What's the best wood for ladder steps?

[simmonct]

Hello! What is the best wood (or other material) to use for the swim ladder steps? I am rebuilding the ladder and like the look of wood, but am open to other creative alternatives...any suggestions?

Thanks,

Chris

 

[Steve Dion]

There are plastic steps that you can purchase. You can also use some of the Faux Teak type material. I would not use wood.

 

[thinwater]

Not wood

They rot quicker than you think, even if epoxied. Someone can get hurt. Go plastic, something solid like Starboard. There is also plastic lumber at the lumberyard, but some is not very strong.

 

[zeehag]

teak is pricey but is THE best antiskid material known to gods and man. easy care on a swim step--wash in salt water daily and is awesome. do not epoxy nor varnish it. . plastics will make ye slide and slip. have fun.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Bought 1x2 from PlasTeak and routed in a couple of grooves for traction. Ten years later the steps look like the day I bolted them on. Wish I had a better picture. http://www.plasteak.com/plasteak-re...m-wood-replacement-of-any-shape-or-size-today

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Wooden steps look great for the first year but looks like crap for there ever after.

StarBoard (UHMW - PE) is the best and has good friction with its stippled finish. Saw a home made job this last summer and a piece of art to behold, it was (if you're into minutiae). Solid black StarBoard shaped with a router and light parallel longitudinal grooves cut into it using a jig on a table saw. The material was 1" thick and the artisan says he purchased the material for under $100.