Stair Tread & Riser Grades

Please note that any clearance or second quality item will not conform to these standards.

BASICS:

  • Graded on the face and nosing.
  • Reverse side can contain any defects so long as they do not compromise strength.
  • May be glued for width or one piece.
  • Filler allowed.

GRADES:

First

  • Well machined – no noticeable profile distortion.
  • No holes. A hole is defined as a fiber void which goes from one side of the piece all the way through to the other.
  • May contain slight chipped grain, slight tear out, mineral & streaks, bright sapwood.
  • May contain knots (typically 1/2in or less) and other fillable defects (e.g. ingrown bark),
    • Due to the nature of the wood, Walnut may contain larger knots.
  • May contain worm holes.
  • No color match standard.

Second

  • Can contain mis-machining including chunks of profile missing.
  • Can contain holes, knots of any size, splits, cracks, incomplete glue seams.
  • May be up to 1/2in shorter or longer than target length.
  • May be up to 1/4in narrower or wider than target width.
  • May contain up to two staves of incorrect species.
  • May contain other defects not listed here.

Character (Rustic)

  • Contains various character markings inherent in the tree, reflecting the natural beauty of hardwood.
  • May contain rough patches where full machining did not take place.
    • May contain thickness variance due to this.
  • May contain knots, worm holes, bird pecks, swirls, burls, and other grain irregularities.
  • May contain stain, streaks and other color variations occurring in the growth of the wood.

Paint

  • May include sound knots, mineral, worm holes, chipped grain.
  • May contain other defects which can be filled.