I can imagine situations where finishing a shelf with oil or certain types of varnish might damage books left on it or people having advice on whether some reclaimed lumbers may be unpleasant to touch or look at or be harder to work, or different grades of grit used on the sanding to make a difference to the final product. You're saying there's nothing to worry about and that's great but how is anyone supposed to know without asking?
It could be important to use stain and varnish, one or the other, neither. Some woods might be more inclined to split under certain conditions. Some chemicals used to treat the wood might react poorly together or have persistent smells you don't want indoors. Some brands might be just as good as the expensive ones, or to be avoided. Does it matter if I use gloss or matte? Maybe there's a handy way to build these things I haven't heard of but someone would recommend. Maybe someone has suggestions on what width the wood should be, or knows you can get away with using thinner (and cheaper) lumber for such a small length as it won't sag, or there are more supports needed to prevent that? If it sounds like a non-question to you I'm inclined to interpret that as you just having no idea.
>>3286 At that point you might as well bring in a chippy to answer the questions for you, if you'd trust them over internet weirdos to advise on your fancy stair DIY.
There must be a name for this kind of problem where somewhat ignorant amateurs sneer at entirely ignorant newbies for asking questions that are not at all obvious. It's pervasive everywhere, but especially on the internet.
I belong to a few mechanics and motorcycle forums, and I remember a new member being chided for asking whether rainwater would damage their motorcycle. Some comedian replied that yes, his bike dissolved on his commute home when it rained. Ignoring the fact that rusting is a genuine (albeit long-term) problem with motorbikes, this is exactly the kind of arsewipe that would treat it as obvious if it really did pose an urgent problem. "Oh mate, didn't you know you needed to tighten your left flangenut when you ride in the rain? Now it's leaked through your hardshaft and there's water in your rear brake fluid reservoir and you'll roll into traffic at the next red light!"
>>3288 Someone needs to combine the words “Dunning-Kruger” and “insecurity” to describe what you’re referring to, since that’s what it is. Dunningsekrugity
>>3285 Wood from Wickes is quite notorious for being warped and knotty when you buy it, so you might wish to avoid that.
