Stringer help! Birdsmouth connection badly damaged

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

So after months of thinking about how I was to restore the stair treads (which had 5 layers of varnish plus faux painted wood grain), I decided the best way was to take the treads off and finish them at the wood shop. This very well might not be the best way to have done this, but nevertheless its what I've done and theres no looking back!

Upon removing the top tread I uncovered that the middle and right stringer has a badly damaged birdsmouth joint that connects to the header. I figured as I removed the rest of the treads I'd asses the rest of the stringer, which turn out to be in good shape - its just those top connects. I am reallly trying to avoid replacing the entire stringer because the stringers continue under the landing which has a whole puzzle of finish carpentry that I would not like to try taking apart.

So what to do now? I am praying to the bracket gods that one exists for my particular situation.

Is it possible to scab on new lumber onto the existing stringers 1/4th of the way up or is that not doing anything?

Both joints pictured as well as the staircase

Hope this community can help, and thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

res2architect
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
The photos are so close up its difficult to understand them but perhaps plumbing pipe hanger straps could be formed under the stringers like stirrips

.
formulaross20
5 years ago
Without disassembling things to rebuild this area of the stairs, you're going to have to get creative. You may not be able to get a full size off-the-shelf hanger in place, but you certainly could cut one down to work in your area and do what you need. Or, go out in your garage and weld up custom brackets to re-support/reattach the stringers.

https://www.amazon.com/Simpson-Strong-LSSU28-Adjustable-Hanger/dp/B000YVIIXG

https://www.amazon.com/Light-Rafter-U-Hngr-2x6/dp/B00CSUG6DU/ref=pd_lpo_60_img_2/134-3845716-3013153?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00CSUG6DU&pd_rd_r=a70ec646-2d9f-4657-8188-15646d89730a&pd_rd_w=SAOd9&pd_rd_wg=n7p4H&pf_rd_p=16b28406-aa34-451d-8a2e-b3930ada000c&pf_rd_r=5TFSR03WXFEZT7F7JG6G&psc=1&refRID=5TFSR03WXFEZT7F7JG6G

https://www.fastenersplus.com/products/simpson-lssr2-37z-field-adjustable-rafter-hanger-zmax-finish?gclid=CjwKCAiA1eKBBhBZEiwAX3gql9CikwHXY2qbeCyxNSGezkm1Ipli_87q_tu-5yoD5_G-CElKr8sObxoCzD8QAvD_BwE

https://www.fastenersplus.com/products/simpson-lssj26rz-right-side-field-adjustable-jack-hanger-zmax-finish?gclid=CjwKCAiA1eKBBhBZEiwAX3gql5rRX_SIV8BrPyNoXFBnpQNQuhSIeLrAZj4GPdPjSTTfyn6IHuMGVxoCYrcQAvD_BwE
Related Professionals
Grand Rapids Home Remodeling · Eau Claire Home Remodeling · Panama City General Contractors · Fayetteville General Contractors · Sheboygan General Contractors · Coeur d'Alene General Contractors · Eau Claire Bathroom Remodelers · Helena Home Remodeling · Fort Dodge Home Builders · Coldwater Home Builders · Stamford Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Olean Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Covington Furniture & Accessories · Murfreesboro Carpenters · Brooklyn Custom Closet Designers
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
5 years ago
Those stringers have functioned fine as they are for a hundred years or so. They'll be fine for another hundred as they are.
ci_lantro
5 years ago
Pix are too close up for me to understand the context.

Tend to agree with Joseph. From what I can see, nothing new has happened...looks like what you have has been there since Day One.

But, if it makes you feel better, you could glue & screw some 3/4 ply on both sides of the stringer--as large & long a piece as you can get in there. Titebond glue & real screws, not drywall screws. Sand the old wood surface so you have clean fresh wood to glue to.
Nate
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago

@ci_lantro @res2architect @Joseph Corlett, LLC Thanks for your responses. Here is a photo with more context.

The middle and right stringer are supposed to have the piece which was barely attached shown here on the middle stringer. I just took that off since it wasn't doing anything.

@ci_lantro I was thinking something like that solution would help add support for the top landing tread, but would that also add strength to the stringer connection?

To clarify, the treads and risers sit into the skirtboard on the left, however the house shifted over time and they no longer make that connection. I plan to scab on supports to the left stringer to compensate for this.

Thanks!
res2architect
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Hire a competent carpenter. You don't want to open the stair up again.