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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