Planning · 7 min read
Choosing a Wood Species for Treads & Handrail
Oak, maple, walnut, ipe — how hardness, grain, and finish behavior should drive your pick.
StairSupplies Craftsmen7 min read
Species choice is a balance of hardness (Janka rating), grain character, color stability, and budget.
The popular four
White Oak — hard, tight grain, takes any stain. The default for a reason.
Hard Maple — very hard, subtle grain, contemporary look; prefers light finishes.
Walnut — rich chocolate tones, softer than oak; best where elegance beats abuse.
Ipe / Endurance lines — extreme hardness and rot resistance for exterior use.
Interior vs. exterior
Interior species fail fast outdoors. For exterior handrail, use a thermally modified or naturally durable species — that's what our Endurance handrail line is built from.
