We have an open staircase going to our second floor area. We like the concept and would like to keep the general form. We've tossed around several designs, including the most beautiful one, which Mark Singer designed and was gracious enough to get drawings to us for. (That one is still my favorite, but may be too cost prohibitive. ) Regardless, one of the main concerns is the treads themselves. The current treads are 42" wide and are 6/4 Pine. (The whole thing is painted and looks like something you'd have leading to a basement! ) I'm assuming that the 6/4 thickness is due to them being open (no risers) and because they're as wide as they are. Would this be a fair assumption on my part?
The tentative plan is to rebuild the entire staircase, keeping the open design. We're leaning toward Hard Maple or Walnut treads. Would either be stronger than the other? Would I need to keep the thickness at 6/4? I'm pretty sure I can get either wood deep enough (10"), but if I can't and need be, would it be prudent to edge glue narrower boards to get the depth necessary? I guess similar questions apply to the stringers. Would Walnut or Maple be sturdier and more stable?
I'm thinking either would work OK for everyday traffic, but one of my big concerns is when heavier items need to be moved up/down, because our daughter's bedroom is up there, as is our main entertainment area. (Future entertainment center, heavy flat screen CRT TV, couches, etc...) Suggestions, tips and recommendations highly appreciated. Looks like this will be a Fall/Winter project, so now is the time to start thinking about it and stocking necessary materials.