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November 17, 2008
plywood stair risers?!
Hi Brownstoners-
I have someone doing my staircase who gave us a bid for solid oak stairs but (among various other incorrect and annoying things) actually did the risers in oak ply. WHen I pointed this out, he agreed to re-do risers with solid oak, but only for a hefty price. I am so annoyed that I'm willing to pay just to have it finished, but is it worth it? Aside from the misrepresentation, is there anything inherently wrong with plywood risers?
Comments
How are the edges treated? You don't really want the front edge applied as it'll come off with usage. The plywood will never be able to be refinished. Is the contract/estimate written? If it is withold the rest of the money and get some more estimates.
He's obviously jerking you around.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 17, 2008 2:45 PM
Usually, the steps are done in a nice wood and the risers are done in a paint grade quality wood, not wood for staining. Did you plan on staining or painting the risers? If you were going to paint the risers, then the only issue is whether any strength or durability is compromised.
Posted by: slopefarm at November 17, 2008 2:47 PM
Sorry, sorry, sorry. I misread and thought you were talking about the treads. The risers should present no problems done in plywood as long as you're satisfied with the edge treatment. There would be no strength issue as plywood is actually stronger. They would take stain just like the solid treads.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 17, 2008 2:56 PM
Because of the amount he already got for a deposit it's unlikely that we'll find an estimate less than what he's asking for to fix the whole thing (cause our deposit will be lost)...it's just pretty frustrating, and it's someone who was highly recommended on these forums...
We were planning on staining the whole step, that's why we wanted oak. Everyone else who gave us an estimate seemed to intend to use solid wood, and in fact it does say in the contract "material solid oak"
Posted by: RAR at November 17, 2008 2:59 PM
oh, what if they get kicked and scuffed? My old steps in my other house had really beat up risers. Now I think it's too late since we already told him to get the material to re-do it...
Posted by: RAR at November 17, 2008 3:02 PM
Over many, many years, the risers will get scuffed. Look at risers in any old house and you'll seen them worn away just like the treads. That takes a hundred years though but you're right.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 17, 2008 3:18 PM
if it says "solid oak" in the contract, what is the contractor's state reason for using something different? or does "solid oak" apply just to the treads, and not the risers? if the contract is clear, then seems to be nothing more than a scam.
Posted by: z at November 17, 2008 3:21 PM
The plywood may actually be more stable over the long run. (but it should cost you less!)
Posted by: Park Place at November 17, 2008 3:42 PM
If it was someone who was highly recommended on the forum, please name them here. It drives me crazy that people don't name those contractors with whom they've had problems. You've posted in the past and people will take your word as a warning and appreciate it.
If you are concerned about retribution, then wait until they are done with the work and then post about the whole thing.
Posted by: ownhs at November 17, 2008 3:58 PM
Hey, OWNHS, I am absolutely planning on posting about every workperson I have used (many who came from Brownstoner recs) when I am done, but yes, I would prefer to wait until after the situation has been fully resolved to name names. I only posted part way through to get some opinions on the situation. I would not want other people to have to deal with this.
Posted by: RAR at November 17, 2008 4:42 PM
Cool.
Posted by: ownhs at November 17, 2008 5:59 PM
This is why I always say, Call Al Rosario (Myself) no nonsense when it comes to our work. My best reference is our work. Good Luck, if you need any help do not hesitate to call me...
Al Rosario
ACR GC
(917) 573-3304
Posted by: alrosariojr at November 17, 2008 8:44 PM
solid is the way to go. Plywood is cheaper and faster but not as durable. once they are kicked and scuffed , you will go right through the veneer and refinishing won't fix it.
even if you choose a cheaper solid wood like poplar, you're still better off than plywood.good luck.
Posted by: rano at November 18, 2008 6:48 PM
I realize that this is a somewhat old issue, but I am going through it right now. I am the stair builder in this case. The issue is a difficult one. Yes, the oak is compromised if it is dinged up. And, yes, plywood is a more stable product over the life of the stair. As the stair builder I find a quandry when the customer is looking for the best product for the lowest price possible. If the other guy bids at lower price and says all the same things I do, but he uses ply risers while I charged more for solid oak, he gets the job and can wrangle the issue after the fact.
Any one who swears by one and completely refutes the other is not giving the issue its due dilligence, and, therefore, probably has other issues thatwill cause problems in the future.
If you have questions about stairs of any kind, there is always a passionate and qualified person to answer if you call the Stairway Manufacturers Association, Stairways.org.
Posted by: billthomas at April 7, 2009 8:32 PM
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