Common Staircase Materials
Stairs can be made from one timber or a combination of many. Below is a list of the timbers most commonly used to manufacture stairs from. It's also worth noting MDF and Plywood are frequently used for the treads and risers to keep costs down when the stairs are to be carpeted.
For examples please see the case studies section of our website.
Pine
Pine is the most common timber used to manufacture staircases. We use joinery grade Scandinavian redwood. It is popular due to being the most inexpensive material suitable for staircase manufacture. It is also easy to work with and ideal for painting. However, it can also be stained, varnished or waxed.
Hemlock
Hemlock is similar in appearance to Pine and still a softwood. However, it has few knots, making it more suitable if the timber is to be on show. It is also frequently used on staircases that are to be painted to give a better finish.
American White Oak
Oak is a hardwood, has few knots and gives a premium finish, ideal for waxing or varnishing.
Sapele
Sapele is a dark hardwood with a red tint to it, similar in appearance to Mahogony. It is generally used where a darker coloured timber is required.
American Walnut
American Walnut is a popular timber which is dark in appearance. It can be used for manufacturing stairs but not generally straight flights as longer lengths are hard to acquire.
Tulip
Tulip is a hardwood, light in colour with few knots.