Choosing the right wood for doors and staircases isn’t just about looks. It’s about how that door feels after ten winters. Or how those stairs sound after twenty years of people charging up and down with shoes, boots, dogs, kids, the lot. If you want something that lasts – properly lasts – the wood species matters. A lot.
Honestly, this question comes up all the time on sites like https://cantalbois.com and in workshops too. People want something solid, but they don’t want to be sold a dream. So let’s talk real woods, real pros and cons, no fluff.
Doors and stairs don’t live the same life
First thing to get straight : a door and a staircase don’t get abused the same way.
A front door deals with cold, heat, damp air, the sun hitting it sideways at 6pm. A staircase ? That’s impact. Repeated impact. Every single day. Heels, dropped keys, furniture scraping the edge of a tread because “it’ll fit, don’t worry”.
So no, there’s no single “perfect” wood. There are good choices depending on where and how it’s used.
Oak : the obvious one (and for good reason)
Let’s not pretend. Oak is king. And not because it’s trendy.
Oak is dense, tough, and forgiving. It doesn’t panic when humidity changes. It takes knocks without denting like a soft fruit. For staircases especially, it’s a beast. You can sand it, resand it, and sand it again ten years later. Still there.
I’ve seen oak stairs in old UK houses that have been walked on for generations. They’re worn, sure, but still solid. That tells you everything.
Downside ? Price. And weight. Oak is heavy. It needs proper fixing, proper joinery. No shortcuts.
Beech : underrated, but not everywhere
Beech is interesting. Very hard. Very smooth. Almost too perfect when freshly machined.
For internal staircases, beech works beautifully. It takes a finish well, feels clean underfoot, and doesn’t splinter easily. That said, beech hates moisture. Like, really hates it.
Would I use it for an external door ? No chance. For a dry, heated house staircase ? Absolutely.
It’s one of those woods that surprises people. Until it moves. Keep it inside, stable environment only.
Maple : tough, but a bit fussy
Maple is hard. Harder than people expect. That’s why it’s used in sports floors.
For stairs, it’s excellent if installed properly. Tight grain, clean look, very resistant to wear. The catch ? It shows everything. Scratches, marks, dents – you’ll see them.
If you like a “lived-in” look over time, that’s fine. If you want perfection forever, you’ll be disappointed. Personally, I like how it ages. Some don’t.
Softwoods : cheaper, but let’s be honest
Pine, spruce, redwood… yes, they’re affordable. Yes, they’re easy to work.
But for stairs ? I’m hesitant. They dent. They mark. Fast.
For internal doors, especially upstairs or low-traffic areas, softwood can be totally fine. Painted doors, classic look, no issue.
For a main staircase or a front door exposed to weather ? I’d think twice. Or three times.
Walnut : beautiful, but not bulletproof
Walnut looks amazing. Deep colour, rich grain. People fall in love with it instantly.
But it’s softer than oak. It’s not fragile, but it’s not indestructible either. For doors, especially interior statement doors, it works great.
For stairs ? Only if you accept patina. Marks will happen. Some love that. Some really don’t.
So… what should you choose ?
Here’s the straight answer :
- For staircases that last decades : Oak first, beech second (indoors only).
- For front doors : Oak, no debate. Treated properly, it handles UK weather.
- For internal doors : Oak, walnut, or even softwood depending on budget and use.
Ask yourself a simple question : do I want this to look perfect, or do I want it to survive real life ?
Because kids grow. People don’t take their shoes off. Furniture gets moved. Life happens.
Choosing the right wood won’t stop wear – but it will decide whether that wear becomes a problem… or just character.
If you’re unsure, talk to someone who’s actually installed these things. Someone who’s seen what fails after five years. That experience matters more than any brochure.
And if you’re still hesitating ? That’s normal. Wood choice is never just technical. It’s personal. And yeah, sometimes you go with your gut. I do too.