I’ve just finished an ‘L’ stairway, that 48″ wide, for a two story cabin/storage shed. The stringers are 8′ long and on a 6-1/2″ rise with 11-1/4″ treads and there is a 4’x4′ square landing midway up. The stairs are made from Yellow Pine and Pressure treated woods glued so that the leading edges of the stairs all have Yellow Pine to take the wear and tear. Using a molding head on the tablesaw, I cut beaded grips into the face of each tread and used a 1/2″ roundover bit for a gentle softening of the leading edges.
I used PL Urethane adhesive and 3″ galv. screws throughout the construction. All the heads were countersunk and covered with wooden plugs. I just need to fill some plug hole seams with wood filler and give everything a good sanding.
What would you use as a finish for the stairs?
Thanks for your help,
Bill
Replies
Normally, I'd use at least 3 coats of an oil based, floor grade poly. But not sure with the PT lumber. I'd give it a couple of months to really dry out before trying out any finishes. In the meantime, some cheap carpet runner to keep it relatively clean until you decide what to do.
I am not real clear on the details of what you have done. my guess is that you used PYT framing lumber for the stringers and the STP for treads.
Did you use stainless screws in the PT?
Is this an extrior stair?
for the treads, I like to do two coats of polyurethene before installing them, then a light sanding and final coat or two after assembly. SYP is not themost stable wood so it can move with moisture, but it does see a lot of use as stair treads
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The idea for a protective runner should help a lot. Thanks Redford.
Piffin,
I have a lot of pressure treated 2x4's, some SYP 2x4's & 2x6's, and quite a few 2x8's in both types, too. To get an 11-1/4" stair tread for all 16 steps, I edge glued the Pressure Treated wood to the SYP, and made sure that every tread's leading edge is good quality SYP to take the wear and tear.
To make the stairs a bit more interesting, and using the IRC guidelines for winding stairs, I ripped some Pressure treated 2x4's on the diagonal. From one corner across to the opposite corner; making a "snow cone" shape. Using Titebond II, I glued all these and the same shaped SYP of tapered boards, making a radial look on some of the second tier's steps.
So that's why there's two types of wood making up the stair treads and my question about finish for these. Picture of the staircase to follow in a few days.
Thanks, Bill
Edited 8/12/2007 10:32 pm ET by BilljustBill
picture would be good. I am even more confused now. Maybe I need more coffee
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Piffin,
Here's two low DPI shots of the new stairs. They need sanding and selecting the finish.
Bill
Edited 8/13/2007 6:28 pm ET by BilljustBill