Materials

  • What is the most suitable timber to use for my staircase?

    This depends on many factors.

    Available size

    For instance some timbers are only available in very small sizes, which mean that a stair stringer or tread will be laminated in many small pieces rather than just one or two larger ones. This can result in a 'striped' effect, which is probably not ideal.

    Stability

    Some timbers are very volatile and have a tendency to 'move'. This means that after installation of the stair the timber can split or warp. Brushbox is a good example and consequently we will not use it in the construction of our stairs. Nearly all timbers are prone to a certain degree of movement which makes it all the more important to either, paint, stain or clear finish the stair and balustrading as soon as practical after the stairs' completion.

    Matching other timbers

    One of the main considerations in choosing a timber for your stair is what other timbers are being used in the house or if in an existing home what timbers were originally used. Timber flooring is in great demand these days and this directly affects the stairs in terms of the preferred choice of the stair timber. If for instance you choose Brushbox for the floor, then a complimentary timber would be used in the stair but not Brushbox. Sydney Bluegum on the other hand is good as is Jarrah, Victorian Ash, Tasmanian Oak, and many others. Check with us or your local stair builder as to which timber will be best suited to your needs. Sometimes it's better to use a light coloured material such as Victorian Ash and stain it to match.

    Timbers for painting or carpeting

    Clear Radiata Pine is an excellent timber for painting because of its closed grain requiring minimum filling. Being softwood it can be damaged easier than a hardwood. It is important however that you make sure that the Pine used is of a top grade because having to fill knot holes defeats the purpose of choosing Pine in the first place. Medium Density Fibreboard is an excellent choice not only for painting but also for treads and risers when the stair is going to be carpeted. MDF is comparatively cheap and very stable and is available in many thicknesses.

    Exotic Timbers

    There are hundreds of imported timbers also available although we are very careful when it comes to their origin. Many species that land on our shores are from poorly managed forests where clear felling is rampant and the mighty dollar is the only consideration.

  • What are the most popular materials used for a stair?
  • What are the different materials used a stair and what are the benifits?
  • Do I have much choice for the material used on my stair?
  • I want a stair with glass balustrading. Can Slattery & Acquroff supply and install glass balustrades?