![]() ![]() The most widely available type is American white ash. Produced chiefly in Europe and the United States, this premium hardwood is even tougher than oak, with a beautiful, mainly straight grain and a range of colours varying between cream and pale brown. It is also ideal for staining and varnishing. A popular, economical and versatile hardwood, it is strong and durable (although less stable than oak or ash) with an attractive straight grain and a fine to medium texture. As beech is widely grown across Europe, it is in abundant supply, keeping costs down. BEECHĮuropean beech is normally pale cream in colour, with pinkish or pale brown variations. It is becoming increasingly popular as a cost-effective alternative to oak and can be easily varnished, stained or painted. Although idigbo is not quite as long-lasting as oak, it offers a good level of strength and stability with little shrinkage, and can be shaped to produce a wide range of curved stair parts. Grown in West Africa, idigbo is a pale yellowy hardwood with a variable grain that may be straight, interlocking or slightly irregular in shape. It can be readily carved into elaborate shapes, making it ideal for decorative stair components such as volutes, spindles and newel caps. Strong and stable, this top quality hardwood offers a mostly straight grain and ranges from dark chocolate to a pale brown in colour. Black walnut may be expensive, but it is versatile and extremely hard-wearing. There are various different types of walnut trees, but the one most frequently used in staircase construction is the American black walnut. As with any product, some variation in colour is to be expected. Its dense structure is highly resistant to rot and almost water-tight. This fairly close textured timber is harder and more stable than both American and South American mahogany, and makes an economical alternative for use in flooring and furniture as well as staircases. Sapele is a West African hardwood with a reddish brown colouring similar to mahogany - in fact, it belongs to the same family. Whilst relatively easy to work, this wood is comparable to hardwood species such as oak for strength. It is grown abundantly in the southern United States, and enjoys the reputation of being exceptionally strong and durable. Although generally clear, a limited number of small knots are permitted. Tougher than many hardwoods, southern yellow pine is a cost-effective, sustainable timber with an attractive golden colouring and distinctive grain. Moreover, it is easy to use and will not split or break while being worked, as it is less brittle and therefore stronger than many hardwoods. The timber is of uniform density and will take stain easily with the minimum of colour distortion. Hemlock is especially attractive since it can be varnished to a rich golden colour. This straight-grained, clear, nearly knot-free softwood is becoming increasingly popular as an economical alternative to oak and ash. Pine will gradually darken with age to a mellow honey colour, and can be readily stained, varnished or painted. ![]() Attractive and affordable, with a knotty appearance adding character, it is an ideal timber for anyone on a budget. Also known as European redwood, pine is a slow grown pale yellow softwood produced in renewable plantations, making it a sound environmental choice. ![]()
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