Custom Wood Stairs to Match Your Imported Wood Flooring

There are many choices in hardwood flooring today. A recent search revealed over 25 species of readily available hardwood flooring from which to select. Over half of these species are imported from other countries.

Most imported hardwoods are grown in a tropical climate, which results in a much different growth cycle for the tree when compared to hardwoods grown in the U.S. As a result, the wood is much heavier than our native species. This presents a challenge when drying the wood that it will not crack when it continues to dry out in your house after installation.

When these species are used in flooring, the drying issue is resolved by installing it without glue, and the narrow strips of flooring allow for movement after installation. This can create a problem when using the same species for stairs however. Stair parts are thicker than flooring, and must be glued together. Once the wood is glued together, its movement is now restricted as the wood continues to dry out. The end result could be a crack in your stair.

When choosing a stair company, make sure their experience goes beyond stairs, and they have experience working in the species you are looking at. Consult with them for guidance on appropriate species for your stair. They may recommend alternative species that are a close match in color to your flooring. Hiring a knowledgeable expert will help ensure a problem free stair for years to come. At Designed Stairs we routinely use over 25 species. See our Materials page for many species that we have built stairs in.