<!–ACNTP
One of the commonest tread related questions is this : “Are your stair treads solid or veneered?” Step treads are generally sold as a solid glue-laminated product or “engineered”. The most common stair tread is the glue-laminated product. These are three, four piece laminations, sometimes 1″ thick.
Glue-lamination is understood to be “the bonding of two members with an adhesive forming a tight joint with no observable delamination at the lines of application.” Bar or pressure clamps are used in the procedure which result in joints that are sometimes stronger than the encompassing material. Good color match is mandatory. One does not want the look “Neapolitan ice cream” in their step. Nevertheless in the present day's market that doesn't stay true as folk have started asking for colour, variations, even knots in their delivered product. The reason for the glue-lamination process is to create a product that will not twist over a period. Treads are 5 / four F.A.S. Or select grade materials, glue-laminated, then surfaced down to 1″ thickness.
Most makers mill or stock 36″, 42″, 48″, 54″, 60, and 72″ stair treads. Now we come to the facts concerning engineered treads. These are an import product, most commonly entering the States from China. Devised treads are also referred to as veneered stair treads.
Outside the fact that these are imports, the upside is the undeniable fact that designed treads are superior to the conventional USA-made glue-laminated treads. They are created as an oak butcher block then layered top and bottom with 1 / 8″ of solid oak with an attached nose. With the laminations involved, the designed satisfy the AWI standards for glue-lamination and then some, presenting the builder and home owner with a product that would doubtless out last the standard.
Me, I prefer the standard glue-laminated, USA-made treads. If you purchase a stair tread and the box is marked Made in the United States, chances are it was Amish-made. The Amish in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Iowa are fairly well known for their woodworking which includes stair treads.
ACNTPEND–>
No comments yet.