Are pine (not hardwood) steps okay for an interior staircase?

Question

I removed the old carpet from our staircase and while the steps beneath the carpet were not finished, they could be with a little work, to which I am not opposed. My husband says they cannot be finished due to the fact that they are pine and pine is too soft for such a high traffic area. He's concerned they will dent and chip along the edges. I really want to have a wood staircase, though. I think the pine would wear just fine, especially when compared to the wear carpet would get if we re-carpet the stairs. What do you think? The house was built in 1994.

Answer 1

The wood used on your staircase (pine,built 1994) was never intended to be used for anything other than support. You can put lipstick on a pig, but it will still be a pig.

People in 100 year old homes in "historic districts" can get by with this quaint rustic look, but it doesn't (usually) look right in today's modern homes.

Lowe's and Home Depot sell oak treads (unfinished) that can be installed on your staircase if you really want a wood staircase.^

Answer 2

The Norm is that most stairs today use Yellow pine. Yellow pine is ok and it is harder then you think. Today Most just carpet over the pine stairs.What you can  do is finish the edges of the stairs. I have since many ppl do that. You come in about 6 to 8 inches from each side. You finish that part then you use a carpet runner down the center. IF you do refinsh use a good poly on it. So that mean you have to do the tread and risers on each stair. It will take a bit of work but, it will look nice. Also yes you could refinish the whole stairs. Trust me,Way to much work,use the  runner idea.

Answer 3

Yep i agree with you . Over a hundred years you might start to see some grooves appearing but over all if the pine is thick enough it should more than handle domestic traffic, and will look fantastic when lacquered, just  make sure you put the non slip strip edging on though cos they will get slippery when wet and the strips will help protect the edge's integrity. good luck....

Answer 4

Sorry,,,,,but hubby is right. The wood is not very hard and it will not wear well at all. High heels will leave indentations and, yes, the edges and corners will chip off. Re-cover them or replace them with a hard wood.

Answer 5

sure, they will work fine. you can clean them up, stain and poly.

Answer 6

Likely not common white pine, which is... soft.

Pine treads are usually SYP...southern yellow pine which is

used to make pressure treated decking.

Properly finished , it will wear well.

Like the look of pine? ...go for it.

Best regards