Timber Staircase Materials in Australia

A timber staircase is built from multiple components, each with specific material requirements for strength, appearance and durability. Understanding these materials helps you make informed decisions about your staircase project in Brisbane, Moreton Bay or the Sunshine Coast.

Staircase Components

A complete timber staircase consists of several key components:

• Stringers — The structural sides that support the treads and risers
• Treads — The horizontal surfaces you walk on
• Risers — The vertical faces between treads (absent in open-tread designs)
• Handrails — The graspable rail for support and safety
• Balusters — The vertical infill members between the handrail and stringer
• Newel posts — The larger posts at the start, end and turns of the staircase

Stringers

Stringers are the structural backbone of the staircase. They carry all loads from the treads to the floor and upper-level structure:

• Material: Typically 50mm to 75mm thick hardwood or LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber)
• Closed stringers: Treads housed in routed grooves within the stringer face
• Cut stringers: The stringer is cut in a zigzag pattern following the tread and riser profile
• Laminated stringers: Multiple layers of timber veneer glued and bent for curved staircases

Learn more about stair stringers from our product range.

Treads

Treads are the highest-wear component and must balance hardness, appearance and workability:

• Recommended species: Spotted Gum, Blackbutt, Tasmanian Oak, Victorian Ash
• Thickness: 32mm–42mm for standard supported treads; 50mm–65mm for floating/cantilevered treads
• Width: Determined by the tread going (minimum 240mm under BCA rules) plus nosing projection
• Engineered treads: Plywood core with hardwood veneer face — dimensionally stable and ideal for wide treads

Risers

Risers close the gap between treads in a closed-riser staircase:

• Material: Typically 16mm–19mm hardwood, MDF or plywood
• Often painted: White painted risers with clear-finished treads is a classic combination
• Can match treads: For a seamless, monolithic timber look
• Open-riser option: No risers at all for a light, contemporary aesthetic

Browse our stair risers product range.

Handrails

Handrails must be graspable, smooth and structurally sound. They are typically profiled from solid hardwood:

• Profile: Round (32mm–65mm diameter) or moulded graspable profiles complying with QLD requirements
• Species: Usually matched to the treads — Spotted Gum, Blackbutt, Tasmanian Oak
• Continuous: For curved staircases, handrails are laminated and bent to follow the curve

Balusters & Newel Posts

Balusters and newels define the visual character of the balustrade:

• Turned balusters: Created on a woodturning lathe in colonial, provincial or custom profiles
• Flat balusters: Rectangular sections (40mm × 18mm typical) for modern designs
• Newel posts: Larger sections (90mm × 90mm to 130mm × 130mm) at start, end and turning points
• Species: Hardwood matching the treads and handrail, or contrasting species for visual interest

Choosing Your Materials

When selecting timber staircase materials, consider:

• Internal vs external — External staircases need Durability Class 1–2 species with appropriate finishes
• Budget — Pine is most affordable; Spotted Gum and Blackbutt offer mid-range value; American Walnut is premium
• Consistency — Match species across all components for a unified look, or deliberately contrast for design effect
• Availability — Local species are generally more affordable and readily available in Queensland

Craftsman Stairs sources and fabricates all timber staircase materials in our workshop. Contact us for expert material advice on your project in Brisbane, Moreton Bay or the Sunshine Coast.

Frequently Asked Questions