How to replace stairs tread and have same finish?

[fabien]

Hi Community

i have a couple of stairs treads which are starting to rot from the inside due to rain and i m considering replacing them 

dimensions 125cms (L)x 25 cms (W)   x 4.5 cm(H) 

1 - I can't seem to find the exact same dimensions from bunnings can you please advise if this can be cut to size in similar materials ?

2 - I want to make sure i have same finish in the end so would appreciate some guidance on what kind of outdoor oil i would need to apply 

thank you  

[MitchellMc]

Hi @fabien,

It might be difficult to find a replacement because your existing treads are 250mm deep, whereas most standard outdoor stair treads are around 240mm. That small 10mm difference makes it tricky to find an exact match off the shelf. You could either use a 240mm-wide tread and leave a small overhang or gap, or cut down 290mm timber. Unfortunately, we are unable to make cuts along the length of boards; you'd need to do that at home with a circular saw.

Once you have the right size, use an outdoor-rated oil such as Cabot’s Merbau Decking Oil to achieve a consistent finish with the rest of the staircase. Applying two coats should help blend the colour evenly and protect the new treads from moisture and weathering. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[fabien]

thanks @MitchellMc  

i think i would be fine with depth of 24cms instead of 25cms we would hardly notice - but i do need 125cms in length or it would stand out - i see bunnings only offers 0.9m length for the merbau stair tread (which i think is what i would need to use ) ?

[MitchellMc]

It would be slightly more budget-friendly to use 240 x 45mm outdoor framing timber than to cut down two 1.8m stair treads @fabien. You could ask the team in-store if they can cut it down to 125 cm for you.

Mitchell

[fabien]

good plan thanks @MitchellMc 

[fabien]

hi @MitchellMc

after 3 coatings of merbau aquadeck oil i m still miles away from the required finish - do you know if there would be anything else i can use to make sure i get the original darker look?

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @fabien,

Without knowing what was originally used, it would be difficult to get the colour perfectly matched and considering you have pine, and the rest of the steps appear to be hardwood, it is going to be even tougher.

The merbau stain generally looks much darker when applied to a darker wood, but unfortunately, it hasn't come out great.

To have a chance at getting the colour closer, you'd need to use a darker coloured oil. Something like Intergrain Clear Universal Timber Oil mixed with Intergrain Roast Walnut Colour Additive might go close, but I can't guarantee it would be the same.

Unfortunately, this would mean removing the oil that was applied to your step using a product like Intergrain Liquid 8 Timber Stripper.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob