Make an Informed Decision

Choosing the right wood species is important when considering hardwood components. Every type of wood has unique qualities that impact its durability and appearance for different uses. Having a good understanding of the natural characteristics of each wood species will help you to find the right material for your project. 

  • Red Oak

    • Color: Ranges from blonde to pinkish-red
    • Grain: Varied and porous pattern
    • Density: Very dense and strong
    • Best For: Stair treads, flooring, furniture, and cabinetry
    • Notable Traits: Known for its strength, durability, and pronounced grain pattern. Takes stain well
  • Poplar

    • Color: Cream or light yellow sometimes with streaks of grey or green
    • Grain: Uniform and straight
    • Density: Less dense than other options
    • Best For: Painted furniture, mouldings, and interior trim
    • Notable Traits: Cost-effective option that is easy to work with and takes paint exceptionally well
  • Hard Maple

    • Color: Ranges from white to off-white or cream 
    • Grain: Straight with an even texture
    • Density: Very dense and hard
    • Best For: Cutting boards, flooring, and high-end furniture
    • Notable Traits: Known for its toughness and resistance to wear. Smooth texture.
  • White Oak

    • Color: Ranges from light to medium brown
    • Grain: Straight with an uneven texture
    • Density: Strong and durable
    • Best For: Flooring, cabinetry, furniture, and outdoor applications
    • Notable Traits: Highly resistant to moisture and decay
  • Hickory

    • Color: Light brown with contrasting light and dark streaks
    • Grain: Straight
    • Density: Hard, elastic, and durable
    • Best For: Flooring, tool handles, and furniture
    • Notable Traits: Exceptional strength and shock resistance
  • Walnut

    • Color: Ranges from chocolatey brown to a yellowish hue
    • Grain: Moderately open
    • Density: Lightweight with a medium texture
    • Best For: Fine furniture, gunstocks, and interior millwork
    • Notable Traits: Rich, deep color and beautiful grain. Easy to work with.
  • Sapele

    • Color: Dark reddish brown
    • Grain: Interlocking
    • Density: Very dense
    • Best For: High-end cabinetry, musical instruments, and doors
    • Notable Traits: Durable, stable wood that resists moisture and rot. Striking grain patterns.
  • Beechwood

    • Color: Ranges from soft honey brown to an almost light pink
    • Grain: Straight and uniform
    • Density: Very dense, durable, and strong
    • Best For: Furniture, stair parts, and butcher blocks
    • Notable Traits: Easy to steam bend, often used in curved furniture applications. 
  • Cherry

    • Color: Rich reddish brown
    • Grain: Straight and closed
    • Density: Moderately hard, stiff, and strong
    • Best For: High-end furniture, cabinetry, and millwork
    • Notable Traits: Darkens beautifully over time, easy to work with.
  • Alder

    • Color: Ranges from pale yellow to reddish brown
    • Grain: Fine-grained
    • Density: Soft and lightweight
    • Best For: Cabinetry, doors, and rustic furniture
    • Notable Traits: Sometimes substitutes for Cherry because of its similar warm tones. Softer than most hardwoods, easy to carve and shape.
  • Brazilian

    • Color: Ranges from yellowish orange to a dark reddish brown
    • Grain: Straight and occasionally interlocking
    • Density: Exceptionally hard and durable
    • Best For: Outdoor decking, flooring, and furniture
    • Notable Traits: Among the hardest woods available, incredibly resistant to wear, moisture, and insects. Require specialized tools for cutting and shaping.
Get Started

The Next Steps

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Tell us about your needs.

We’ll get to know you, learn about the scope of your business, and see if we could be a good fit.

Wood Components

Build the right solution.

If the project works for both parties, we’ll efficiently build the components to your precise specifications.

Boxed Components

Receive your components.

Our shipping team consistently delivers your items safely and on time. From LTL shipments to our weekly truck runs, we have a logistic solution for you.

Need Help Choosing the Right Wood?

Selecting the right wood species goes a long way in terms of the durability and appearance of your staircase components. Each wood type offers a unique color variation, grain pattern, and hardness, which can be tricky to navigate. If you’re unsure which species is best suited to your project, we’re here to help! Our knowledgeable team can guide you through the selection process, considering factors such as durability, stain-ability, and overall design goals.