Custom Wood Staircases in NYC & Staten Island: Why We Recommend Poplar, Red Oak, and White Oak
At Second Generation Wood Stairs, we’ve installed countless staircases throughout New York City and the surrounding areas. Over time, we’ve seen which woods perform best in city apartments, brownstones, and townhomes — both in terms of durability and design. While there are many types of wood available, our three most popular and trusted choices are Poplar, Red Oak, and White Oak. Each offers unique benefits that make it ideal for the fast-paced, stylish lifestyle of NYC homeowners.
Poplar
In many New York apartments and townhouses, homeowners prefer a sleek, painted finish that complements modern interiors. Poplar is our go-to wood for this.
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Why we use it: Poplar is budget-friendly and takes paint beautifully, making it perfect for stringers, risers, and trim work. It allows us to deliver a clean, smooth finish at a reasonable cost.
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Why clients love it: In city spaces where every detail matters, Poplar provides a crisp, tailored look without driving up renovation budgets.
Red Oak
Red Oak remains one of the most popular staircase woods in the New York City area. It’s known for its strength and warm character, making it a natural fit for both traditional brownstones and pre-war co-ops.
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Why we use it: It’s reliable, widely available, and holds up well to heavy foot traffic — which is essential for multi-family living or homes with busy households.
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Why clients love it: The rich reddish tones and strong grain patterns bring warmth and authenticity, blending beautifully with the historic architecture found throughout Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan.
White Oak
White Oak is our premium choice for staircases, and it’s becoming increasingly popular in high-end renovations across Manhattan and beyond.
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Why we use it: White Oak is extremely durable, has a subtle yet sophisticated grain, and stains evenly. It also has natural resistance to moisture — a valuable quality in New York’s changing climate.
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Why clients love it: Homeowners looking for a modern, luxury look gravitate toward White Oak. Its neutral tones work perfectly with the sleek interiors of new condos as well as the timeless style of renovated townhouses.
One of the biggest advantages we offer is the ability to mix and match wood types to create a staircase that fits both your style and your budget. For example, many of our New York clients choose Poplar stringers and risers for a clean, painted look while investing in Red Oak or White Oak treads for durability and long-term wear. This approach keeps the project cost-effective while ensuring the parts of your staircase that get the most use are built from the strongest, most reliable hardwoods. It’s the perfect balance of design flexibility, budget-friendliness, and lasting strength.
Why These Woods Work Best for New York City Homes
New York homes face unique challenges: limited space, high foot traffic, and the need for designs that balance style with practicality. Poplar, Red Oak, and White Oak allow us to deliver staircases that stand up to daily use while enhancing the beauty of each home — whether it’s a contemporary loft in Manhattan or a historic brownstone in Brooklyn.
When you work with us, you’re not just getting a staircase; you’re getting a carefully chosen wood that fits your lifestyle, budget, and the character of your New York home.