log stairs

In just over two minutes, Mike Hassl shows us the steps of how he and the PTJ crew built a set of sturdy log stairs in this youtube video.

[URL=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXoBiOMoEu8]
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This might be a silly question, but for those of us that experience snow/ice and sometimes just a lot of rain, what could we use to increase traction on wood steps?

I wouldn't want to hack in a tread pattern for fear of encouraging rot but I'm not sure if wrapping a step in cordage would give the desired anti-skid properties.

Or do you find that the steps do fine as is?

Timothy Norton wrote:This might be a silly question, but for those of us that experience snow/ice and sometimes just a lot of rain, what could we use to increase traction on wood steps?

I wouldn't want to hack in a tread pattern for fear of encouraging rot but I'm not sure if wrapping a step in cordage would give the desired anti-skid properties.

Or do you find that the steps do fine as is?

Hi Timothy!

I think it really depends on where you are, how fast thing will rot and get slimy.  

The previous stairs had a tread pattern cut into them.  That seemed to work and not get rotten.  

The seasons of rot are pretty short at Wheaton Labs though.


One thing they do in winter is put down sand anywhere it is icy.  

The best is to sweep the snow off before walking on the stairs, but that does not always happen!