Replies

1. 
   Mike_Mahan | Jul 25, 2013 02:01pm | #1

   I just redid my stairs.

   I used oak nosings, glazed tile risers, and saltillo treads. It sounds like your risers are a little expensive for what you get. Treads and risers get alot of wear and tear. Solid wood is much better.

   
1. 
   netrate | Jul 25, 2013 03:00pm | #2

   you did a very nice job there. What are Satillo treads?

1. 
   Mike_Mahan | Jul 25, 2013 10:09pm | #3

   saltillo

   Saltillo tiles are an unglazed uncolored clay floor tile made in Mexico. You've probably seen them even if you don't know the name. They used to be hand made and air dried. They were quite variable in thickness. Because they were air dried outdoors they often came with animal tracks in them. Now they seem to be machine made, uniform thickness and with fake animal tracks. They are now much less interesting than before.

2. 
   DanH | Jul 25, 2013 10:21pm | #4

   Keep in mind that anything you put on top of the treads will effectively raise the entire stair, making the bottom step long and the top step short.

   And looking at those stairs the stringers are no great shakes either.  (Were they carpeted too?)

   I'd say either replace the entire stairway or just install more carpet.

1. 
   netrate | Jul 25, 2013 10:59pm | #6

   thank you for the comments, it makes sense now. I am not sure what stringers are and yes there was carpeting over top of the tiles. Getting rid of both carpet and tiles.

   Should I buy some Glue stripper for all the leftover epoxy and glue on the stairs?

3. 
   IdahoDon | Jul 25, 2013 10:33pm | #5

   Rather than Lowes or HD, try looking for a hardwood supplier in your area - often they have better material at lower prices.   For stair risers you may find a place that has scraps long enough at a lower price than normal.  Stair height is the key to what path to take on the treads.  Your first and top height should be fairly close - often covering existing stairs is a losing proposition except for the thinnest of materials.

   While many projects are ok to not follow the best practice, stairs are the most likely place in a home that someone will be injured and uneven heights are hazardous.   Just today I was looking at a set of stairs that will be replaced tomorrow and I tripped walking up them for just that reason and I knew and anticipated the uneven risers!  lol

1. 
   netrate | Jul 26, 2013 01:13pm | #7

   I think I am going to try the 1/4 inch oak veneer for the tread and riser, it is about $24.00 a sheet for 4 X 8 so I am not really out that much when all is said and done. But the challenge is going to be the nose. I was researching and someone suggested a 1/4 round of oak for the nose, but finding one that is 1/4 thick will be the real question. So I think the nose is the sticking point on this one. Any suggestions?

1. 
   DanH | Jul 26, 2013 05:03pm | #8

   The nosing needs to be very securely attached, since it's subjected to enormous stess.

2. 
   calvin | Jul 27, 2013 08:48am | #9

   David

   if by 1/4" oak veneer, you mean 1/4" oak plywood-the veneer is paper thin.  Won't last a minute-and if you were to sand it b/4 staining..............you'd be left with little or no oak veneer.

   There are tread covers that might be just what you want.  Thinner solid wood that slip right over your existing treads.  Complete with nosings.  Prefinished or unstained.

   Won't be 24.00 though.

4. 
   netrate | Jul 27, 2013 02:02pm | #10

   Yes it is the 1/4 veneer oak/plywood deal.  I was going to clear coat first and then paint it.  Not the way to go?  The reason I only want cheap is because I am going to paint it white anyway.

1. 
   MarkH | Jul 27, 2013 04:27pm | #11

   Well, if you are painting it, why not just get white vinyl tiles, or white vinyl sheet goods?