Pine Stair Treads

Question

Is pine okay for stair treads or is it too soft a wood?

Answer

Pine is okay for treads as long as you finish it with a urethane or Varathane® finish, which is hard and stands up well for floors. If you are going to use 3/4" pine though, you should have plywood as a backing and make sure it is dry. Stair treads should have a nosing about 1" long and usually 1" thick. If you use 1 1/2" pine you can fasten it right on the stringers without plywood first. Again, it's very important to use dry material.


Dave

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