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Updating your staircase means choosing between hardwood or softwood for your stair parts. While both are great choices, hardwood and softwood have different advantages and disadvantages, so it’s worth doing some research into which is most suitable for your stairs.
In this guide, we look at the differences between hardwood and softwood, including the benefits of each and comparisons between different hardwoods and softwoods.
Click on a link to jump to each section:
A definition of softwood and hardwood, including the critical differences between each.
The reasons why you will often pay more for hardwood than softwood.
Read the benefits of hardwood and softwood to help you choose which type to use.
The different main types of softwood and hardwood and stair parts, including product recommendations.
A comparison of the different types of softwoods and hardwoods. Includes of comparison of hemlock vs pine, ash vs oak and pine vs oak.
Frequently asked questions on hardwood and softwood stair parts.
Whether timber is a softwood or hardwood refers to how the trees reproduce—it doesn’t describe the strength of the wood. Hardwood isn’t necessarily harder or more durable than softwood—balsa wood, for example, is an incredibly soft and pliable hardwood. However, most types of hardwood are denser than softwood and therefore stronger and more durable.
Hardwood comes from deciduous trees (trees that shed their leaves in winter) that produce seeds in a closed covering, such as a shell or a fruit. An oak tree is an example of a hardwood tree, as it produces seeds inside acorns.
White oak is a hardwood that is commonly used for wood stair parts. It is also a popular option for combining with glass panels.
You can see the different designs available for oak spindles here.
Softwood comes from evergreen trees (trees that have leaves all year round) that produce seeds which aren’t in a closed cover, but instead drop to the ground or are carried off by the wind. A pine tree is an example of a softwood tree, as it releases seeds from pine cones.
Pine is a popular choice for affordable stair parts.
Hardwood tends to be more expensive than softwood because it:
takes longer to grow, meaning the trees can't be harvested as quickly
can only grow in specific locations, whereas softwoods such as pine are far more adaptable
is harder to cultivate
takes longer to dry
is harder to work with
Essentially, hardwoods are typically more expensive because more time and effort goes into growing it and working with it. If you’re on a budget for home improvements, softwood stair parts are a more affordable choice.
Hardwood is popular for stair parts due to its strength, durability and luxurious appearance.
Hardwood is very easy to clean and requires very little maintenance, making it a particularly good choice for stair treads, risers and balustrades.
While it tends to be more expensive than softwood, it’s a worthwhile investment as it’s sturdy, wear-resistant and looks great with a natural varnish, rich stain or painted finish.
Hardwoods that are ideal for stair parts include:
Softwood is an excellent, reasonably priced alternative to hardwood for finishing your staircase. It’s also a versatile choice for stair parts since it’s ideal for staining and painting.
As softwoods grow so quickly and easily, they are a much more environmentally friendly choice than hardwood.
Popular softwoods for balustrades include:
You can read more about the difference between hardwoods and softwoods with our guide to choosing the right materials for your balustrade.
Our timber spindles are designed made from ash, hemlock wood, dark hardwood, pine, walnut, white oak and white primed wood.
You can shop our full range of wooden spindles here.
You can read more about how to fit spindles in our guide to spindles.
Our base rails and handrails are available in pine, white primed, hemlock, dark hardwood, white oak, ash and walnut. We offer both grooved and ungrooved handrails and base rails.hemlock, dark hardwood, white oak, ash and walnut. We offer both grooved and ungrooved handrails and base rails.
Grooved handrails with wide, shallow channels are designed to be used primarily with wooden spindles. The groove must be the same width as the spindles you intend to use to achieve a secure fit. The groove runs along the full length of the handrail so that spindles can be spaced as often as necessary. Timber infill, also known as spacer or filler, is normally provided with these types of grooved handrails. It is worth noting that although Jackson Woodturner's handrails and base rails will come with infill, you will need to buy silicone separately. Glass grooved handrails are designed to be used alongside glass panels. They have a narrow, deep channel running along the full length of the handrail into which the glass panel slots.
Find out more about grooved handrails here.
As well as strength, durability, appearance and cost, there are some other essential factors to consider when choosing a handrail, such as the size of the handrail and the overall aesthetic you are going for.
There is also a range of different designs to choose from – popular options include cottage loaf, HR and traditional. The right design for you depends on whether you are looking for more of a modern design or a traditional, classic design.
When it comes to choosing a type of wood, oak is an incredibly popular hardwood option due to its durability, which has superior strength. This means that it can withstand the daily use that wood stair parts tend to undergo. While it may be more expensive than other choices, oak has a unique classic appearance that can bring a touch of elegance to any home.
If you are looking for a strong alternative to oak that is less expensive, hemlock may be an ideal option. You can read more about how oak compares to hemlock here.
Pine, on the other hand, is a particularly popular type of softwood for handrails. It tends to be lighter in colour than oak with a yellow or reddish tint which can gradually darken. With straight grain and attractive knots, pine offers a unique and striking style. However, it is a slightly less durable than oak. You can read our full guide to oak vs pine here.
Ash and white primed wood are popular alternatives if you are looking for a lighter coloured wood, and go well with neutral colours in the home. Walnut and dark hardwood, on the other hand, are perfect options if you are looking for a darker, traditional option.
Our newel posts and newel caps are available in pine, white primed, hemlock, dark hardwood, white oak, ash and walnut. Wooden newel caps often need less cleaning than metal newel caps, such as chrome or nickel.
