Split in Oak stair tread

[revelation]

I have had a stair tread that has a large crack in it.  To the best of my knowledge nothing dropped on it and it’s been subject to normal usage.  
 

We have had areas where some gaps have occurred but that was to be expected with wood. But this is the first actual ‘crack/split’.  

What would be the best course of action to make sure it doesn’t get any worse.  

 
Thanks in advance. 

[Roundtuit]

If it's still 'stabilising'  I don't think you'll stop it, but it's unlikely to impact on structural integrity. Maybe just find a filler with a reasonable colour match.

[Beau]

Are the stairs new and have the treads been glued into the stringer? First thought is if they have and the tread then shrinks with this dry weather some cracks will occur 

[revelation]

5 hours ago, Roundtuit said:

If it's still 'stabilising'  I don't think you'll stop it, but it's unlikely to impact on structural integrity. Maybe just find a filler with a reasonable colour match.

Thank you.  My only concern is due to it being so close to the edge of the step that over time it will get worse.  

[revelation]

5 hours ago, Beau said:

Are the stairs new and have the treads been glued into the stringer? First thought is if they have and the tread then shrinks with this dry weather some cracks will occur 

They were fit into the house we were renovating around 3 years ago. We have only been living here for 2 months. 
 

Yes I think they were glued into the stringer.  As it’s towards the front of the step I am concerned it’s creating a weak point. 

[Alan Ambrose]

Maybe consider this:

 

- see how pliant the wood is around the crack - can you push it back into place by hand (with a fair amount of pressure) and/or temporarily clamp it back into place?

- if so, you might be able to flood some good quality wood glue into the crack and then clamp it up tight to dry.

- otherwise, some screws doing the same thing, with little matching oak plugs covering their heads.

- there’s a filling trick also where you make a mix of sawdust from the wood in question with wood glue to get a good match.

 

You might want a good cabinet maker or restoration specialist to do this work - probably only a couple of hours of their time.

 

Also, look into the idea of wabi sabi .

[Beau]

So shrinking treads is quite possible the cause. As above I would see if it will press back or use a sacrificial piece of spare wood held over the nosing and give it a good thump with a hammer and hopefully it will push it back. I would test fist to see if it will move and if yes then run some glue in and tap/clamp back into position. Another way might be to screw and plug from the front of the nosing to pull it together as clamping maybe tricky. If it wont move wait until everything is fully dry and fill the crack either with epoxy if you think it needs reinforcing or just a coloured filler if not needing to be structural. 

[SteamyTea]

Your problem is going to be finding an adhesive that is both strong enough and 'invisible' enough.

Epoxy or a clear, non foaming, PU is probably your best bet.

 

To hold it in place, while the adhesive sets, can you make a small wedge that can be hammered into the stringer.

 

 

[Redbeard]

Glue and dowels?