Can I Use Softwood Like Pine For A Stair Step or Tread?

You can use softwood like pine for stair steps and treads for either rough or finish framing. However, keep in mind that softwoods usually won't support the same weight as hardwoods do.

In other words, to get the same structural strength from a three-quarter inch hardwood tread, might require a thicker tread, if you're going to use pine.

It isn't uncommon to find pine covering stairways that have already been constructed with plywood treads and risers.

It also isn't uncommon to find pine stair treads and risers used on exterior stairways that are structurally supported by the proper amount of stringers.

I don't suggest using three-quarter inch thick pine for open stairways that wouldn't be supported by a riser.


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