The ideal newel post style for you depends on your budget, whether you prefer a simple or complicated design and the staircase aesthetic you are going for. For example – if you are looking for the most cost-effective option, we recommend a plain square design. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more complex, busier design, you can opt for a design such as a fluted or provincial design.
The right design for you may also depend on the type of wood you are hoping to use, as different styles are available in different wood types.
The ideal wood for you depends on the aesthetic you are going for as well as your budget and whether you prioritise strength or affordability. Oak is a popular choice for stair parts, as it is highly durable and robust. It provides a classic and natural look. However, oak also tends to be one of the most expensive wood options, so it may not be ideal if you have a smaller budget.
If you are looking for a traditional, darker wood - you may want to look at dark hardwood or walnut newel posts. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter wood that goes well with white and neutrals, pine, white primed wood or ash are great options.
Hemlock, on the other hand, is stronger than many hardwoods and is ideal if you are looking for a pale brown colour and a wood that is fairly low maintenance.
Read more about choosing and fitting newel posts here.
When it comes to choosing newel caps, turned newel caps (such as ball or acorn caps) tend to look better on turned posts and caps with a square base (such as pyramid or flat caps) look best on chamfered or square newel posts. We offer a range of designs including ball newel post caps, pyramid newel post caps, modern newel caps, and flat newel caps.
Our selection of newel cap materials includes oak, hemlock and pine newel caps and half newel caps either as wood, or wood combined with either chrome or brushed nickel elements.
Flat newel caps are also available in chrome and nickel for a super-sleek finish.
Shop our wood newel posts and newel caps here.
We have left-hand and right-hand bullnose steps. You can choose between dark hardwood, hemlock, oak and pine.
Pine is a popular choice for stair parts as it’s easy to work with, sand and finish. When finished with a clear varnish, it can give a home a rustic feel. When painted with a colour, it can look very modern.
Hemlock is renowned for its strength and resistance to wear and tear, which makes it ideal for stair parts. The timber is very light in colour and takes varnish very well so a hemlock balustrade can give any hallway a striking, fresh feel.
You can view a full range of hemlock stair parts including handrails and spindles here.
|
Feature |
Oak |
Ash |
|---|---|---|
|
Colour |
Ranges in colour from blonde to dark tones |
Warm beige to dark brown in colour |
|
Appearance |
Very strong and distinctive grain |
Obvious grain but not as pronounced as oak |
|
Durability |
Resistant to dents and scratches |
Takes stains well |
|
Finish |
Staining or polishing |
Staining or polishing |
|
Maintenance |
Low-maintenance |
Low-maintenance |
|
Cost |
Mid Range |
Typically more expensive than oak |
Pine and oak are two of the most popular woods used to make stair parts.
Below is an overview of the key differences between the two materials:
|
Feature |
Pine |
Oak |
|---|---|---|
|
Type of wood |
Softwood |
Hardwood |
|
Strength |
Has a close grain that makes it very strong |
Renowned for being durable and long-lasting |
|
Colour |
Light beige to yellow |
Ranges in colour from blonde to dark tones |
|
Appearance |
Straight grain with attractive knots |
Very pronounced grain, no knots. Works well in combination with contrasting materials. Ideal for staining and showcasing natural timber |
|
Durability |
Can show scratches and dents |
Resistant to dents and scratches |
|
Finish |
Staining, varnishing or painting |
Staining or polishing |
|
Maintenance |
Low - Medium |
Low-maintenance |
|
Cost |
Low Range |
Mid Range |
As softwood trees grow more quickly, this allows you to rotate plantations more quickly. This means trees can be grown to size, chopped down to be processed, and replaced at a faster rate than hardwood.
Worn treads, broken or missing spindles or loose banisters can all be fixed or replaced without incurring the cost of a complete staircase replacement.
Many of our stair parts are available in sets—for example, ready-to-install handrail kits including connectors and end caps—to simplify the purchasing process.
You can read how to replace and install wooden stair parts in our guide 8 steps to a successful staircase installation.
Use a vacuum cleaner with a small nozzle attachment to clean off any dust and debris that’s collected on stair treads, on the handrail and base rail and in between the spindles.
Soak and wring out a soft, clean cloth in a solution of warm water and wood cleaner or mild detergent. Use the moist cloth to remove hard-to-reach dust and/or any dried spillages on the wood.
Wipe with a dry, lint-free cloth to remove excess moisture.
Repeat every four to six weeks.
You can view our range of staircase finishings and fillings here.
Treatex Hardwax Clear Gloss Oil
Just two coats of our Clear Hardwax Oil will protect and enhance wooden surfaces
Provides a hard-wearing and attractive finish
Quick-drying and easy to maintain
You can read more about caring for wooden stair parts here.
You can use wood filler to fill small imperfections in wood. Shop our wood fillers for light oak, pine, mahogany and white wood here.
Cross-grain wood pellets and plugs are used to hide screws or bolt heads in a wooden staircase.
You can shop our wood pellets and plugs here.
Use a baby wipe to remove the surface dirt from the handrail. You may need to use a few wipes to remove all the dirt.
If the handrail still feels greasy, wipe it with a cloth moistened in a solution of equal parts vinegar and water.
Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any residue from the vinegar solution.
Hemlock is a softwood with a beautiful pale colour and an even texture. It’s a popular timber inside the home, used for doors, shutters, mouldings and stair parts, for example.
You can view a range of our hemlock stair parts here.
Poplar is a hardwood tree that produces soft wood when compared to other hardwood trees. The cellular structure gives it a much finer grain than more coarsely grained softwoods.
You can shop our white primed stair parts here.
