A Wood Weenie Question

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 21, 2006 | 02:42 AM

sierraben

Thread Starter

Post Fiend

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 24,418

Likes: 3

From: San Francisco, Ca.

A Wood Weenie Question

I need to replace a few stair treads on the front stairs of a house.

I just replaced them about 5 years ago, and they are starting to rot.

Is there a composite wood product that won't rot and comes in a 2 X 12 size?

Currently the treads are doug fir.

Any suggestions of what to use would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks.

Feb 21, 2006 | 03:12 AM

Torque1st

Posting Legend

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 30,255

Likes: 37

Use a couple of 2x6 instead of a 2x12. Check out Timbersil products:
http://www.timbersil.com/company-info.html

There are plastic products:
http://www.ineed2know.org/plasticwood.htm
http://www.usplasticlumber.com/
http://www.choicedek.com/
http://plasticlumberyard.com/plasticlumber.htm

Whatever you do watch out for the new fangled pressure treated wood called ACQ, -that stuff is junk.

Make sure you install any wood product cup-side down.

Last edited by Torque1st; Feb 21, 2006 at 03:15 AM.

Feb 21, 2006 | 05:49 AM

06supercrew

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 471

Likes: 0

From: eastern nc

Any pressure treated wood rated for ground contact should work well. Using 2 2x6 instead of 1 2x12 would give you better drainage and as Torque1st said frown down. (if you look at the end piece and the rings look like a smile ...turn it over)

Feb 21, 2006 | 01:13 PM

rlb454

Senior User

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 213

Likes: 0

Look into TREX, I have used it on numerous decks, it is a great product. A little more expensive, but if you have to replace your current stuff every few years, it is worth the extra $. It comes in 2x6 configuration and several colors.

Good luck,
Rick

Feb 21, 2006 | 01:52 PM

jake00

Hotshot

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 13,589

Likes: 2

From: NW burbs of chicago

any home center / lumber yard should carry the preasure treated real stuff and the composite stuff.

Feb 21, 2006 | 02:10 PM

sierraben

Thread Starter

Post Fiend

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 24,418

Likes: 3

From: San Francisco, Ca.

I can't use two 2 X 6 boards because the water would drain into the garage.

These are the main stairs that lead into the house.

The water has to drain down the steps and into the sidewalk.

I did notice that TREX does sell 1 X 12 boards.

I wonder if I could double them up (one on top of each other)?

Thanks for the info, guys!

Feb 22, 2006 | 02:59 PM

rlb454

Senior User

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 213

Likes: 0

Is your rotting problem coming from the underside or the topside? If there are drainage problems going into the garage, you might address that issue first. 1x12 TREX would be fine if it is supported enough undernieth, it is kinda bendy.