The Beauty and Longevity of Rift Sawn White Oak Stair Treads

The Beauty and Durability of Rift Sawn White Oak Stair Treads

When designing or renovating a staircase, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right material for the stair treads. Not only do they need to look beautiful and match your home's style, but they also need to be durable enough to handle years of foot traffic.

One of the best options for stair treads is rift sawn white oak. This high-quality hardwood is admired for its attractive appearance and incredible strength. Keep reading to learn all about using rift sawn white oak for your next staircase project.

What is Rift Sawn White Oak?

White oak is a classic American hardwood that's valued for its appealing grain patterns and natural light tan to light brown color. It's known for its tremendous durability, stiffness, and stability.

Rift sawn is a method of cutting white oak lumber that results in a straight, uniform grain pattern. It minimizes the flake-like rays that are common in other white oak cuts like quarter sawn or plain sawn.

The rift sawn technique aligns the lumber cuts with the wood's medullary rays. This brings out the attractive cathedral grain patterns that make white oak so desirable.

By maximizing the straight grain and minimizing disruptive ray fleck, rift sawn white oak has a very refined, consistent appearance perfect for stair treads.

Benefits of Using Rift Sawn White Oak Stair Treads

There are many great benefits that make rift sawn white oak an exceptional choice for staircase treads:

• Stunning Appearance - The uniform straight grain and natural wood tones create a clean, contemporary look.
• Durability - White oak is extremely hard and wear-resistant, able to withstand decades of foot traffic.
• Stability - Properly kiln dried rift sawn oak resists cupping, warping, and cracks.
• Workability - Oak machines well and accepts nails, screws, and glue easily.

Oak's hardness does make it more challenging to work with than softer woods. But the unmatched beauty and resilience are worth the extra effort.

Crafting Rift Sawn White Oak Stair Treads

Solid rift sawn white oak boards make exceptional stair treads that can be incorporated into all different staircase designs and styles. Here are some tips for fabrication and installation:

• Select boards that are straight grained and free of defect. Stairs take a lot of abuse, so quality material is a must.
• Machine the boards to the desired thickness, width, and length. Recommended is at least 3/4" thick, 11 1/2" deep, and a width to match your stairs.
• Optionally apply a round over edge to soften the tread and eliminate sharp corners.
• Sand the treads through the grits, up to 120-150 for a smooth ready-to-finish surface.
• Finish as desired with poly, oil, or other coating to protect and enhance the wood.
• Install securely using glue, nails, screws, and/or joinery depending on your stair design.

Always take safety precautions when working with powered saws, wear dust masks when sanding, and follow the finish manufacturer's directions. With proper fabrication and protection, your oak treads will maintain their beauty for decades.

Finishing to Highlight Rift Sawn Grain

The right finishing process can further accentuate the desirable grain patterns in rift sawn white oak:

• Penetrating oils like tung or linseed oil help highlight grain while protecting the wood.
• Light stains add color while still allowing the grain below to show through.
• Clear film finishes like polyurethane provide protection without altering color.
• Brushing the finish on helps accentuate grain texture better than spraying.
• Extra coats and sanding between coats will create a smooth, glass-like surface.

Always do a test sample on scrap wood first when trying a new finishing method. The ideal approach enhances the oak's natural beauty without looking unnatural or excessive.

Rift Sawn Oak Stair Tread Styles

Some popular styles of rift sawn white oak staircase treads include:

• Traditional - Simple rectangular treads installed flush to the risers suit classic staircases.
• Bullnose - A rounded front edge softens the look for Arts & Crafts homes.
• Mission - Square ends and lack of overhang has an early 20th century style.
• Contemporary - Floating, frameless treads with hidden brackets create a clean look.
• Industrial - Oversize treads with square ends and gaps embrace an urban loft aesthetic.

Rift cut oak's neutral good looks allow it to work with stairs of all kinds. Use your treads to evoke the specific mood you want for your home.

Crafting Rift Sawn White Oak Stair Treads

Fabricating your own custom rift sawn white oak stair treads is deeply rewarding. Here is an overview of the process:

Picking Your Boards

Carefully hand select each board you'll use for your treads at the lumberyard. Look for:

• Straight, vertical grain lines for strength.
• Minimum knots and blemishes.
• Continuous rift sawn pattern for consistency.
• Moisture content of 6-9% for stability.
• Surfaces free of imperfections like planer marks.

Quality boards may cost more, but they'll make fabrication much easier and give better long term durability.

Milling the Treads

Once your rift sawn white oak boards are chosen, it's time to mill them into treads:

1. Cut boards to rough length, leaving extra on each end for trimming.
2. Surface one face on the jointer for straight, parallel edges.
3. Plane the boards to your desired finished thickness, e.g. 3/4".
4. Cut to final tread width based on your stairs on the table saw.
5. Cut boards to exact tread length plus 1/16" extra on the miter saw.
6. Add edge profiles like roundovers if desired.

Take light final passes and change blades/knives when needed for clean cuts. Rushing the milling risks tear-out or irregularities.

Sanding and Prep Work

Now you're ready to transform your milled oak into glassy smooth treads:

1. Sand starting with 80 grit to remove mill marks, then 120, and lastly 150-180.
2. Thoroughly hand sand edges and ends to remove saw marks.
3. Clean wood debris and dust offbetween grits for a flush surface.
4. Apply filler sparingly to any small knots and flaws.
5. Allow filler to dry fully and sand flush when hard.

