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.
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 in response to plywood stair risers?!