On May 31, 1:16 pm, "Vass" wrote:
"John Rumm" wrote in message

... Vass wrote:

Question to the group, Are these MDF steps OK? any known problems, should
they be sealed with something?

Its a fairly standard material to use for them these days. Its
dimensionally stable and hence does not tend to cup and twist like planks
can. Hence it stays quieter. Under carpet it would be fine. No need to
seal with anything in particular, but there is nothing stopping you giving
it a coat of quick drying varnish if you want.

Since you specified real wood, I would either ask for a small discount
(say 10-20%) or use it as a bargaining chip later when you want something
from the builder.

thanks John
feel better about it now
cheers
--
Vass

You aught to tape some ply on the stairs as there is work going on
that will damage them. It is fairly unusual to get uprights (risers
that are not either mdf or ply, these days.)

A coat of 1 part varnish to 1 part meths or turps will give it some
protection from watermarks.

I'd opt for a price cut as you are stuck between other needs. But why
did you not check the thing when it was delivered? It would have been
fairly easy to replace the risers if the thing was still unfitted. Not
an easy job but doable.