| If you've built as many stairways as I have, this | | | | and down the stairway, while the stair treads are |
| is a very simple question to answer. Should I use | | | | moving, does not give you a strong sense that |
| 2 x 12 or 3 x 12 for my stair treads? Without a | | | | the stairway is safe. And of course sometimes |
| doubt I would use the 3 x 12 for a couple of | | | | the stairway isn't. |
| reasons. | | | | For example if you have a 3 inch knot in a 2 x 12 |
| The thickness of the three by material gives it | | | | stair tread, over time as the wood expands and |
| some additional strength and that strength could | | | | contracts, the knot can loosen up and fall out of |
| prevent someone from falling through the | | | | the stair tread, often creating a weak spot in the |
| stairway and getting injured. Visually looking at the | | | | step. With a thicker stair tread, it will take a little |
| 3 x 12 it gives you the illusion that the stairway is | | | | more expanding and contracting to create a weak |
| safe. Once you start walking up the stairway and | | | | spot in the stair step. |
| the stairs seem solid and well constructed, it | | | | If you're building a stairway wider than 36 inches, |
| takes the illusion and makes it a reality. | | | | with no center stair stringers to support the |
| If you're walking up a poorly constructed stairway | | | | stairway, I would suggest using a 3 x 12 or 4 x |
| every day, not only is it a safety problem but it | | | | 12 for your stair treads. 2 x 12 should not be |
| takes a little bit of effort as you walk up the | | | | used for stair treads on any staircase wider than |
| stairway, holding on to the hand rail with a death | | | | 36 inches. |
| grip, this can easily wear someone out physically | | | | If you choose to use 2 x 12 for your stair |
| and mentally, over time. Stairways should be | | | | treads, select premium grade lumber for safety. |
| constructed and maintained with safety as the | | | | Try to avoid using center cut building materials |
| main priority. | | | | and 2 x 12 with knots larger than an inch and a |
| If you've ever walked up and older stairway that | | | | half. Large knots are one of the biggest problems |
| was built using 2 x 12 for the stair treads, you | | | | in construction safety. |
| probably know what I'm talking about. Walking up | | | | |