"blueman" wrote in message
...
One of the 12" wide treads on our main staircase has an ~18"
longitudinal
crack in it. As per an earlier thread, the consensus seems to be
that
these treads are 150 yr old heart pine.

Here is a link to a pic:
http://96.252.37.8:8080/public/1stFlrTread.jpg

I am not concerned about the visual look of the crack (if
anyting it
adds "character") but the area under the crack is not well
supported and
gives a bit when you put weight on it -- in fact, the absence of
such
support may be the proximate cause of the crack. The crack has
probably
been there for many years.

Since replacing the tread is not easily feasible given the old
wood, I
would like to repair the tread.

Now removing the tread would not be easy since 2 balustrades are
toenailed into the other side of the tread and removing the
entire
bannister and balustrades *seems* to me to be a big job.

So, I was thinking it might be easier for me to access the
underside of
the tread from the alcove underneath the stairway by cutting
through the
plaster and lathe on the underside of the stairway. My idea
would be to
expose enough area so that I could slip another board underneath
the
tread to span the crack and add support.

To secure the support, my thought was to cover it with glue
(either
polyurethane or epoxy). Assuming that I won't be able to get
good
clamping pressure from below, I would run some temporary small
gauge screws
through the face of the tread to temporarily clamp the tread and
support
board together. Alternatively, I could try to expose more of the
stair
underside at the risk of creating more mess and a bigger plaster
repair
job.

Before, I go cutting into the plaster and lathe, I wanted to get
advice
on whether this is a good approach along with any additional
advice or
pointers. Of course, I am open to *any* other better
suggestions.

Thanks

Good plan, IMHO. When reaching the underside, I'd do as you plan
with the crosspiece and screws. However, I'd dry fit the entire
cross piece, including the screws. Then, I'd remove it and 1)
fill the crack from above with 30 minute epoxy and 2) slather on
Liquid Nails from below before reinstalling the crosspiece and all
screws. I'd leave the screws in place, then repair the plaster.

--
Nonny

ELOQUIDIOT (n) A highly educated, sophisticated,
and articulate person who has absolutely no clue
concerning what they are talking about.
The person is typically a media commentator or politician.