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Can I put composite treads on wood stair bases?

4 years ago

Hi, I have outdoor stairs made of all pressure treated wood. The wood posts, stringers, risers etc are all in good condition. Can I just replace just the horizontal stair treads and landings (which are not in good shape) with composite materials? Any problem securing composite to wooden stringers / joists?

(Don't have the budget to replace entire staircase now.) Thank you for any suggestions!

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Comments (4)

millworkman
4 years ago
Might need a third stringer if there is not one there already. What is the thickness of the tread material? What type of stairs do your currently have? Pictures would help.
klem1
4 years ago
There are composite materials then there are some different composite materials. The one that is suitable include's resins and is on the pricy side for temporary get by jobs. If the structure is good for at least 30 more years,resin bound composite is a good choice. If cost is a factor,White Oak and Cypress are worth consideration.
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snikcilla
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you for your responses. Here are pics. There is a 3rd stringer underneath. Steps up to front door landing don't get much use. (We come in through garage.) I've had treads and landings replaced a few times over the years with wood. But thinking grey composite would last longer / look better. As you can see from the bottom landing photo (4th), the stair treads are approx 1 1/2" thick and the landing boards (both top and bottom landings) are 1" thick.

Don't know if I would have to / could mix composite replacement board thicknesses? TIA.
klem1
4 years ago
There is another option I like but forgot to mention. Wolmanized® lumber. I have it on floor of a heavy duty trailer and there isn't a rotted spot after sitting outdoors for 20 years. I have several pieces in contact with ground and they are solid as the day I installed them over 10 years ago. On the other hand,I've used treated wood from big box to build decks that wrapped and begin rotting in less than 5 years. Big box in contact with ground,forget it. Ever Wolmanized piece has a plastic tag stappled to one end so don't except a substitute.

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