Choosing the right timber species is one of the most important decisions when building a staircase. The timber you select affects the appearance, durability, maintenance requirements and cost of your finished staircase. Australia is home to some of the world's finest hardwoods — here's your guide to the best timber options for staircases.
Australian Hardwoods for Staircases
Australian hardwoods are renowned globally for their strength, beauty and durability. For staircases, hardwoods offer superior resistance to wear, denting and scratching compared to softwoods — critical qualities for a high-traffic surface.
Spotted Gum
Spotted Gum is the most popular hardwood for staircases in Brisbane, Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast. It offers:
- Janka hardness: 11kN — exceptionally hard and wear-resistant
- Durability: Class 1 (above ground) — the highest rating, with 40+ year expected life
- Colour: Spectacular range from pale honey to rich chocolate brown, often in the same board
- Grain: Distinctive wavy, interlocked grain with occasional "fiddleback" figuring
- Best for: Both internal and external staircases
Blackbutt
Blackbutt is Australia's most versatile hardwood, offering a light, neutral palette that suits almost any interior:
- Janka hardness: 9.1kN — very hard
- Durability: Class 1 (above ground)
- Colour: Pale honey to light brown with subtle pinkish tones
- Grain: Even, straight grain — consistent and predictable appearance
- Best for: Modern, Scandinavian-inspired and minimalist interiors
Blackbutt is also bushfire-resistant (BAL-29 rated), making it popular in bushfire-prone areas of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Jarrah
Jarrah is Western Australia's iconic hardwood, prized for its rich, warm tones:
- Janka hardness: 8.5kN
- Durability: Class 2 (above ground)
- Colour: Deep reddish-brown that darkens with age and UV exposure
- Grain: Even, interlocked grain with a lustrous, waxy texture
- Best for: Traditional, heritage and federation-style homes
Jarrah pairs beautifully with wrought iron balustrades for a classic Australian look.
Tasmanian Oak
Tasmanian Oak (a marketing name covering three Eucalyptus species) is one of Australia's most popular and affordable hardwoods:
- Janka hardness: 5.5kN — moderate hardness
- Durability: Class 3 (above ground) — best suited to internal applications
- Colour: Light straw to reddish-brown with occasional pink and cream tones
- Grain: Straight, open grain that accepts stains and finishes exceptionally well
- Best for: Internal staircases where budget is a consideration and staining to a specific colour is desired
Softwood Options
Softwoods are primarily used for concealed components like stringers and risers, or for painted staircases:
- Radiata Pine: The most common and affordable option — typically painted or used for hidden structural components
- Hoop Pine: A Queensland-native softwood with a fine, even grain — excellent for painted staircases
- Western Red Cedar: Naturally decay-resistant softwood used for exterior applications and decorative elements
How to Choose the Right Timber for Your Staircase
Consider these factors when selecting your staircase timber:
- Location: External staircases need Class 1 or 2 durability; internal stairs can use Class 3
- Traffic: High-traffic areas benefit from harder species (higher Janka rating)
- Style: Light timbers suit modern interiors; dark timbers suit traditional homes
- Budget: Tasmanian Oak and pine are the most economical; Spotted Gum and Ironbark are premium
- Maintenance: Naturally oily timbers (like Tallowwood) require less frequent re-finishing
Craftsman Stairs can advise on the best timber species for your specific project. Contact us for a free consultation across North Brisbane, Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hardest timber for staircases in Australia?
Ironbark is the hardest Australian timber with a Janka hardness rating of 14kN, followed by Spotted Gum at 11kN and Brushbox at 9.5kN. Higher Janka ratings indicate greater resistance to denting and wear — ideal for high-traffic staircases.
Is Tasmanian Oak good for staircases?
Tasmanian Oak is an excellent and popular choice for internal staircases. It has a Janka hardness of 5.5kN, a light straw-to-brown colour and accepts stains beautifully. It's more affordable than Spotted Gum or Jarrah while still offering good durability for internal use.
Can I use different timber species on the same staircase?
Yes, mixing species is common and can create striking visual effects. A popular approach is using a premium hardwood (like Spotted Gum) for treads with a contrasting or painted softwood (like pine) for risers and stringers to manage costs.
Craftsman Stairs
QBCC licensed staircase builders with over 35 years of experience servicing North Brisbane, Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast. We design, manufacture and install custom staircases for residential and commercial projects.
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