I have a staircase that is made out of what looks like paint grade pine (knots and all). The builder stained and finished it with a clear finish. The floors in the house are red oak and I would like to find some way to upgrade the look of the treads to match. Replacing the stairs is not an option. I am wondering if any one has had any experience with veneering existing stairs. I would plan on using .040 oak veneer and cutting off and replacing the nosing with solid oak. What type of glue, etc.? I live in Hawaii so wear is not a big issue, we mostly go barefoot indoors. Any help will be appreciated.
Dan
“Mistakes are but an opportunity for fresh design”
Replies
Dan, the oak veneer over pine can work, but pine is so soft that any point loads are likely to puncture the oak veneer and dent the pine beneath. If you really NEVER wear shoes, it should work out for your family. The issue for the future is that it will look tougher than it really is, so will not automatically demand the care it needs.
Titebond 2 or 3 should work fine for the nosings. WEST System epoxy would be a better choice for your veneering, 1) because it needs minimal clamping, and 2) because it can saturate and harden the sanded pine surface, giving better support to the oak veneer.
Bill
Thanks for the reply, no shoes all the time. Any suggestions for clamping the veneer or is that necessary for West Epoxy?
Dan"Mistakes are but an opportunity for fresh design"
Use something like sandbags to gravity clamp the veneers, with poly sheet between so you don't stick 'em to the stairs by accident.Bill
Dan, you might get away with the veneer if the treads are really flat and smooth so that variations would not telegraph through to the veneer. I have covered pine treads (had been carpeted) with 3/8 thick t&g oak flooring, fastening it down with Franklin construction adhesive and shooting brads through the tongue with good results. 3/8" is not enough to dangerously affect the rise. I use flooring that has a slightly eased edge and doesn't have to be sanded. You would still have to install a nosing strip and match it to the thickness of the flooring. Hope this helps.
you buy me a ticket to your house i will to the job for ya