Finish for Wooden Ladder

[Ed Gibbons]

I made a ships ladder of douglas fir. It will be used in a “cave like” environment. Area has high humidity and water periodically drips from the top.

What would be the best clear finish to use? I also want to keep the steps from becoming slippery.

Thanks.

[Jamie Buxton]

I’d use spar varnish. It is designed to be a little more flexible than the usual varnish, so it can deal with the flexing that happens with a wooden ladder.

For slip resistance, I’d look to the abrasive tape intended to give a non-skid edge on steps.

[Mike Henderson]

I wouldn't use a clear finish - I'd paint it. Paint holds up much better than any clear finish.

Mike

[Steve Schoene]

Paint may be more durable but wood ladders should never be painted. Paint can obscure defects in the wood. This is a traditional rule not something I made up.

[Mike Henderson]

Paint may be more durable but wood ladders should never be painted. Paint can obscure defects in the wood. This is a traditional rule not something I made up.

I can understand that if you're buying a ladder. But if you made the ladder, you know what the wood is like. And if the wood cracks or otherwise fails, you will see it even with paint on the wood.

Mike