How to Fix a Gap Between Stairs

Small Gaps

• 1

  Select a natural wood color acrylic caulk that matches the wood of the stairs and is designed to bond with wood.

• 2

  Apply a thin bead of caulk along the length of the gap.

• 3

  Wipe up any excess caulk with a scrap of rigid cardboard. Clean up residue by wiping gently with a damp cloth or paper towel.

• 4

  Allow the caulk to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

Expansion Gaps

• 5

  Brush out as much dirt as possible from gaps that are more than 1/4 inch wide with a clean, dry paintbrush.

• 6

  Cut a piece of rope that is approximately as wide as the gap, to the same length as the gap. Press it into the gap using the handle of a small paintbrush or other tool.

• 7

  Apply matching wood stain to the rope, working slowly so the stain has time to soak in.

Large Gaps

• 8

  Measure the thickness and length of the large gap in the stairs.

• 9

  Remove the tread by inserting a pry bar below the nosing extension -- the overhang on the tread -- and pulling gently upward.

• 10

  Measure the depth and width of the tread, and add the thickness of the gap, to determine the dimensions of the replacement tread.

• 11

  Set the table saw's gauge to the size of the new tread. Adjust the blade's tilt to round the edge of the nosing to match the other treads.

• 12

  Sand the nosing of the cut tread with 100-grit sandpaper, matching the profile of the other treads.

• 13

  Stain or paint the new tread and allow it to dry completely.

• 14

  Apply construction glue to the bottom of the new tread and to the tread's location on the portion of the staircase frame that will support the tread.

• 15

  Press the tread into place so that it butts against the riser, or vertical panel, behind it.

• 16

  Hammer several small finishing nails into the tread several inches back from the nosing and fill the nail holes with a matching filler stick.