Quick fix for split hardwood floor step?

Question

We have hardwood floors. The top step is approximately 3' long by 1' wide. It recently split and has a 2' long crack running lengthwise. Are there any quick fixes for this or will the board need to be replaced? Our floors are really old and it may be difficult to match the wood. If we could fix this before it gets worse (the entire board splitting and becoming a hazard), that would be great! Any ideas are appreciated.

Answer 1

Replace it and be done with it. You could fiddle with it for a month and it's just going to keep splitting because the wood is damaged.

Answer 2

First, the glue you want to use is called "gorilla glue." It is a very strong wood glue. Read the directions and plan your approach. It sets up fast, so you need to be ready. If possible, remove the board, for the repair. If this cannot be done without damage, you must figure a way to clamp the board in place. There are two methods to clamping, pulling or pushing. Pushing is simple, brace a cross piece against an immovable object that will hold the split board together. You could make a pulling clamp that used the door frame as an anchor. Properly done, the seam will be the strongest part of the board. Good luck.

Answer 3

If it can be removed, remove it and wood glue the crack and clamp it, being certain it is flat.

You could wood glue a piece of 1/2 inch wood about 24" long and 8 " wide over the crack on the bottom. Use short (3/4) inches wood screws to hold it in place and support the crack. After it is dry, reinstall it.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

Don't bother trying to match it. I was in a similar circumstance and used a red oak board to replace a white oak one. It is a nice accent.

Answer 5

Slap some wood glue in there and clamp it.