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Stair Supplies

Hardwood Stair Parts

by Andrew Kozlov

Hardwood stair parts can add a touch of style and classicism to an otherwise humdrum staircase. Whether you're using hardwood to add a grace note to your balusters or hand rail, or you're designing the entire staircase with premium hardwood, you should first learn the differences between hardwoods and softwoods. That way, you won't accidentally splinter or crack your railing during construction.

Technically, hardwoods are defined as woods coming from deciduous trees, and softwoods are categorized as woods coming from needle trees. Bear in mind that the distinction between hardwoods and softwoods has nothing to do with workability. Some hardwoods, such as cottonwood, poplar, and aspen, are "soft" to use. Some softwoods, such as Douglas fir and hemlock, are "hard" to use.

Building with Hardwood Stair Parts

Woods also differ with respect to their ease of finishing and their fastening and sanding properties. You always want to enhance the texture and color of the grain. One way to do this is to apply stain or resin. At the same time, especially if you're building an outside staircase, you want to waterproof the wood, so as to protect it against mold and other decay.

Premium cherry, maple, and oak wood staircases tend to be more beautiful, but, unsurprisingly, they are also more expensive. To save money on your stair construction project, you might want to employ a lower quality grained hardwood for the treads and risers and use oak or maple to create your balustrade. Alternatively, you could paint your balustrade to hide the lower quality wood underneath.

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