It's crucial to sand oak very well before finishing to prevent absorbed finish from creating dark spots at flaws.

Sealing and Protecting the Wood

The final step is applying a protective finish to preserve the oak's beauty:

1. Wipe on a sanding sealer coat to stabilize the wood.
2. Apply your chosen finish according to manufacturer directions.
3. Add extra coats (at least 3) for improved protection.
4. Buff the surface gently with steel wool between coats.
5. Add a final wax topcoat after the finish cures to increase scruff resistance.

Use tack cloths between coating steps to pick up dust for a smooth, mirror-like finish.

Installing Rift Sawn Oak Stair Treads

Once your rift sawn white oak treads are fabricated, it's time to install them safely and securely in place. Here are some best practices:

Traditional Installation

For typical stairs with stringers, risers, and overhanging treads:

• Predrill and countersink holes to prevent splitting.
• Use 2-3 coated deck screws into each stringer near the back edge.
• Apply polyurethane compatible adhesive before fastening.
• Ensure tread spacing and overhang meet local code.

Allow the adhesive to cure fully (24-48 hours) before using the stairs. Test each tread thoroughly before relying on the installation.

Floating Installation

For a clean, modern look without visible fasteners:

• Attach metal tread brackets into the stringers.
• Position treads and secure with screws up through bracket slots.
• Conceal brackets with finish trim pieces for seamless appearance.

This method allows the treads to expand and contract naturally without cracking. Make sure underlying structure is sufficient to hold weight.

Glue Down Installation

This approach works for treads without strings or risers:

• Thoroughly clean subfloor and acclimate treads to space.
• Apply adhesive designed for hardwood treads.
• Press treads into adhesive and weight down until cured.
• Use tapcons or screws at edges and ends if needed.

Take extra care preparing the subfloor surface so the adhesive bonds tightly. Follow the adhesive manufacturer's recommendations closely.

Finishing Touches

To complete your stair installation:

• Inspect each tread carefully to ensure proper adhesion and no movement.
• Use trim and molding to conceal edges and gaps if needed.
• Add a final coat of protective finish if desired.
• Use riser material to cover spaces between treads.

Take your time during installation to get optimal results. Proper tread placement and angles are critical for both aesthetics and safety.

Maintaining Your Oak Stair Treads

With their hard, durable nature, rift sawn white oak treads need minimal maintenance to stay beautiful for years. Keep these tips in mind:

• Place natural fiber rugs or runners on treads to prevent scratches and dents.
• Keep grit and dirt off stairs by frequent vacuuming and dust mopping.
• Reapply protective finish coats as needed when wear appears.
• Refrain from using water or harsh chemicals to clean.

Oak's dense grain naturally resists liquid and dirt penetration. Use mild cleaners like Murphy's Oil Soap and soft microfiber cloths when cleaning.

With periodic renewal of the finish and proper daily care, your rift sawn oak stair treads will maintain their like-new appearance and retain their value.

Refinishing Worn Treads

If your oak treads ever do show significant wear, don't replace them - refinish them instead. Here's how:

1. Sand down to fresh wood with 80 then 120 grit paper.
2. Vacuum thoroughly and wipe clean with a dry cloth.
3. Apply your new finish according to manufacturer directions.
4. Add 2-3 coats for maximum durability.
5. Buff with steel wool and apply wax when cured.

This refinishing can be done in place and makes the treads look like new again. Match the original finish or experiment with a fresh look.

Repairing Damage

For small chips, dents, or pet scratches, make repairs as follows:

• Sand damaged area lightly to remove splinters and smooth edges.
• Use matching wood filler to fill any gaps or losses.
• Sand flush and vacuum away dust once dry.
• Spot refinish repaired areas to blend with surroundings.

Larger damaged spots may need to have a filler block glued in before refinishing. Take a careful color-matched approach to repairs.

The Beauty and Longevity of Rift Sawn White Oak Treads

When thoughtfully designed, properly crafted, and maintained with care, rift sawn white oak stair treads will adorn your staircase beautifully for decades to come. Their refined, contemporary grain patterns combined with incredible resilience make them a go-to choice for discerning homeowners and designers.

Investing the time to hand select quality lumber, patiently mill and finish the treads, and install them securely will all pay off in stellar results. Your oak staircase will impress visitors and hold up to busy family life with elegance and character.

FAQs

Why is rift sawn oak a good choice for stair treads?

Rift sawn white oak is valued for stair treads because of its hardness, natural beauty, and straight grain patterns that provide strength. Oak's stiffness and density allow it to withstand decades of foot traffic.

What are the benefits of making your own custom stair treads?

Crafting your own treads allows you to hand pick the perfect boards, achieve exactly the size and style you want, and give them any edge profile that fits your design. It also allows you to control the fabrication quality and apply your desired finish.

What tools do I need to make my own oak treads?

You'll need a jointer, thickness planer, miter saw, table saw, sanders, and common hand tools. Also required are clamps, safety gear, a workbench, and a dust collection system. Basic woodworking skills are necessary.

What maintenance do oak stair treads need?

Keep grit off treads with frequent dusting and vacuuming. Reapply protective finish coats when wear appears. Use only mild cleaners and soft cloths to clean. Refinish treads if they become excessively worn or damaged.

How do I repair scratches or damage in oak treads?

Lightly sand damaged areas, fill with matching wood filler if needed, and spot refinish to blend repairs. Severe damage may need a replacement filler block installed and full tread refinishing.