I am currently building a custom home for myself and would like to build a heavy plank walnut stair system. I would like to use 8/4 walnut for the tread, which would be about 11″ wide, and plan to screw them down and plug the holes. I also have considered using an “concealed fastening system” by using an aluminum angle mounted to the underside of the tread and then attached to each stringer. With that said I have two questions:
1. If I can find kiln dried lumber of this size will the treads still experience too much movement (twist, cup, etc)? And if so, do you recommend gluing up the treads in lieu of a true plank look?
2. Is the fastening system / method appropriate for this type of construction?
Thanks for your help.
Replies
Hi,
I'd go looking for a mill in your area to get some quartersawn walnut planks. If you're too far from a mill, then contact someone to get them. This will minimize your movement issues. If they're dried correctly, you will also skip the cupping and twisting unless they get uneven drying or wetting. I think the angle iron system will work fine if you widen the screw slots that hold the tread down so that the tread can expand and contract over time. It will whether you want it to or not. Good luck. Gary
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