Our staircase has been delayed, but I have all the stringers installed in the stairwell. The stringers are 45mm wide, and I think the largest span is a little over a meter (about 1200mm). I'm now considering building a temporary staircase by cutting steps from 22mm chipboard. Will the chipboard support adults walking on the stairs and carrying furniture, etc.? It's okay if it flexes a bit, but will it hold up?
Of course, I could switch to plywood instead, but it is significantly more expensive, and I think plywood might lead to more splinters in feet, etc. Chipboard also feels easier to work with since the surfaces are smooth.
Of course, I could switch to plywood instead, but it is significantly more expensive, and I think plywood might lead to more splinters in feet, etc. Chipboard also feels easier to work with since the surfaces are smooth.
Know-It-All
· Västra Götaland
· 12 305 posts
Steps in 22mm chipboard that should support about 1200mm between supports? I wouldn't count on that. I would probably go with 45x220 joists instead.
If you also make risers out of the same material, the steps can probably hold in 22mm particle board. Without risers, not a chance.
"Cut neatly"? The staircase was supposed to be temporary!?!? 
If you follow Johannes' advice, you won't have to watch your brother-in-law crash through the stairs with an armful of your wife's collection of porcelain cats.
Personally, I wouldn't have stepped on a 30-ish cm wide 22mm chipboard with a span even just under 1 meter, even unloaded.
If you follow Johannes' advice, you won't have to watch your brother-in-law crash through the stairs with an armful of your wife's collection of porcelain cats.
Personally, I wouldn't have stepped on a 30-ish cm wide 22mm chipboard with a span even just under 1 meter, even unloaded.