I'm replacing the carpeting on my stairs with LVP and discovered a couple of issues: the previous owner seemed to neglect their dog, and the skirtboard has been cut too high in one spot, leaving a large gap. I'm mainly focused on fixing this gap. I thought about using an oscillating tool to cut out the damaged section and replace it with one that fits properly. Another option I considered was to glue a wooden piece into the gap, then cover it with wood putty, sand it down, and paint it. The chewed area would just need some paint. Are there any better methods to tackle this problem?
2 Answers
As mentioned by another user, a great solution is to add a 1/4" plywood layer glued and screwed to each step. This way, you ensure that all your risers are even, preventing any height differences that can be a tripping hazard. This method will also elevate the steps enough to cover the gap under the skirtboard, making it all neat and tidy!
One effective approach is to install thin plywood that matches the color of your new flooring over the gap. Simply glue and screw it in place, then finish it with a matching stain piece on top to blend everything together. This can give a nice uniform look without major structural changes.