Article | Materia
Speaking Wood: The Stairs
Article | Materia
Speaking Wood: The Stairs
Article | Materia
Speaking Wood: The Stairs
Stairs are more than functional—they shape the architectural identity of a space.
January 24, 2026
Stairs aren’t just a way to move between floors: they’re a key element in a home’s architectural story. They can extend the language of the floor or stand alone as a unique feature. The secret lies in letting them speak the same language as the wood that surrounds them.
When materials, finishes, and proportions are carefully aligned, stairs become a natural continuation of the space rather than a separate element. Matching wood species, grain direction, and surface treatment creates visual harmony, while thoughtful detailing ensures continuity, balance, and timeless appeal.
Custom stain: practical and impactful
One of the most accessible ways to align stairs and flooring is to create a custom stain. A specialist mixes a colour to match the floor and applies it directly to the stair wood, often oak. This method works well in many homes, but there are some limits: the texture and finish of the wood may not align perfectly, and the colour tends to be more uniform than the natural range of the floorboards. The final result will largely depend on the craftsperson’s skill.
Custom cladding: seamless continuity
If your floor is the same at both the top and bottom of the staircase, the cleanest solution is to clad the stairs in the same wood. Boards are cut to fit and applied to the treads and risers, joined with a custom nosing profile. The outcome is visual harmony. To get it right, plan ahead: coordinate the staircase materials and measurements at the same time as your flooring order.
Architectural stairs: building from scratch
Sometimes a staircase deserves to stand out. When it becomes a sculptural element in the space, the best approach is to design and build it entirely from scratch. This allows for fully custom stairs, finished on all sides and shaped however your project demands. But it requires early planning, as these choices affect the architecture itself. A staircase like this isn’t just a connection: it’s a design statement.
Decorative finishes: the final touch
Once the structure is complete, it’s time to refine. A made-to-measure runner can soften footsteps and add comfort. Metal or leather inlays can accent the stair edges. Even the way handrails and balusters are fixed can contribute to the overall coherence. These details are what elevate the experience.
A staircase that tells a story
When your floors and stairs speak the same visual language, the entire space becomes more harmonious. Wood flows from one room to another, up and down, like a continuous melody. At that point, the staircase stops being a functional object and becomes part of your home’s identity: thoughtfully designed, fully lived in.
