The flooring contractor wants to glue and nail the treads and risers (hickory) to the stringers. This concerns me because of inevitable seasonable wood movement (we’re in western NC) but he assures me he’s never had a problem. There is no access to the underside of the stringers. What do you think and suggest?
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I wouldn't hesitate because it's not really a cross grain connection. The stair cut exposed diagonal grain, so the difference between the wood movements won't be so large. That said, hickory is crawly stuff, and I'd consider a glue with some flex such as polyurethane or PL 400.
Andy Engel
Senior editor, Fine Woodworking magazine
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I do that often and haven't had any complaints. I do seal all edges of my treads first.
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At least in the rocky mountain states where our wood moisture levels don't typically fluctuate much, nails and glue (construction adhesive) normally wouldn't be a problem. Having said that, the condition of the wood (cut, moisture content, grain orientation, cupping, twisting, etc) might make nails a no-no even here. If the installer has a good reputation then he probably knows what works for your area although I'd wan't to clarify what his warranty does and doesn't cover.
One of my favorite floors of all time was knotty hickory. (that kind of makes me sound like a sicko :-)