Stair Step Risers

[jar45]

Does anyone have experience using 3/4" cabinet grade, oak veneer plywood for stair risers?  The step rise on the individual stairs are approximately  9 1/4" and 38" in width.  The treads will be stained solid red oak.    The current plan is to paint the risers a high gloss white.

Thanks
John

 

[G3Trim]

First I wouldn't use oak and paint it, you will get a very grainy finish. I would suggest you use birch ply instead. Second, that is a very tall rise. its about a 1 1/4" over code. are you just refinishing a existing stair case? 

 

[jar45]

The stairs are existing and were build after the house was completed.  You are correct, these steps are steep.  They had carpet which I removed and as is often the case in remodeling, found a few surprises. 

For the risers, I considered joining 3/4 solid boards to make the width but I think 3/4" Plywood would be as strong and likely more stable.

Thanks
John

 

[tiralie]

Should be no problem.
I have replaced an existing riser of veneered chipboard with another 3/4" white oak veneered chipboard riser on a 38" step.
The client painted it white as well.
Tim

 

[G3Trim]

The 3/4" ply will be plenty strong enough and a lot cheaper then solid wood. You also might look into using pre primed finger jointed pine or popular in a 1"x10". It may be a little more expensive but would save you a step in the finishing.

 

[jar45]

Thanks for all the comments.  Much appreciated.

John

 

[James Biddle]

I just used MDO on my risers.  Strong, stable, and a smooth face for painting.