Those of you with indoor stairs made of solid ash or oak (I assume the type of wood doesn't really matter), what are the pros and cons of surface treating with oil versus lacquer?
Some carpenters I've talked to advocate for oil and some for lacquer.
From what I understand, there is some maintenance for an oiled staircase, but how much?
Appreciate all comments since I'll hopefully be ordering our staircase soon
Some carpenters I've talked to advocate for oil and some for lacquer.
From what I understand, there is some maintenance for an oiled staircase, but how much?
Appreciate all comments since I'll hopefully be ordering our staircase soon
Hello!
We lacquered our stairs with matte lacquer. I can imagine that a bare wood oiled staircase won't be as resistant to dirt and discoloration, but if you're prepared for the extra maintenance, I think an oiled staircase would look both nice and feel "natural" to walk on.
We lacquered our stairs with matte lacquer. I can imagine that a bare wood oiled staircase won't be as resistant to dirt and discoloration, but if you're prepared for the extra maintenance, I think an oiled staircase would look both nice and feel "natural" to walk on.
Matte lacquering is perfectly fine. Durable and not as glossy as "regular" floor lacquer. But tastes, as they say, vary...
Feel free to try it on a piece of wood first to see the difference in surfaces. It might be a bit easier to decide then.
Best regards, Nisse
Feel free to try it on a piece of wood first to see the difference in surfaces. It might be a bit easier to decide then.
Best regards, Nisse
I have now been in contact with our stair builder and received an explanation as to why he prefers oil.
When you walk on a staircase, you experience pinpoint wear, meaning you walk and wear down more or less the same area all the time.
According to him, if you have an oiled staircase, you only need to treat the worn area with new oil instead of sanding down lacquer and re-lacquering.
He suggested that you need to oil the staircase for the first 2 to 3 years and after that, it is more or less maintenance-free.
Does that sound reasonable, or what do you think?
When you walk on a staircase, you experience pinpoint wear, meaning you walk and wear down more or less the same area all the time.
According to him, if you have an oiled staircase, you only need to treat the worn area with new oil instead of sanding down lacquer and re-lacquering.
He suggested that you need to oil the staircase for the first 2 to 3 years and after that, it is more or less maintenance-free.
Does that sound reasonable, or what do you think?