of stair treads in a similar situation in a single day, so it is very achievable either as a DIY job or by engaging a professional.

I know replacement is not what you were hoping to hear, but safety really does need to come first here. Those lower steps, particularly the top one or two in that section, look close to failing. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell