Types of wood.

These are only small images, I will update these soon with larger images that you can see the grain on.

American white oak.

This is a very popular timber for handrail use. It has a very distinctive grain that can make any staircase look good. It is mid range in colour and easily stained to darken for a more traditional look. – It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

American white Oak grain and colour sample.
American white Oak.

Ash.

This is a very light coloured wood that is well suited to to the more contemporary handrail. It gives a good contrast between the lighter and darker grain that is enhanced with polishing. – It is suitable for indoor use only.

Ash grain and colour sample.
Ash.

American Black Walnut.

This wood has become very popular over the last few years. It has a with a very dark colour which is well suited to the traditional style of staircase. It has an attractive grain but it can be hard to see at times as the variation between the light and dark grain are not always obvious. – It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

American black Walnut colour and grain sample.
American black Walnut.

Cherry.

Cherry is very distinctive with an almost orange tinge to it, the darker grain can give some very interesting patterns when cut for handrail. – It is suitable for indoor use only.

Cherry grain and colour sample.
Cherry.

European Oak.

Probably the best known of all timbers. The grain has a unique look to it both in colour and figuring. It can look good on most staircases whether contemporary or traditional. – It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

English Oak grain and colour sample.
English Oak

Sapele.

Sapele gives the traditional mahogany look with a reddish brown colour and broader bands of dark and light grain. – It is suitable for indoor use.

Sapele a Mahogany species grain and colour sample.
Sapele Mahogany

Iroko.

Iroko is medium brown in colour but extremely hardy to the environment and therefore ideal for outdoor applications.

When left untreated will go a silvery colour.

– It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Iroko colour and grain sample.
Iroko.