Carpentry and Woodworking - Caulking or wood filler for new oak stairs?

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Lyons117
10-30-09, 05:28 AM
Just had oak stairs installed, there are a few small gaps along the edges, should I use caulking or wood filler for these gaps? The treads are unfinished red oak, but I will be staining them, should I stain or fill first? The risers will be painted white. Should I paint or stain first?

marksr
10-30-09, 05:33 AM
Stain and finish your treads first, then prime and paint your risers. Is the skirt board also painted?

Assuming the cracks/gaps are where the oak meets paint - it would be best to caulk them [after the treads are finished and the painted wood is primed]
Lyons117
10-30-09, 05:47 AM
Thank you...... yes, the skirt board is painted. Can you recommend a caulking?

marksr
10-30-09, 03:59 PM
I'm partial to the 'white lightning' brand but most any siliconized acrylic latex caulk will do a good job. The siliconized acrylic latex is paintable and shouldn't be confused with non paintable silicone like G.E. Silicone.