Elevate Your Home with a Trending Wooden Staircase Design
Welcome to the world of wood stair design!
Too often, stair components can be an overlooked aspect of your home or commercial space, but when given some attention, they can make a powerful statement. The best part is that there’s never been a better time to experiment with ideas for your wooden staircase – and you don’t have to be an interior designer or architect to dream it up.
Table of Contents
- Take Your Wooden Staircase Design Up a Step!
- Components of Staircase Design
- Balusters
- Handrails/Banisters
- Newel Posts
- Balustrade
- Treads & Risers
- Stringers
- Today’s Top Wooden Stair Design Ideas
- 2023 Staircase Design Trends
- 3 Unique Types of Staircases
- Floating Wood Staircase
- Cantilevered Wood Stairs
- Curved Staircase
- How Wood Stairs Add Value
- Upkeep for Wood Stairs
- Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods for Your Wood Staircase
Whether you’re looking for a timeless classic design or want to add some “zing” to a modern farmhouse, we’ll help you find the perfect wood stair design to suit not only your individual style but also your remodel budget. (Keep in mind that depending on the intricacy of the project, the cost of a wood stair remodel can vary greatly.)
Take Your Wooden Staircase Design Up a Step!
Wood stair designs are (of course) functional and durable, but they also deliver a degree of warmth and comfort to the interior design of a space. An intentionally designed staircase can become a key architectural element, adding elegance and character. Additionally, wooden staircase designs can create a sense of harmony and connection between different floors.
This year, wooden staircase design trends incorporate functionality and style, often blending natural elements with metal or glass. From sleek and minimalist designs to ornate craftsmanship, there’s a wood stair option for every taste – let it become a breathtaking focal point in your home!
Components of Staircase Design
Staircase components can be jazzed up or kept traditional – and oftentimes, these elements are the major players when it comes to changing the look and feel of your staircase.
Traditional, finished wooden staircases often feature risers and stair treads made with walnut, red oak, white oak and hickory – all hardwoods that are durable with unique grain patterns. Unfinished and carpeted stairways also utilize wood treads and risers, though they typically incorporate less expensive options like pine or poplar.
Balusters
Balusters are the vertical supports along a stairway that add additional support and elevate the design. They are most often made from wood and iron.
Handrails/Banisters
Handrails are the part of the staircase that people hold onto when walking up and down the steps. Like balusters, these are most often made of wood or iron.
Newel Posts
Newel posts are the large, sturdy posts anchoring the staircase railing to the bottom of the staircase. They’re more intricate than balusters and can incorporate a variety of designs (including finials and more).
Balustrade
A balustrade is the system of newel posts, handrails, base rails and spindles/balusters, all formed together to deliver a decorative safeguard along the side of a staircase.
Treads & Risers
Treads are the horizontal steps that we use to walk on, while the risers are the vertical parts between each tread. These can be left natural (often done when covering with carpet) or finished with stain or paint. Sometimes carpet runners are added to finished stairways for additional design or safety.
Stringers
Stringers are the support boards that you often see on both sides of a staircase. They can also be found in the center of more modern designs, and the treads and risers are fastened to these supports.
Today’s Top Wooden Stair Design Ideas
Sometimes a fresh take on a wooden staircase goes hand-in-hand with updating home design, especially if they’re a prominent part of an entryway or living room.
Today’s modern staircases offer a wide range of design options, allowing individuals to express their personal style and preferences. Whether it’s a minimalist design, an industrial look, or a combination of different materials, today’s modern staircases reflect individual taste and enhance the overall ambiance of a space.
2023 Staircase Design Trends
When it comes to some of the most popular trends, we’re seeing a lot of mixed elements (iron with wood), dark handrails/balusters, square newel posts, linear wire and pipe systems, iron balusters and unique decorative accents (like angled paneling on the risers). Additionally, many homeowners are opting to include glass elements in their design (a material that was formerly reserved mostly for commercial applications).
3 Unique Types of Staircases
When you think of a staircase, you’re likely picturing a straight set of stairs running along a wall – sometimes fully exposed on one side, sometimes partially exposed. However, there are a lot of other options out there, even when it comes to a traditional straight design.
Floating Wood Staircase
This modern staircase design features wooden treads without visible risers or balusters (many times incorporating a wire/pipe system). Each step is attached to a stringer in the middle, which is often made of a matching wood species or steel. Wood treads can be stained or finished with a clear coat, putting its grain and texture on display. Sometimes a glass railing is added for a sleek level of dimension.
This option goes great with open concept, mid-century modern design.
Cantilevered Wood Stairs
Looking for a truly unique statement piece for your home? Cantilevered wooden treads extend from a wall and appear to be floating in the air without support. This minimalist, simple staircase is often enhanced with hardwood stairs parts like thick treads and delicate stair railing.
Cantilevered steps are a favorite among those seeking a contemporary design style.
Curved Staircase
Different from a spiral staircase, a curved hardwood staircase features a smooth, flowing curve along its length. Unlike straight staircases that move in a straight line, curved hardwood staircases incorporate a gentle or dramatic curve, creating a visually striking and elegant architectural feature.
Curved staircases offer an added element of design to traditional, Tuscan and European-style homes.
How Wood Stairs Add Value
For homeowners and commercial building owners alike, hardwood staircases should be considered for a variety of reasons:
- Aesthetic appeal
- Durability
- Increased property value
- Allergen sensitivities
- Versatility in customizing
Ultimately, the design of a hardwood staircase depends on personal preference, budget and whether or not the structure can support a certain type of staircase.
Upkeep for Wood Stairs
Whether your wood staircase is simply getting an update or if you’re fully replacing it, proper maintenance is key to its longevity.
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- Use a soft brush attachment when vacuuming
- Keep wood components dry, immediately wiping up spills
- Avoid sharp or heavy objects being dragged across the wood
- Use protective finishes to prevent stains or moisture
- Stay away from harsh chemicals when cleaning
Keep your wood stair design in great condition for years to come!
See how 2023’s trends compare to 2022’s – Where we took a couple of minutes to talk shop on trends and ideas.
Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods for Your Wood Staircase
Now you have some insight on what’s trending when it comes to wooden staircases!
Visualizing your staircase as a key part of your home decor helps you stay inline with the other decorative elements of your home. Whether you’re looking for staircase decor ideas, flooring inspiration or general hardwood product help, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to Baird Brothers today!
