Red Oak
The most popular species for American staircases. Open, prominent grain, warm reddish tone, and reliable hardness make it a workhorse for treads, newels, balusters, and handrail.
Material Guide
Wood Types for EVERMARK Stair Parts
The wood species you choose changes the look, feel, and durability of your staircase. EVERMARK offers stair parts in a range of American hardwoods and primed options, each with its own grain, color, and hardness profile.
White Oak
Tighter grain and a cooler, more neutral tone than red oak. Excellent hardness and increasingly popular for modern, quarter-sawn, and rift-cut looks.
Poplar
A smooth, paintable hardwood ideal for painted newels, balusters, and trim. Takes primer and paint cleanly for a factory-smooth finish.
Hard Maple
Very hard, pale, and close-grained. A great choice for durable stair treads and contemporary handrail where a light, uniform look is desired.
Hickory
Rustic character with dramatic color variation from pale sapwood to rich heartwood. Extremely hard — well suited to high-traffic stair treads.
American Cherry
Fine, uniform grain that deepens to a rich reddish-brown with age. A premium choice for traditional and transitional staircases.
Beech
Hard, dense, and pale with a subtle fleck. A cost-effective option for painted or lightly stained components.
Primed Wood
Factory-primed components ready for topcoat. Fast on-site finishing for white or painted stair systems.
Species availability varies by product line and store. Check individual product pages or your local Home Depot for current stock.