Bonding Wood to Steel for a Staircase

Suggestions for strong, flexible, durable adhesives for a dynamic structural situation. November 29, 2014

Question
I have a curved steel staircase that will have maple treads that will sit on steel cross-supports. Each step has two 1x2 supports. I am looking for a solution on how to mount the treads over the steel so as to not have any squeaking yet still allow proper expansion/contraction for the wood. I was wondering if a rubber weatherstip, some foam double stick tape, or a bead of that super sticky car windshield tape would work. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

Forum Responses
(Adhesive Forum)
From contributor A:
Polyurethane adhesive/caulk is the best choice for this application. 3M 5200 or SikaFlex Hi-Strength are your best options. It’s like choosing a Ferrari or Lamborghini. They are both Italian and go way too fast. Do not use construction adhesive. It eventually gets too brittle. Those poly's stay flexible for our lifetimes at the very least.