How many coats of polyurethane for stairs?

[lofsfire]

Just finished installing, staining, and now have 4 heavy coats of polyurethane (Varathane - water basted) on my new stairs.

My question is how many coats should I do? I would like to finish and move on to other jobs. But want to know that it will last. The can says a "minimum of 4 coats". Which is where I'm at now. Do I do more or is 4 enough?

 

[snodogg]

I did a similar project and only did 3 coats, I figured if the finish gets dinged up I can always sand and re-coat. I figure the treads are going to get beat up no matter how many coats. I'd move on to the next project.

 

[ezra]

3 then put down a runner!tell all home owners you need a runner on stairs they always say the same thing In love the way they look natural.any place from 3 mo to a yr the phone rings we need a runner so and so sliped fell down the stairs yeah I know it wont happen to me just remember this warning when you are getting your arm fixed

 

[catalac]

Brotherinlaw didn't have a runner, and fell, was in bed for a week, or more.

 

[csmith]

Been a hardwood floor installer, for 18 years. We have always put 3 coats of finish on, no matter water base or oil base. The mil thickness of the finish can be seen different under microscope not by the common eye. Just remember if you have a large dog they will get scratched or at least the finish will get indented. Elephant weight won't damage floor finish, women in high heels will!! Weight disbursment on a hoof less than pin point heels.

 

[lofsfire]

Brotherinlaw didn't have a runner, and fell, was in bed for a week, or more.

One of my friends moms use to wax the last few stairs so when we were in the house we would all walk.

Been a hardwood floor installer, for 18 years. We have always put 3 coats of finish on, no matter water base or oil base. The mil thickness of the finish can be seen different under microscope not by the common eye. Just remember if you have a large dog they will get scratched or at least the finish will get indented. Elephant weight won't damage floor finish, women in high heels will!! Weight disbursment on a hoof less than pin point heels.

No pets yet, but I know what Nails and high heal will do to wood floors. but thanks for the reminder.

There where no responses yesterday when I need to make a decision, so I put a total of 5 coats on both sets of stairs Just need to do some finish trim and the rail and they will be done.

 

[peterdb]

i am a painter. have been for 27 yrs. own my own biz the last 15 yrs. 4 coats is plenty! you can move on to something else and have complete peice of mind that your stairs are protected.

 

[lofsfire]

Again Thanks for the responses. Here are some pictures, the pictures don't real do the stairs justice. It was hard to get a good picture that did not make them look real dark or to light.

 

[98panther]

They look great now you can start on the handrail. ;D

 

[snobuilder]

stairs look great!

 

[snobuilder]

yea, the handrail could have been done with the steps assuming you will be drilling the balisters into each tread.


We just refinished the pine floors in my sons house and used the Varthane oil based poly,...you can lay that stuff on very thick,...we used 2 coats of fairly heavy application ,...sanded and then one last heavy coat that used more than the first (soaked in) coat.
we like the results,...it turned a nice golden tone.