Carpentry and Woodworking - curved step

We removed a wall between foyer and FR. FR is about 9" lower than foyer, so I need to add a step. Would like to make this some kind of freeform or "S" design rather than a straight step, to add asthetic appeal. I can cut the "s" design into the tread (jig saw or band saw), but how do I curve the riser? Total step will be about 9 feet wide. Riser height will be just under 4", plus a full 1" tread. Riser will be painted. Can I bend 1/4 ply or "doorskin" ? Or should I try to kerf cut a 1x4. Thanks

There is a plywood made for bending. You can get it at places such as Rockler.com or Woodcraft. It may be worthwhile to frame the space and bend plywood across it. I think that it is easier to bend the plywood than be successful with the kerfed 1X material.

Hope this helps.

Thanks. Someone also suggested a product called "wiggleboard." I actually wound up just using masonite and it worked very well. The key was your idea to use a frame for actual support, and make the riser only a face. I cut my "S" curve out of 1x8, screwed it to the floor and framed on top out of 2x4 (ripped to my needed height) perpendicular to the "S". Screwed 3/4 ply on top of the frame, cut to the identicle S. Then I glued and finish nailed to the top and bottom the masonite strip as a face (For added strength against kicks I glued 2 strips together.) Hardwwood goes on top of ply, also cut to the same "S" but with standard step overhang.

BobDeRitter,

I am looking at doing the same thing to my stairs in the up and coming weeks.....

What thickness of masonite did you use?

Steve

used the thinest they had- I think 1/8. I only needed a 4" high strip by 9 feet long, so the big box store had "handi-sheets" of assorted material in 2' x 4' size. If I get a chance I'm hoping to post some pictures. I used 5/4 x 12 oak for the tread, and joined two pieces together so I could get my S curve out of a nice straight run.