I'm trying to pick out the right wood for a staircase. I have already stained the floor, southern yellow pine, to a dark coffee color. The problem I'm having is identifying the species of wood that would be the best match for the hand rail and newel posts. I can only pick from maple, oak, and popular.
By Ron Browning from Geneseo, IL
I suggest to get the one close to the color of the floor. Good luck.
I'd select the hardest wood - because in a few years you'll be more concerned about durability than color.
Oak will have too strong a grain pattern. Pick the one that matches the texture of your pine, you can customize stain easily.
