How can I make soft wood stronger?

[Will DIY]

I used some soft wood for making my landing stairs child safe.

I realised towards the end it was softwood - rookie mistake. However, it looks good and I think will hold but will obviously take a battering.

Is there a way to toughen the wood?

Thanks

 

[Tigercubrider]

Need more info

 

[Burnerman]

Give us a pic of what you've done so far?
John

 

[magicmushroom666]

I'd expect you'll have to put more wood into it to strengthen things if its flimsy. Softwood is used to create studwalls etc so shouldn't be a problem making something strong.

 

[Will DIY]

I'd expect you'll have to put more wood into it to strengthen things if its flimsy. Softwood is used to create studwalls etc so shouldn't be a problem making something strong.

I think I'm going to add a centre post for stability tomorrow. I'll get pic up then.

 

[JohnD]

I wonder what the dimensions are of the timber you used, how you fixed it, and what to.

Without a photo we can't help.

 

[Will DIY]

I first fixed a support to each existing end, then I fitted the panels to this new support.

 

[Nozzle]

You've done good job, that'll be perfectly strong enough.. The only reason those type of banisters are not "child safe" is becuase they are horizontal slats, thus climbable with a high drop.

Nozzle

 

[Will DIY]

You've done good job, that'll be perfectly strong enough.. The only reason those type of banisters are not "child safe" is becuase they are horizontal slats, thus climbable with a high drop.

Nozzle

Doh. I'm in the process of removing the gaps.

 

[Tigercubrider]

My old banister /landing was just two posts held apart by the handrail, with a central vertical support.
The rest was just 2x sheets of 1/4" ply pinned in with beading.

What you have will be way strong enough, even hardboard or thin mdf could be fixed over it

 

[WabbitPoo]

You are confusing the terms Softwood and Hardwood.....they don't relate to the strength of the timber.... they relate to the tree type.... Google them to check.

 

[Will DIY]

Here's an update. I removed the gaps. I also added 2 supports. This gave it so much strength/support - exactly what the doctor ordered. It also flattened out the panels as they were a little bit wavey. Now they all line up.

 

[empty-seat]

Why don't you just go vertical to let some light through?

 

[Tigercubrider]

even if your kids are built like brick outhouses and run at walls, that should do it.

I tend to agree that vertical railings might have been easier /cheaper and more aesthetically pleasing.
as said, my original house just had 9mm ply in there and it was good for 50 years before i took it out and fitted spindles.

 

[Gerrydelasel]