"Montyhp" wrote in message
...
Just moved into a new (well, new to me, house). First floor is all tile
and
hardwood (oak). Second floor is all hideous teal carpet (all the rage 10
years ago, I guess). We have ordered all new carpets, but SWMBO wants me
to
change the stairs to oak treads and white painted risers. The stairs are
still carpeted, so I am not positive, but I think they are make out of
OSB.

Probably plywood, maybe even pine boards (mine wre) and who kow, maybe you
got lucky and they covered up real hardwood. It does happen.



My idea is to make a cap for each stair out of 1/4" plywood with a solid
edge. I have a few questions:

-What type of plywood should I use? Just BORG oak face or is there a
better
grade out there that I should find?

I'd say none of the above, base on my own experience. I have a split entry
and covered the stairs. At the time, maybe 7 years ago, laminates were
getting popular and engineered hardwood was not known, at least to me. I
chose WilsonArt laminate. www.wilsonart.com This is tough stuff that will
not wear out. I can't see anything different from the day it was installed
in the most trafficked part of the house.

They make a bullnose for the stair front and you use the boards for the
treads and risers. It is glued in place.

If I was doing it today, I'd use engineered wood and the matching stair
molding. I put engineered wood in my family room and hall.
www.mannington.com

Either way, you will have a durable, professional job.
Ed

http://pages.cthome.net/edhome