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The Best Type of Wood to Use for Your Stairs for Longevity

23.9.2025
Stairs

Once your stairs are installed, there’s no going back. Well, there is, but it will take you a lot of time, effort and money. That’s why you need to get all the elements right before you have a staircase installed. It’s crucial to know the best type of wood for your stairs for longevity and quality when it comes to wooden stairs. Here are some of the types of wood used for stairs:

Red Oak

Red oak is the most common species for wood stair parts because of its nature. It’s easy to stain, sand and finish, which is why it’s well-loved not only by craftsmen but also interior designers, building owners and homeowners.

White Oak

White oak is the cousin of the red oak. What sets a white oak apart from the red one is that it’s harder and more water-resistant. White oak appears to be greyer with a tint of green and a swirling pattern to the grain.

Ash

Ash wood is similar to oak. However, its closed grain pattern is more obvious. If you can’t afford oak or want to save more money, ash is a great choice.

Cypress

Cypress checks all the boxes. It is more robust than most softwoods, lightweight and holds paint and finish well.

African Mahogany

Don’t let the African Mahogany fool you with its “lightweight” appearance because it’s very tough. It’s easy to turn and shape as well, which is why it’s one of the many favourites of craftsmen. African Mahogany is also one of the most premium materials today with its high-end look due to its fine grain.

American Cherry

The American Cherry is easily recognisable with its strawberry blond colour. It’s softer than wood, but it’s strong enough to last for a long time.

Brazilian Cherry

This type of wood material shares some qualities with the American Cherry wood. However, Brazilian Cherry features a reddish-brown tone for more richness. Similar to the American Cherry, the Brazilian Cherry is also long-lasting. Now that you know the popular types of wood used for stairs, which one suits you best? You need to consider several factors to ensure you get the best type of wood for you. You’ve already done the first step, which is to familiarise yourself with the types of wood you can use for your stairs. Now, it’s time to choose by considering other factors, such as style, design, foot traffic, environment, etc.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wood material to use for your staircase may be overwhelming, but the good news is, you can always ask your stair company for help. That’s why you need to ensure you work with a reliable company to help you through the process. Should you choose American Cherry, or would ash woodwork better for you? Whatever it is you choose, it’s important you make the right decision suitable for your needs. As mentioned, once you have that staircase installed, there’s no going back. That’s why you need to make the right choice from the start. Aussie Balustrading can help you choose the best wood staircase for you. We specialise in handrails for stairs and many more in Western Australia and Perth. Contact us today!

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