Replies

1. 
   whitedogstr8leg | Jun 27, 2009 07:53pm | #1

    First off, concrete must be well sealed.   As such, most glues won't "stick" to the sealer.   IF you can,  Place a piece of plastic sheet on the steps, then predrill both the hardwood AND the concrete for "Tap-con" style screws.   Counter-BORE for wood plugs that match( or maybe contrast) your hardwood treads.  Install the screws and glue in the plugs.   Gluing hardwood to concrete is like gluing hardwood to plywood, one moves, the other won't.   Plus, concrete will absorb moisture and would probally rot your hardwood. 

2. 
   DaveinPa | Jun 27, 2009 11:52pm | #2

   You could use some Power Grab by Loctite or liquid nails. Just get the right one as there are quite a few types.

3. 
   bones | Jun 28, 2009 01:03am | #3

   I've used liquid nails with great results.  I had to move a wall I put up and had put down LN and when I broke the wood stringer away part of concrete came with it.  I would point out that you should not use non treated lumber with direct contact to concrete.  It will mold rot and do all kinds of nasty things.  You could put down treated first then the final wood to that and I'd put a vapor barrier down for sure.   If you don't you will regret it, but it can be done no problems.  I would also reccomend posting this over at breaktime those guys would be a great input.  Good luck. 

   The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.' - Renaldus Magnus
   

   
   

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   Edited 6/27/2009 6:03 pm by bones

4. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Jun 28, 2009 05:24am | #4

   Masrol,

   Go to the NOFMA - The Woodflooring Manufacturers Association http://www.nofma.org/.  You'll find everything you need to know.  They generally recommend an engineered wood flooring as opposed to solid hardwood for installation on concrete below grade.

   Regards,

   Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

5. 
   ring | Jun 28, 2009 08:18am | #5

   Faced with this situation a few times, I've stopped setting stair treads directly on concrete. I first attach 2 or 3 stringers to each concrete step with plastic anchors and screws. They can be pretty thin if you want, I've even used 3/8" exterior ply for this sometimes. The stringers give you several advantages -

   1. They keep the wood stairs off the concrete, allowing both materials a bit of breathing room.
   2. They give you an easy way to level each tread.
   3. They give you a surface that adhesive will adhere to with no problems, no screws necessary.
   4. If you mount the stringers flush with the front edge of each concrete step, that gives you at the same time a surface to attach a trim piece to hide the space you just created under each step.

   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?lang=e&id=1

1. 
   Masrol | Jun 28, 2009 12:40pm | #6

   Hi Ring, are you still living in the home where there is a big olive tree in the compound? Is the tree still there? Nice to hear from you.  

   I would most likely do the way you're doing.

   Thank you Ring and everyone for your very kind advice.

   May God bless you all!

    

   masrolsumairi

   Edited 6/28/2009 6:12 am by Masrol

6. 
   JohnWW | Jun 29, 2009 11:30pm | #7

   If the concrete steps are all even in height, then adding wood treads will make the first step 7/8" higher than the others and the top step 7/8" shorter, which will violate building codes if it matters to you, and more importantly will create a hazard because people using the stair will be tripped up by the uneven heights.

   John White
   Shop Manager for FWW Magazine, 1998-2007