Wooden staircases are a consistently popular choice for stairs given their timelessness, durability and versatility across interior designs. But with so many different woods available, how do you know which to choose for your home?
Keep reading to discover which wood is best for your stair parts.
Why is choosing the right stair wood important?
Durability
Strength and robustness are essential when it comes to stair parts, as each needs to be able to withstand the intensity of daily foot traffic, wear and tear and impacts. Some wood types are much stronger and more resilient than others, so bear this in mind when making your decision.
Ease of maintenance
The easier it is to clean and maintain your wooden stairs, the less you have to worry about the appearance and condition of your staircase finish. Certain timbers need little maintenance and can last for many years in your home. Other types require more care to keep them looking their best for longer.
Style
Naturally, each timber type offers a unique look, colour and grain, and therefore provides a different look in your home. Light timbers are very versatile and tend to look the part in both classic and contemporary decors. Darker woods are typically used to create a more dramatic feel and catch attention instantly.
What stairs wood options are available for staircases?
Oak
When it comes to longevity, durability and sheer visual appeal, oak is in a league of its own. Trusted for hundreds of years as a reliable and luxurious building material, oak is a natural hardwood renowned for its strength and robustness. So, you can expect oak parts such as treads, newel posts, handrails and spindles to stay in fine condition even after years of heavy foot traffic.
As for aesthetics, this timber boasts a stunning open grain with prominent rays and pores, which seamlessly blends into most home decor.
Walnut
Dark and bold, walnut instantly draws the eyes thanks to its dramatic natural colouring. This particular wood is an excellent choice for creating an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication, thanks to its deep shade and irregular grain pattern.
However, it’s softer than oak, meaning it isn’t as durable and can dent in comparison.
Primed timber
These wood stair parts are typically made from softwoods, such as pine, which are reliable yet budget-friendly options. As the name suggests, primed options are finished with a coat of primer and can be painted over without any preparation needed. This is excellent if you want to inject colour into your balustrade by painting your spindles or handrail, rather than leaving it white.
Yet, given that softwoods can’t rival hardwoods in terms of strength and resilience, this timber type isn’t recommended for treads or risers – the parts that make up your staircase steps.
Beech
Clean and understated, you tend to find beech wood stairs in contemporary or Scandinavian homes. Beech offers soft grain lines and is fairly light in colour, which is useful if you want to naturally brighten your stairway.
But, beech typically tends to wear and fade much faster than hardwoods like oak or walnut, so it isn’t on top in terms of durability and longevity.
Which stairs wood is right for me?
Deciding which timber to select comes down to your desired look, the foot traffic you expect your stairs to experience, and your overall budget.
If you have a large household and your staircase is in frequent use, we highly recommend using hardwood parts, given their exceptional strength and ability to withstand impact.
However, if you’re working on a budget, more affordable options such as beech or primed timber are an excellent alternative.
Overall, oak is the most fitting all-round choice as it possesses numerous structural and aesthetic benefits that other timbers can’t match. Plus, it works amazingly among a range of home interiors, giving you the flexibility to update your decor without having to worry about how your stairs will look.
Shop Stair Crazy for high-quality wooden stair parts
Whether you’re installing a new staircase or upgrading an existing one, you need premium-grade timber stair components that are built to last.
At Stair Crazy, we’re proud and trusted retailers of wooden stair parts, which include our real oak and white primed ranges.
You’re more than welcome to get in touch with our friendly team today for more information about our timber products.