Replacing oak stair tread

bryanp22

Hi,
I have oak stair treads in my home and one of the treads has split along where the tread boards were glued together. I am thinking its probably bed to just replace the tread. I'm having a hard time figuring out if its red or white oak though. I'm guessing its red though. Any way to tell for sure if its red oak? Also I do not have access to the underside of the stairs. What is the best way to remove the broken tread? How should I attach the new tread? I was thinking construction adhesive and nails but wanted input.

joecaption

Got a picture? It's hard to see it from here.

bryanp22

Here are some photos of the stair and the specific stair tread that has separated. The issues is really its so close to the overhang that the front doesn't have a lot of stability and can move even when extra nails were added by prior owner so I'd rather just replace it. Just not sure on removal method or how to secure new tread.

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joecaption

That sure looks like the treads run under the skirts which would make removing the tread a real challange.
If was mine I would first try cleaning out that gap, use Tite Bond II glue and counter bore hole for screws and cover the screw heads with white oak plugs, sand and reseal.
By using 3" ceramic coated deck screws it should never move again.

bryanp22

They don't extend under the skirt. One tread was replaced before we moved in as part of our inspections since the middle of the tread was cracked. I think this picture shows the tread ends where the skirt starts

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joecaption

Hard to tell what were seeing taken that close up.
Just to make sure were talking about the same thing, the skirts are on the sides and the riser is at the back of the treads.
If there not not under the skirt you should be able to just use a flat bar or a rubber mallet to lift up the front of the tread, may be easyer once it's up to cut of any fastners with a sawsall so it can be slid out.
Use the old one for a template for width and depth.
Just use some constrution adhesive on the stringers and long galvinized finished nails to reattach it in predrilled pilot holes. I use galvinized because of the rough finish that holds them in better.

BigJim

Most oak treads are Red Oak and that is what your's look like. White Oak has a brownish cast and has a closed grain. Red Oak has a slight pinkish color and has an open grain or little pin holes in the end grain.

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Jim