Care & Usage

Proper Storage & Usage of Your Hardwood Stair Treads

Our hardwood lumber has been kiln dried to approx. 6%-8% M.C., and was then transformed into stair tread panels at that volume.

Hardwood stair treads will change in volume as they expand and/or contract to adapt to their new atmospheric conditions (especially before they are treated/coated).

In order to avoid any end-checks, end-splits, and warpage (cupping) before coating, please adhere to the following for best results:

– Store in a Dry Warehouse

– Do Not Expose to Direct Sunlight or air velocity

– Let pallet acclimate to new environment temperature for at least 24 hours

– Unwrap plastic for new treads

– Keep unused treads in wrapping

– Cover top of unused treads

– Especially during summer months, do not allow ambient air to affect only one face of the hardwood stair tread

– Expose both sides of the tread for more even volumetric changes

-These hardwood components have been end-coated with a sealer to help lock in humidity levels, and to keep volumetric stability. From time to time, a faint discoloration may show up on the edge of the surface of the tread. This is normal and does not adversely affect sandability and finishing (in fact, this exact product is also used by many leading table-top finishers before sanding). The discoloration comes right out with a very light hand sanding.

– It’s best practice to advise the construction site superintendent that installed staircase must be kept dry and covered (protected) from the tradesmen that may be using the staircase to access the home

– If stair treads are re-sanded, we carry no responsibility for orange-peel and/or wavy color finish in the stain.