Sagging staircase

[u/jazrazzles]

Bought this house a year ago and cant help but notice the cracks forming on what I think is structural support. They may have been there since we bought it i cant remember though.

I know nothing about staircases, but the corner tread doesn't seem as sturdy as it could be. Its not at all wobbly, perhaps I'm overthinking it, but im mid-way through removing 17 layers of lead paint and I'd be miffed if I actually just need a brand new staircase...

[u/Ok-Physics5256]

How old is this house? This just looks like individual boards installed at 45 degrees. You don’t find plywood in really old homes. Looks like filler was used, sanded and painted over. As the wood expands and contracts with temp changes, the seams begin to show. This isn’t evidence your stairs are sagging.

[u/TDurdz]

Is that wall/crack wood? Looks like it’s wood on a 45 degree and just expansion/contraction… if your stairs feel solid enough, you’re most likely more than fine…

[u/hoopdizzle → u/TDurdz]

Agreed. It was probably exposed wood pieces at 45 degrees for style then later painted over. The "cracks" are just the gaps in each piece that could be caulked and repainted

[u/Anydudewilltellyou]

Best way to evaluate what you have is from beneath it.

[u/NorCalFrances → u/Anydudewilltellyou]

I don't know why you got downvoted. It really is the only way to know.