The staircase had carpet, we want to remove the carpet and paint the stairs in their "wooden" state.
On removing the carpet we have treads like this:
We do not have access from "behind" the staircase.
Is this repairable or replaceable in a reasonable time/budget? (not "you'd have to dismantle the whole upstairs" level of complexity).
Edited to add: is it normal for treads to crack this way or do I have a more fundamental problem? House was built in the 1960s, I don't know if the staircase dates back to then but probably it does.
Edit2: Happy to go with a cosmetic "less than ideal"(visible cracks etc) as long as it's structurally sound.
Best Answer
If it's easy to remove the tread (and it may be) it's likely easiest to just replace it.
If it's not so easy to replace it, what you could do is put in a couple of pocket screws using a pocket screw kit. Kreg is a popular brand that makes pocket screw kits that you can find at most any big-box store.
You'd set up the jig, drill your holes, squirt a bit of wood glue into the crack, then screw it together.
You then fill the screw holes by gluing the included wood plugs in, give it a sand, and ready to paint.