Hello to all,
I have a couple of LVLs left over from a past project and I could put them to some good use by using them as stair stringers… I am planning to feed an LVL through my thickness planer to smooth its surface, veneer the exposed sides and rout for risers and treads… Has any one ever used an LVL as a stair stringer? Would the LVL’s coatings, resins etc. cause any incompatibility issues with the PVA glue or contact cement? Is there something else I am overlooking that could cause any problems? Thank you in advance for your replies.
Replies
I think using LVLs for stringers is a ood idea in general. I've never heard of any problems with LVLs and glues.
But planing the surface - I think you're gonna get down to some unattractive black glue in pretty short order. A light sanding would likely be a better idea.
My thoughts as well... but it seems it could make for a stronger and straiter stringer...
Yeah, and I'm guessing you'd risk wrecking your blades.
I didn't think of that... would the resin be hard on the blades?... Or are you thinking nails knots etc.?
The reason that I am even considering using LVL's for stringers is that its hard to get descent 14' stock of Poplar or Oak in my area. By veneering the LVL's I could get the job done without any down time needed to special order good quality stock. Also my other questions are:
If the surface after planing the LVL would be smooth enough, could it be sufficient as paint grade?
Is there any other material that I am not aware of?
Does any one know of a good stair parts supplier near Toronto, Canada?
Is what I want to do even worth considering?
Thank you for all the posts.
I suspect the resin would be hard on the blades, and there are likely to be bits of carp embedded in the planks.
Dan, for those of us living near the great lakes.............
Please spell crap correctly-we might misunderstand.
There's nothing wrong with crap.
If there is, use crappola.
That one's safe.
I think you could get them smooth enough to be "paint grade". But I've never known anyone who tried it, so I can't say for sure.
If you do use LVLs, make sure they're good and dry before you do any cutting. They move a lot with changes in moisture, and a lot of LVL suppliers don't store them indoors.
Spelling is irrelevant...
Spelling is irrelevant here... comments about spelling should best be left for forums on book writing or English ESL...
I do not care how anybody writes, there are people here with English as a second language... I just appreciate your replies.
Do you have a lot of experience with veneering? Thats more in the "Fine Woodworking" arena.
I dabble in both and built some fine MDF oak veneered speakers recently - veneering is tough! (bubbles, glue bleed through, router tearout etc.)
I'd strongly recommend you practice on a scrap before committing to this very large project.
Otherwise yes, engineered lumber is superior here. One benefit not mentioned is it doesn't shrink when it eventually dries.
John
Of course, one could "veneer"
Of course, one could "veneer" with 1/16" plywood and have a lot fewer problems.
1/16"
ya that work's Dan
I have built a few set of stairs with lvl's well cut many stringers with lvl's, you must leave them sit for a while they will cup
alot then take your hand planer to them to true them again but in the end they are very strong .
very hard on blades and saws mitreing that stuff is murder on blades
and to the grammer proffesor if I have spelt something wrong please let me know as ther may be a test