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Stair Supplies

Maple Stair Parts

by Andrew Kozlov

Maple, like oak, is a wonderful material for constructing staircases. Maple wood provides a distinctive grain, and maple is slightly easier to carve and finesse than oak is. However, maple is also one of the so-called "hard" hardwoods. This means that it is a coarse material, and thus it is able to absorb moisture from the environment.

If you're constructing your staircase during hot or humid weather, your maple stair parts will be slightly swollen. It can be tough to fasten screws or nails into maple treads, particularly if you don't pre-treat or countersink the nails. Given the complexities of engineering with maple stair parts, it's probably smart to consult with a professional carpenter before beginning construction.

Maple Stair Part Solutions

The good news is that maple finishes wonderfully. Since it's a hardwood, it sands down well, without producing a lot of flaws or "fluff." Moreover, it absorbs all sorts of top coating, including sealants, staining, and resin. Even relatively low grade maple, when burnished, gives a look of classic elegance. Properly treated maple can last a lifetime.

If you don't have enough money budgeted to build the entire staircase from maple, focus on using the wood to construct the most important structural components, such as the treads, the stringers, and the risers. For the more decorative elements of your staircase, such as the spindles, the caps, and the newel posts, you could settle for an easy to carve yet slightly cheaper wood, such as cherry or hemlock.

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