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Hardwood Stair Treads — Ipe, Cumaru & Exotic Wood for Interior & Exterior Stairs
Stair treads, risers, and stringers in the hardest woods available. For decks, porches, commercial projects, and interior staircases.
Janka Hardness
Up to 3,680 lbf (Ipe)
Slip Resistance
Naturally high grip
Fire Rating
Class A (all species)
Available Widths
Up to 11-3/4" tread depth
Custom Milling
Bullnose, custom widths
Why Hardwood for Stairs & Treads
Durability in high-traffic zones: Stairs are the highest-wear surface on any deck or building. Ipe at 3,680 Janka resists wear from foot traffic, dragging furniture, pet claws, and snow shoveling. Softwood treads (cedar, PT, pine) dent and splinter within years. Composite treads scratch and can't be refinished.
Slip resistance is critical for stairs. Natural wood grain provides better traction than smooth composite or sealed hardwood. Ipe and Cumaru are especially slip-resistant when properly finished. Pregrooved profile is available for additional drainage on exterior stairs.
Standard and custom sizes: Stair treads require specific dimensions — standard tread depth of 11" minimum (2×12 or custom-milled), standard rise of 7"–7.75" (1×8 risers), and stringers of 2×12 for open stair construction. We stock standard sizes and offer custom milling for bullnose profiles and non-standard widths.
Building code compliance: Stair treads must meet specific dimensions per IRC/IBC — minimum tread depth of 10", maximum riser height of 7.75", minimum tread width of 36". Nosing requirements vary by jurisdiction. Hardwood meets or exceeds all structural requirements.
Interior use: Hardwood stair treads aren't just for decks. Ipe and Cumaru are used in interior staircases for homes, commercial buildings, and public spaces. Using the same species indoors and out creates design continuity throughout the project.
Commercial applications: Architects specify hardwood treads for retail, hospitality, office buildings, and parks. High Janka rating handles thousands of daily foot-falls. Class A fire rating meets commercial code requirements.
Best Species for Stair Treads
Cumaru
3,540 lbf Janka • Best value
Residential deck stairs and interior staircases. Best value for high-durability treads — delivers Ipe-level wear resistance at 20-30% less cost.
Massaranduba
3,190 lbf Janka • Humid climates
High-durability treads in humid climates. Deep reddish-brown color matches mahogany staircases for interior use.
Tigerwood
1,850 lbf Janka • Design focus
Design-focused interior and exterior stairs. The striped grain makes each tread unique — a conversation piece on every staircase.
Garapa
1,620 lbf Janka • Budget-friendly
Budget-friendly exterior treads. Golden color brightens stairways. Adequate for residential deck stairs with moderate traffic.
Red Balau
1,630 lbf Janka • Coastal/commercial
Coastal and commercial projects. Good wear resistance and marine borer resistance at a competitive price point.
Stair Tread Sizing Reference
| Component | Recommended Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Treads | 2×12, 5/4×12, or custom 11-3/4" wide | Bullnose front edge recommended |
| Risers | 1×8 | Can be omitted for open-riser design |
| Stringers | 2×12 or 3×12 | Can use PT stringers with hardwood treads |
| Landing Boards | 5/4×6 (standard decking) | Match deck surface boards |
Cost-saving tip:
A common approach is to use PT or LVL stringers for structure with hardwood treads and risers for the visible surfaces. This reduces cost while maintaining the hardwood appearance and durability where it matters most.
Not all species are stocked in 2×12 or wider. Custom milling may be required for specific tread widths.