Basement Steps

Here's our basement steps earlier today. Over the years the stringer board (upper photo, left side) had bowed out nearly three inches. This created gaps that left some of the steps supported only by nails,

To shore up the steps I cut that board then used a pipe clamp (lower photo, center) to bring the sides back together. Then I installed an extra board next to the cut one to transfer the load. However I had to punch holes in the wall for the clamp.

Still, it was worth it because it worked!

Next time I will patch the holes and paint the steps. In the meantime the basement steps are now structurally sound.