I am re-building deck stairs and would like to build the new stair stringers using exterior grade or Pressure Treated laminated or engineered lumber that won't warp or bow. I need to buy four 2 X 12's at least 16 ft long. Thanks in advance for your help and advice.
2007-04-08 07:40:30 · 8 answers · asked by GAValkRider 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
As a contractor I've never seen exterior grade engineered lumber. If it is exposed to the weather make absolutely sure is it is desgned for continuous exposure, Some products like exterior plywood may be called exterior grade but that is only intended for the time of exposure during construction, not continous exposure.
2007-04-08 12:28:59 · answer #1 · answered by stedyedy 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋
It is difficult, if not impossible to find treated forms of laminated (LVL or glu-laminated) lumber. If you were to find them, you'd pay dearly. Go to a real lumberyard, not Lowe's or Home Depot. There you will find treated 2x12's in #1 grade Southern Yellow Pine, which will be suitable for any step. If you are making your step 36" wide or less, use 3 of these for your stringers. If 48" use 4, etc. All lumber may bow or warp - it's wood, and wood does that. When you go to the lumberyard, tell the yard guy you are using these for stair stringers, and need some good ones. Be nice, and he'll help you. If your treated lumber is to be stored outside, you should cover it to keep it out of the sun - that's what will make it warp or bow. You should also install the lumber as soon as you can after purchase to minimize the warping.
2016-03-17 21:55:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Exterior Lvl
2016-10-29 04:45:35 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no exterior grade laminated or engineered lumber.
The best product for exterior stairs is 'green' (acq) treated lumber. This can be covered with any number of products, cedar, trex composite, etc. ACQ will withstand the elements for many years.
2007-04-08 13:50:09 · answer #4 · answered by mstrcarp44 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Home Depot
These dummies who claim there is no such product don't know what they're talking about. Home Depot, Lowes and many other places sell engineered lumber for exterior use. If you don't believe me do a web search. Like the guy below said, Trex Deck, is one example.
2007-04-08 08:02:00 · answer #5 · answered by Parercut Faint 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
If you are planning to start on your woodworking project, this isn't something you should use, it's something that you would be insane not to. Go here https://tr.im/IOUlj
Truth is, I've been a carpenter for almost 36 years, and I haven't found anything like this for less than 10's of thousands of dollars.
2016-02-11 06:30:26 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never seen laminated or engineered lumber for all weather. I always use treated 2X12 for stair stringers. If they are so long that it's bouncy, I add support in the middle.
2007-04-08 12:35:14 · answer #7 · answered by morris 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
As one other answer states, I too have not heard of what you seek, and I've been at this a long time.
For your effort and energy why not just go Composite? Trex, etc, make a great product that will offer what you're looking for, likely for a similar price, and less shopping.
Steven Wolf
2007-04-08 12:33:29 · answer #8 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 5⤋
you can buy TREX DECKING at home depot or lowe's
2007-04-09 08:36:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
depends on where you live, what country do you live in
2007-04-08 09:49:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