Finish for cherry staircase

[Ryan Harrington]

Moring all-
My wife and I are building a new home. The staircase to the 2nd floor is solid cherry treads and risers. We would like to clear coat them. Can anyone recommend a finish that will work well for both the horizontal and vertical surfaces?

Also, there are a couple of spots that will need some wood filler. Recommendations on a brand/color?


Thanks,
Ryan

[Scott Holmes]

Waterlox makes an excellent Floor poly. Another that is pretty new; and very good is Varathanes new nano technology oil-based poly.

Waterlox will look better on cherry in my eye. Varathane will be much easier to apply; faster drying.