MDF stair risers - how to disguise?

TDA10

Hi there,

As the title says really - the treads are wooden of course, and I am sanding them down ready to varnish/stain/wax (when I make my mind up which!), but the MDF risers will be too costly to remove and replace as they aren't just nailed into the supports behind them or whatever, they are fitted into each side of the staircase which is definitely not removable without major works!

The staircase is fully enclosed by 1 outer and 1 inside wall and underneath them (in the cubby hole) they are plastered, so aren't accessible that way if that was an option.

So, the question is, does anyone know if it is possible to buy very thin strips of wood that would make the risers look the same as the treads? Like a sort of facing type thing (IYSWIM?)

They obviously have to be quite thin (like the hardboard type backs of units) else the tread depth is reduced too much.

The risers aren't too different in colour to the treads, but are damaged from the glue and tacks that was used in the old carpet that I have just removed, so they do really needing altering somehow.

I do have the option of the 'lovely' pine effect Fablon as a last resort, but don't really want to use it if I can help it!

Thanks for any help

[Deleted User]

Hi,

don't think Fablon would look good, and anyway you would probably end up with bubbles in it.

What about a wood veneer, have a look here, depends what you want to spend, of course.

OK_Sauce

Have you looked at bonding 1/4 inch ply to the MDF?

PROFESSIONAL_LANDLORD

I do have the option of the 'lovely' pine effect Fablon as a last resort, but don't really want to use it if I can help it!

Pass the sickbag !!!!!!!!!!!!!


OK Sauce, is probably the way to go.

TDA10

Thanks for the replies so far :beer:

Will have a shufty at the 1/4 ply and the wood veneer options - anyone got any more ideas also?

Thanks again

P.S. The Fablon quote in my 1st post was a joke BTW! :eek: My brother viewed a house recently whereby someone had covered a once lovely pine kitchen in electric blue Fablon! :eek: