Pine stair tread

Q: We recently removed the carpeting on one of our circa 1970 open stair case treads to find a pine stair tread. We love the look of the wood but wonder if pine is a good material, it seems a bit soft for stairs. Each tread will need much refinishing due to staple and nail holes from the carpeting. Would it be a better idea to “wrap” each tread in a hardwood?

A: Depends what you like, and the decor of the rest of the home. Old pine can look very country, and the older the better. It is standard fare in England. It is soft, but if it is well finished, even though it can dent more easily will only need occasional light buffing and a re coat some years down the road.