Just about the most common tread related

Just about the most common tread related questions is: "Are your stair treads strong or veneered? "

Stair treads are generally sold as a solid glue-laminated product or "engineered".

The most common step tread is the glue-laminated product. They are three, four piece laminations, generally 1" thick. Glue-lamination ironworks is defined as "the bonding of two members by having an adhesive forming a tight joint without visible delamination at the lines regarding application. " Bar or pressure clamps are used in the process which lead to joints that are usually stronger compared to surrounding material. Good color fit is necessary. One doesn't want the appearance "Neapolitan ice cream" in their stair. However, in today's market that doesn't hold authentic as people have begun asking for coloring, variations, even knots in their delivered product. The reason for the glue-lamination method is to create a product that will not twist or warp over time.

Treads happen to be 5/4 F. A. S. or perhaps select grade materials, glue-laminated, next surfaced down to 1" thickness. The majority of manufacturers mill or stock 36", 42", 48", 54", 60, plus 72" stair treads.

Now we come to the facts concerning engineered treads. These are generally an import product, most commonly posting the USA from China. Engineered treads are also known as veneered stair treads. Not in the fact that these are imports, the upside is because engineered treads are superior to the regular USA-made glue-laminated treads. They are developed as an oak butcher block then layered top and bottom having 1/8" of solid oak using an attached nose. With the laminations involved, the engineered satisfy the AWI expectations for glue-lamination and then some, delivering the builder and home owner with a product that would probably out final the standard.

Me, I personally prefer the regular glue-laminated, USA-made treads. If you purchase a stair tread and the box is usually marked Made in the USA, odds are it was Amish-made. The Amish in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Iowa are very well known for their woodworking which includes stair treads.