Carpentry and Woodworking - New Oak staircase - Finishing options.

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dalee99
01-22-09, 08:28 AM
I've just had a new staircase installed in my home with oak treads and poplar risers. I'm going to paint the risers white and would like to just seal the treads to protect them from staining. How will just sealing the stairs without any stain or polyurethane work out? Any finishing suggestions?

marksr
01-22-09, 11:16 AM
What do you intend to seal them with?

Polyurathane is the most common coating used to seal oak treads/flooring.
Oil base poly over oak [or most any wood] will deepen the colors in the wood. It willalso amber/yellow some as it ages.
Waterbase poly doesn't change the look of the wood any except for sheen.
Oil base poly is more durable than waterbased.


IMO it's best to start the finishing process before installation. I like to have a coat of primer and enamel on the risers and 2 coats of poly on the treads. Then when it's installed, besides being easier to finish - the stair case is only closed down for 24 hrs:D

If it already installed, apply 2 coats of poly to the treads 1st, that way any errant paint can be removed from the treads fairly easy:thumbup:
rottysully
01-22-09, 04:43 PM
Good advice from Marksr. It's the way I do them.

Gary

dalee99
01-27-09, 01:11 PM
I finished them the way you suggested and they came out fine - Thanks.