1

My indoor basement stair treads are currently made of 5/8 OSB nailed to the stringers.

I plan to replace them with new glue+screw plywood.

I'm considering 3/4 Baltic Birch ply for this because of its exceptional stability and exterior-grade glue on all layers.

I'm also considering 1-1/4 plywood but I wonder if the thicker+fewer layers and different adhesives actually make it less performative.

Cost differences are negligible.

Is Baltic Birch appropriate for this use? Should I prefer 1-1/4 plywood?

I'm aware of the code for height of risers and it's not relevant to this decision.

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

I don’t see an advantage of using hardwood veneer plywood over spf veneer plywood, unless it’s going to be your “finish” layer.

Yes, thicker is better, but required thickness is a product of span, (how far apart the stringers are located).

Those numbers (48/24 for example) stamped on the plywood mean maximum span for roofs followed by maximum span for floors...but that is for subfloor, not finish floor.

Improve this answer
2
  • I'm going to install hard wood over them. I guess im thinking the Baltic Birch will be stronger and keep together better than generic ccx fir ply or osb
    – Matthew
    Commented Sep 9, 2018 at 1:07
  • @Matthew I don’t think one type of plywood is stronger than another, but make sure the top and bottom plies run perpendicular to supports.
    – Lee Sam
    Commented Sep 9, 2018 at 1:13

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.