5 Things to Know about Timber Stair Treads

Choosing timber stair treads means balancing durability, aesthetics, and budget. The timber you choose sets the tone of your space, influencing the warmth, style, and overall vibe of your interior, as well as the investment required.

Whether you're renovating or building from scratch, here are five things worth knowing before you make your decision.

1. Types of Timber: Finding Your Perfect Match

Not all timber performs the same way on stairs. Some handle staining better, others bring natural colour that stands on its own. The options below are our most commonly used timbers for stair treads. To see our full range, view our gallery here.

American Oak dominates stair tread projects, appearing in about 90% of builds. It's hardwearing, looks lovely, and takes stains beautifully. You can finish it with stain, oil, or polish, depending on your space. Whether you want light Scandinavian tones or something darker and richer, American Oak can adapt to suit your space.

European Oak (in pre-fabricated treads) is more cost-effective and comes with a shorter lead time. The timber grain is attractive, and since European Oak flooring is already common in New Zealand homes, the stair treads can easily match, making the design cohesive throughout. It's a practical choice when you're working within tighter timelines or budgets.

American Walnut is a common choice for good reason. The rich, beautiful colour comes naturally, without any need for staining or heavy finishing. If you're after warmth and sophistication straight from the timber itself, Walnut delivers that depth and character immediately.

Bamboo offers more than just affordability. It's a cost-effective option that performs well, taking stain beautifully and proving very hardwearing under daily foot traffic. For homeowners watching their budget but refusing to compromise on quality or longevity, Bamboo delivers genuine value. 

All these options are hardwearing for scratch resistance, though marks will show over time (that's part of their character). 

See how our timber stair treads transform entranceways, homes, and interior spaces across New Zealand.

2. Cost Factors: What Drives the Price

Timber choice is the biggest price determinant. After that, sizing and customisation play significant roles.

When treads exceed 295mm in depth, you'll need an additional lamination, which adds to the cost. Thickness creates considerable price variation, too. Cost varies significantly from 40mm thick to 100mm thick, so consider what your design actually requires.

Custom features come at an additional cost. Extras like rebating for steel supports underneath, LED grooves for ambient lighting, and non-slip grooves all increase the final price. These aren't purely aesthetic choices (they improve safety and functionality), but they do affect your budget.

Staining to match existing flooring requires careful application to achieve a consistent colour, though natural timber will always have some variation. American Oak is the most common choice for this because it accepts stain evenly and reliably.

3. Aesthetic Appeal: Adapting to Your Style

Timber treads complement a wide range of design styles, making them a versatile choice for many homes.

Most treads are ordered around 90mm thick with a minimal style (just a 3mm or 5mm radius on the edges). This clean look tends toward modern aesthetics but also works in rustic or traditional homes. It's a timeless approach that doesn't lock you into one style.

Personalisation opens up different possibilities. Treads can be bandsawn to suit a rustic interior or fitted with gold anti-slip inserts for a more luxe vibe, the choice is yours. Thinner 40mm or 60mm treads create a more open staircase with better light flow. However, these thinner options require a nosing or similar feature to reduce the gap between treads to less than 100mm (that's what the New Zealand stair code requires).

Staining to match existing décor happens regularly. American Oak handles this best, accepting colour evenly. Expect some natural variation, though (you're working with natural solid wood, not manufactured material).

4. Durability & Maintenance: What to Expect

All timber ages and develops character over time. That's part of the beauty of natural wood.

Maintenance requirements mirror what you'd do for timber floors. No specialised care required. Regular cleaning keeps them looking good, and the same products you use on your floors work here, too.

Moisture typically isn't a concern for timber stair treads installations. These are interior features that rarely encounter water. If spills do happen, clean them promptly, like you would anywhere else in your home.

5. Installation & Compatibility: Getting It Right

Timber treads are generally used on steel stringers. Professional site measurement and installation are recommended for all architectural stairs involving timber treads.

Stairs require precision. Small errors in measurement or installation compound quickly, creating safety issues or aesthetic problems. Professional installers understand building codes (including stair tread slope code requirements), have the right tools, and can handle complications on-site.

How to attach a wood stair tread to concrete depends on your specific structure, but generally involves fixing brackets or adhesive systems designed for the job. Steel stringers simplify the installation process compared to concrete mounting.

Pre-cut treads suit standard dimensions, while custom options accommodate unique spaces or specific design visions. Most architectural stairs benefit from custom measurement to ensure proper fit.

Making Your Choice

If you're unsure where to start, American Oak handles both function and aesthetics well. It's the default recommendation for good reason.

That said, your choice should reflect your space, budget, and style preferences. Prefabricated European Oak treads speed up timelines, Walnut delivers instant warmth, and Bamboo stretches budgets without sacrificing quality. 

Whatever you choose, you're investing in natural material that brings texture and warmth to your home. Download our timber stair treads catalogue to view our full range.