Metal over wood... a few questions??

**Disco_Santa** · 26th October 2007, 11:34 PM

Hi All

not sure where to post this query - however as the query is to do with metal and timber - I thought I would start here

I'm planning on putting some timber (merbau) over a concrete step that goes from my kitchen to an covered outdoor area (so all weather proof).
I want to wrap the bottom timber strip in metal for 2 reasons -

1. the look; and
2. to protect the wood.

(oh and SWMBO wanted it done !)

Please see the picture attached to see what I'm trying to achieve.

My question/s - what metal would be best - aluminium ? stainless steel? is there something else?
and lastly - what would be the best way of going about it - or this a job best left to the professionals?

Cheers

Justin

**Grahame Collins** · 27th October 2007, 07:22 AM

G day Santa,
The project is very achievable given you have the average wood working skills.

I would clad in stainless as it will tolerate the weather better and look better than aluminium.

Attach the strip by inletting the timber and using stainless steel counter sunk screws.The inletting could be done with a circular saw and the adjustable fence attachment that comes with it. Alternately it could be inletted with a router.

I would use a flat section of stainless steel 316 Grade 50 x 16g obtained from a sheet metal works. .I would not bother with any thing thicker if it is just cosmetic.

The SS is supplied polished and comes with a peel off plastic cover.

Grahame

**Beerbotboffin** · 27th October 2007, 08:06 AM

G'day,

I agree with Grahame, though going that way I would definately use the router to rebate the front and rear, and then use sheet.

**Honorary Bloke** · 27th October 2007, 08:33 AM

If it were here, I would use coated brass. This is commonly called a kick plate and often found on entry doors to protect the wood. May even be available there ready-made (they are here). There is no real need to wrap the sides unless you just want the "look."

**Pusser** · 27th October 2007, 12:04 PM

You will need to watch timber movement. The vetical expansion can be accommodated by a gap at the bottom which could be covered by the aluminium/stainless /brass if you have oversize screw holes. The horozontal expansion will need attachment which would allow it to slide over the vertical (ie not a rigid connection between the horozontal and the verticle piece or perhaps by using a rubber expansion piece (like in concrete against the wall. It probably would be advisable to seal the concrete step with a paint on rubber membrane or a sheet membrane and seal the bottom of the timber before you lay it.

Pusser

**lpg_falcon** · 27th October 2007, 08:47 PM

You could also rebate it and then contact adhesive your stainless strip to it.
Cut it oversize, so the steel hangs off the bottom.
Stick it on with contact adhesive, then belt sand the overhang back to where you want it.

I did a slide out kitchen bench this way, stainless steel over melamine.

lpg_falcon.

**Disco_Santa** · 28th October 2007, 01:05 AM

Many thanks Grahame, Beerbot, Bob, Pusser and LPG for your insight and wisdom.

I was thinking about having to rebate it - router looks the way to go - and I'll flip the coin on the SS or brass

cheers again

Justin

aka Disco_Santa

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