modern floating stair with glass railing and red oak tread Los Angeles

Which Wood Species Is Best for Staircase?

The best wood species to use for stairs is one that will hold up to daily use, is structurally sound, and is also breath-taking. The best species for you to choose will depend on your sense of style and the nature of your project.

Below, you’ll find our recommendations for wood species based on what is important to you.

5 Best Wood Species for Stairs

Demax supplies many wood species that will work well as treads and handrail on contemporary staircases. Each will give you a high-quality product that is as beautiful as it is strong and durable.

RED OAK

WHITE OAK

ASH

WALNUT

RUBBERWOOD

Red Oak

The most common species for wood stair parts in the U.S. is red oak, due to its being plentiful and its forgiving nature. Red oak handrails and treads are the most popular items made from this wood. Red oak is also one of the easiest to stain, sand, and finish.

american red oak stair tread sandedRed Oak Sanded

american red oak stair tread sealedRed Oak Sealed

White Oak

Harder and it is far more water-resistant than red oak. Looks-wise, white oak tends to be grayer with a slight green tint and a swirling pattern to the grain.

white oak tread sample sandedWhite Oak Sanded

white oak tread sample sealedWhite Oak Sealed

Ash

Shares a lot of similarities with oak but its closed grain pattern is slightly more obvious. You will find yourself saving money if you choose ash over oak but you may spend more on production because crafting it is more of a challenge.

american white ash stair treadWhite Ash Sanded

american white ash stair tread sealedWhite Ash Sealed

Walnut

Walnut is hard, tough and very durable. Walnut wood stair treads have a rich, warm, chocolate brown heartwood color. Walnut has a tight flowing grain that is easy to machine and sand. Walnut tread is rarely stained because of the beautiful brown tone that comes through with a clear finish.

American black walnut stair tread sampleWalnut Sanded

American black walnut stair tread sample sealedWalnut Sealed

Rubberwood

Rubberwood is versatile, practical, time, and cost-efficient. It has a beautiful light-colored texture with excellent machining properties. Rubberwood is easy to machine and stain. The rubberwood tread is the best economic option for staircase treads.

rubberwood stair tread sampleRubberwood Sanded

rubberwood stair tread clear finish sealedRubberwood Sealed

These 5 types of wood species work well on floating stairs, curved glass staircase, and zigzag staircase.

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