A detailed overview of wooden staircases: types, advantages and reasons to choose
Today, it is important for any person to equip their home in the most comfortable way, not forgetting the overall style of the interior. One of the main elements of a house or flat is a staircase. First of all – this is a functional construction that allows you to get to another floor. On the other hand, staircases play a huge role in the design of the room. That is why you should take enough time to choose a staircase and understand what material is best to choose.
Wood as a material has been appreciated throughout mankind’s history. Musical instruments, kitchen utensils, crockery, furniture, and many more were made with the help of natural wood. These days, there is a trend for staircases made of different types of wood. Do you want to know why wooden stairs are better than other materials? In this article, we will share a lot of interesting information about how wood can be the mainstay of a modern staircase.
Why is a wooden staircase a great alternative to other materials?
Sure, there are many materials available for staircases in the UK today, including metal, glass, and stone. However, a large number of people favour natural wood. Why is this so? It’s simple – wood has a huge number of benefits, and here are some of them:
- Variety. There are many types of wood that are great for staircase projects.
- Environmental friendliness. It is a natural material that is gifted to us by nature. To extract it, people do not pollute the environment with harmful gases or chemical waste.
- Versatility. Another perk of wood is that it can be sculpted into literally any shape for staircases.
We would also like to point out that wood is a reliable material. After treatment with varnish and special substances, a staircase made of durable wood can serve for several generations. Moreover, such a staircase does not require special care and can be finely repaired without the help of specialists.
Obviously, a staircase made entirely of wood can be boring and monotonous. Therefore, homeowners often choose interesting solutions by combining materials. For example, the Tottenham helical staircase project perfectly demonstrates how cherry wood steps are combined with a triplex glass balustrade.
The most popular types of wood in staircase projects
When you have already decided that you want to see a wooden staircase in your home, it is time to define the type of wood. This is quite a complicated question, as there are many options available on the market. Let us tell you more about each option for your staircase project.
Hardwood
The most popular option used in staircases with a high level of operation is the hardwood group. Oak and maple are particularly valued for their resistance to wear and damage. These species have a dense structure and a natural defence against moisture, making them suitable for everyday use.
Cherry and walnut also fit into the hardwood classification. These are more decorative hardwood options that are valued for their beautiful colour and unique grain. In the V.P Stairs portfolio, you can often find projects that utilise these types of woods.
Softwood
This group contains predominantly coniferous trees, which are considered softwoods. These options are popular due to their availability and versatility, as well as their ease of processing, which allows you to create a variety of staircase styles.
The first is pine, one of the most common species, which has a soft, light colour and takes paint easily. Spruce and fir have similar characteristics but are often chosen for minimalist or Scandinavian interiors due to their light texture. Another option that is characterised by its resistance to moisture and natural aroma is cedar.
Engineered wood
You should consider engineered wood if your budget is limited. Particle board, plywood, and MDF are considered cheap options as they are not solid pieces of wood. They are just pieces/sheets of natural wood glued together. They are used extensively for stair step cladding in many projects.
V.P Stairs – creating the perfect wooden staircases
If you are dreaming of a stylish and durable wooden staircase, V.P Stairs is exactly what you need. We work only with trusted suppliers who provide certified wood of high quality. Our experts are available for a free consultation to help you choose the right type of wood ideal for your interior and durability requirements.
Our team has many successfully completed projects under its belt, and each of them is an example of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Contact us in any convenient way and we will help you turn your ideas into reality.
4 Comments
-
Oscar Bailey
It seems to me that oak is the best wood option for stairs. However, I think they are too expensive. Please advise me someone on this matter.
-
Charlotte Bailey
For me personally, it’s useful to see how ash, beech and other timbers can be used to create different moods and price points.
-
George Reed
The warmth of timber is exactly why we keep coming back to wooden staircases. They age so nicely compared with some other materials, especially when the handrail and treads develop a bit of patina rather than looking too perfect:)
Harper Lewis
After reading this article, I changed my mind about natural wood stairs. Really cool projects can be made of this material. The only difficulty for me is to choose what kind of wood to choose as the main component….