ᐅ Solid wood or MDF stair treads with veneer edging

Hello,
for our new build, we are getting a steel stringer staircase, both from the basement to the ground floor and from the ground floor to the upper floor.
I have requested quotes from several carpenters for the stair treads.
The treads and both landings will be made of oak.
One carpenter offers the treads and both landings in solid wood (40mm (1.6 inches)) while the other offers MDF material with oak veneer (tread thickness also 40mm (1.6 inches)). He says these are more stable. The prices are almost the same, which option would you lean towards?
Thank you in advance for your help!
Best regards
Matthias

The composite material is more stable, yes. But solid wood is also durable. Plus, if you want to renovate or redesign the staircase, you can sand and repaint it. With Clou wood sealer, with white paint... With veneer, you have to be very careful, otherwise you might sand right through it. Veneer should only be wet sanded with 300 grit; solid wood can also be sanded with a machine.

Absolutely makes sense! Many thanks for your advice. Do you think it would be better to make the steps and the landing slightly thicker from the start (e.g., 45mm (1.8 inches)) to still have enough material left after sanding the stairs, or is the material removal from sanding only minimal?

You will probably remove about 1mm (0.04 inches) during sanding. So it’s better to choose based on which look you find more attractive. Whether 40 or 45, it doesn’t matter because of the sanding.

Thank you!

The stair treads in our townhouse are veneered. They have been in use for almost 18 years now, with a dog and children, and haven’t been maintained particularly well. They have scratches and show signs of wear but still look quite decent.
I would still prefer solid wood – it offers a better feel and appearance.