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ChunksMcGoo t1_iy166yb wrote

The stringers are probably bad. Agree. Once you have the bottom riser off you'll see if it's rotted. Wood with direct ground contact is almost always the first to show signs of deterioration. Depending on how the treads and risers were done you may have to pull the first tread also.

The spindles you should be able to cut off with an oscillating tool and replace with standard 1x1 spindle (at least that's what it looks like). Usually you need to drive a structural screw through the top and bottom rails to be sure it's solid. It's pertinent to check the top and bottom rails for signs of weakness and rotting (if so replacing the whole thing may be best).

The handrail unfortunately looks like it got massacred. You can try to bang in more nails and fill it with something but replacement is the better route there as well.

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bladeofglass OP t1_iy1fhxm wrote

Thanks. Dumb question: how to get the bottom riser off? Pry it off, or remove the tread and then pry it off?

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Also, the treads and the deck flooring is of something composite material secured with square slotted screws. Is removing the tread just removing the screws and lifting the tread off? Sorry for this basic question, but I am really new to how deck stairs and railings are done.

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ChunksMcGoo t1_iy1gpw0 wrote

You would want to check to see if it's either screwed in or nailed in. If it's nailed in prying it off is the answer, but if it's screwed then you have to remove the screws.

As far as the composite tread, in theory, it's that simple, yes. Just be careful if you do have to pry it, composite material is notoriously soft and marks easily. Also, does the 4x4 post extend through the tread?

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bladeofglass OP t1_iy1hfwp wrote

Thanks for the explanations.

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Yes, newel extends through the tread. The treads are cut around the newel.

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Sawdust-n-Gaming t1_iy2ve7g wrote

The square slotted screw is probably a Robertson drive type. They are popular for decks as they don't strip out as easily.

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bladeofglass OP t1_iy3g815 wrote

That is good to know. Should I need to put in new screws, I now know what to get.

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