I am replacing the existing stairs that lead from the first floor to the second floor. I have ordered the railings,balusters,newels,treads,risers, etc. through Loews home improvement. The manufacturer is L.J.Smith.
I ordered the wood in oak. My question is what is the best method to stain this red oak. I will be staining the oak with a golden oak finish. Should I go oil base or water base? Should I use urethane coating like a product that I can't remember that starts with a V and has diamond sheild on the label.
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- Staining of Red Oak Stairs
My first suggestion, although it isn't about staining, is that I hope you ordered your new stairs as a complete prefabricated unit and not as individual risers and treads.
The reason is that you may create massive problems for yourself by trying to individual remove and replace indivdual treads and risers. Ordering the stairs pre-fab is the only way to fly....
That said, I suggest using only an oil base stain. I have yet to meet a water based stain I like.
Varathane is but one brand of polyurethane. It's good. I have used it. I'd use it again but don't find it any more or less superior to other brands. Considering the price (near $40 US a gallon here) I usually do use other brands...
