04-16-2014, 10:34 AM
Wood for Staircase
Pine, poplar, oak, maple, and cherry are the most popular wood for staircase construction
Pine– Southern Yellow Pine is the most common material used to make stairs be cause of its strength and cost. Because it is economical, there are several grades of this wood.
Poplar- Color variation and distinctive graining is common in poplar. However, it accepts paint well and is nearly clear. Because of these characteristics, poplar is commonly used in painted or carpeted stairs. It is the least expensive of the hardwoods.
Hardwoods-Oak, Cherry, and Maple are the most popular types of hardwoods. When stairs are made out of these materials, they are considered to be “finish grade.” It is expected that the stairs will be viewed as a showpiece in the room and the wood must be of exceptional quality. Because of this, only wood with knots and flaws up to 1/8” in size are accepted.
The three main parts of a staircase are :
Tread- The part of the staircase, horizontal to the floor, that a person steps on while walking between floors. Usually has a bull nose edge finish.
Riser- Risers work as a backing to the tread to keep the foot from traveling past the edge of the tread. They are vertical to floor.
Stringer- The purpose of the stringer is to contain both the tread and the riser and provide structure to the staircase. This component runs at a diagonal from floor to floor.
![[Image: stair.jpg]](http://frontdesk.co.in/big/cm/stair.jpg)
Pine, poplar, oak, maple, and cherry are the most popular wood for staircase construction
Pine– Southern Yellow Pine is the most common material used to make stairs be cause of its strength and cost. Because it is economical, there are several grades of this wood.
Poplar- Color variation and distinctive graining is common in poplar. However, it accepts paint well and is nearly clear. Because of these characteristics, poplar is commonly used in painted or carpeted stairs. It is the least expensive of the hardwoods.
Hardwoods-Oak, Cherry, and Maple are the most popular types of hardwoods. When stairs are made out of these materials, they are considered to be “finish grade.” It is expected that the stairs will be viewed as a showpiece in the room and the wood must be of exceptional quality. Because of this, only wood with knots and flaws up to 1/8” in size are accepted.
The three main parts of a staircase are :
Tread- The part of the staircase, horizontal to the floor, that a person steps on while walking between floors. Usually has a bull nose edge finish.
Riser- Risers work as a backing to the tread to keep the foot from traveling past the edge of the tread. They are vertical to floor.
Stringer- The purpose of the stringer is to contain both the tread and the riser and provide structure to the staircase. This component runs at a diagonal from floor to floor.