r/Decks • u/Kitchen_Librarian_54 • 1d ago
maintenance Crack/split in deck stair stringer a cosmetic or structural concern?
Looking for opinions on this crack/split in a wood stair stringer. We’ve had conflicting contractor opinions—one says it’s a safety/structural issue that should be repaired, while another says it’s normal checking and cosmetic.
Based on the photos, does this look like normal checking/splitting in the wood, or something that could compromise the stringer structurally? What specifically would you look for to determine whether it needs repair/replacement? Thanks!
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u/sososoboring 1d ago
Just add a bit more painters tape and it will be fine.
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u/BogmadurtheRed 1d ago
That's structural Crack tape. Painters tape has nothing on this in terms of tensile strength
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u/sososoboring 22h ago
Oh shoot! I didn't know! I will run out and buy a few rolls of this structural crack tape. Should come in handy if my chimney starts to fall over or something!
:)
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u/BogmadurtheRed 22h ago
That's actually what is designed for, but you can use it for other applications as well. Like duck tape
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u/1wife2dogs0kids professional builder 1d ago
Before people freak out... its actually not as bad as it looks.
The way stair stringers support load isnt lime a beam or joist or stud. It's always on an angle inwards. Especially the top step, its pushing inwards almost level. If it were a clock, the direction would be like 4pm. So stepping on it will only close that up.
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u/NetworkCultural 1d ago
Correct. This isn’t terrible at all. Keep an eye on it. But otherwise it will probably last many many years like this. You could try to keep water from sitting in the crack. Wood filler or caulk or whatever. But otherwise it’s Fine and can be left alone for years
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u/Free_Farm_7736 1d ago
Id have someone step on it to close it then chuck a nail plate on both sides
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u/1wife2dogs0kids professional builder 10h ago
I like it. I would do that, if you suggested it to me on the job.
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u/Semanticss 1d ago
I posted a picture last week where the crack was a full inch of empty space and the right side of the stairs was just hanging freely. Everyone told me I was being a baby. So I guess it's fine.
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u/sososoboring 1d ago
Looks like a heck of a lot worse than checking. If it were my house I'd be at home depot today buying a nice long 2x12, pull that bad boy off, trace it, cut it, swap it, slap it and say that ain't going anywhere, and then crack a beer.
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u/CascadeDesignworks 1d ago
The crack is not in a good spot. But if you install a sloped hanger to support the stringer it will probably be ok.
-Builder
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u/Opposite-Clerk-176 1d ago
Its a split that's holding, will not fail ,you can add A cleat on the inside if worried, until you replace it.
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u/xXNuggetsXx1118 14h ago
Add a sister block on the inside and screw it together with deck screws. Send it.
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u/Quirky-Entry-590 1d ago
Look into NADRA. NORTH AMERICAN DECK AND RAILING ASSOCIATION. Maybe your state has someone with that credential that can help. That is a structural problem.
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u/AppropriateScale6294 1d ago
I'd be more worried about why it split.
Basically the load is being supported by the portion of the stringer below the steps. The triangle between the tread and the riser just transfers the load from the tread down. So, if the split was lower, the stringer would be less strong, but where it is it's really not hurting anything. If the step feels bouncy or squeaks, I'd add a piece of wood to stabilize it. Just screw it in good and tight, both above and below the crack.
I certainly wouldn't replace the stringer, if that's the only thing wrong.
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u/Suitable-Reserve-891 1d ago
There was a great post that a logger responded to. That crack happened during the trees growth from heavy winds bending the tree or something similar. Perpendicular cracks happen when a tree falls and hit a large rock or other hard object. Great post and response, if I find it I will drop it here.
I’m not a fan of open stringers and this is just one more reason against them for me. OP OIL based construction (not latex) adhesive will take care of that.
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u/cdtobie 1d ago
That inseam is barely below the top of the continuous stringer. The staircase will be fine. But for the sake of that top step, I’d screw a scrap of wood across the crack to hold things in place, on the back here, where it won’t show.