How To Choose the Right Timber for Your Project 

Why Timber Choice Matters   

Selecting the right timber for your project isn’t just about choosing something that looks good. It’s about making decisions that will impact your home or development for decades to come. 

At Central Joinery Group, we understand how overwhelming it can feel. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel unsure about what’s best for your needs. You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the range of choices. 

That's why we’ve created the ultimate guide to timber selection, built from over 30 years of hands-on manufacturing experience and hundreds of bespoke projects delivered across the UK. 

Our team doesn’t just know timber - we live and breathe it. We make timber choices simple, so your project feels solid from the first step. 

Understanding the Basics: Hardwoods vs. Softwoods 

When it comes to timber, the key difference lies in the growth rate and durability. 

Hardwoods like Oak, Ash, Walnut, and Sapele come from slower-growing trees, making them denser and more durable. Their distinct grain patterns and strength make them perfect for visible joinery and high-traffic areas where both beauty and longevity matter. 

On the other hand, Softwoods such as Pine and Hemlock grow faster, which makes them more affordable and easier to work with. These are excellent choices for painted finishes and interior components, where cost-efficiency and flexibility are key considerations. 

Different Types of Timber   

Selecting the perfect timber for your staircase or joinery project is a critical decision that affects both the aesthetic appeal and durability of your finished product. 

We offer a wide range of timber options to suit every style, requirement, and project scale. 

Explore our selection of timber options below to find the perfect fit for your vision. If you’re unsure about which option is best for your project, our team of experts is here to help

Book a free design consultation today and let us guide you through the process. . 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Timber 

You Choosing the right timber can make or break the success of your staircase, joinery, or home project. Here’s what you need to consider: 

Durability & Strength 

Is the timber strong enough for your space and usage? 

If you're building a staircase or high-traffic area, you’ll need a hardwood like Oak, Ash, or Sapele - timbers known for their durability and ability to handle daily wear. 

Softwoods like Pine and Hemlock are ideal for painted finishes or areas that will experience lighter use, but they may not perform as well in heavy-traffic environments. 

Think long-term: the right timber will save you costly repairs or replacements down the line. 

Aesthetic Appeal 

Does the timber match your design vision? 

Every timber species has its own unique grain pattern, tone, and texture.

Oak offers timeless warmth; Walnut adds depth and drama; Ash brings a light, modern feel. Even subtle differences in grain can completely change the character of a space. 

Choosing the right aesthetic helps you create a staircase, door, or feature that feels truly integrated into your home’s design - not just fitted in. 

Finishing Options 

How will the timber be finished and maintained? 

Some timbers, like Ash and Oak, take beautifully to staining, highlighting their natural beauty. Others, like MDF and Hemlock, are ideal for painted finishes where colour consistency matters most. 

Choosing the right finish not only defines the look but also influences maintenance - natural finishes may require oiling or resealing, whereas painted surfaces can be refreshed easily. 

Plan your finish early, as it may impact your timber choice. 

Affordability and Long-Term Value 

Choosing the right timber means balancing upfront affordability with long-term performance and beauty. 

Options like Pine and Hemlock offer an affordable starting point and are perfect for painted finishes or projects where style and function need to meet at an accessible price point. 

If you’re creating a centrepiece staircase, statement doors, or bespoke joinery built to last for decades, investing in high-performance timbers like American White Oak, Walnut, or Accoya® delivers outstanding value. These timbers resist wear, warping, and environmental changes; preserving their strength, beauty, and performance year after year with minimal maintenance. 

Sustainability 

Is the timber ethically sourced and environmentally responsible? 

Today’s homeowners and developers increasingly value sustainability - and so do we.
Choosing FSC® certified timbers means your materials are sourced from responsibly managed forests. 

Premium sustainable options like Accoya® also offer unrivalled performance with a minimal environmental footprint. 

Choosing sustainable timber isn’t just a better ethical choice - it’s a smart move for future property value too. 

Each factor above shapes how your staircase or joinery project will look, feel, and perform for years to come. 

Need tailored advice to match the perfect timber to your project?

Matching Timber to Your Home: Tailored Solutions for Every Style 

Matching timber to your home’s unique characteristics is an important step in ensuring the result is visually striking, long-lasting, and seamlessly integrated into your design. 

Here’s how to select the right timber based on the type of home you’re working with: 

Heritage Property? 

For period properties, hardwoods like Oak, Walnut, or Sapele offer timeless appeal. Oak’s light colour, Walnut’s rich tones, and Sapele’s deep reddish hue bring authenticity and warmth, ideal for stairs, doors, and windows.

Modern Build?

For contemporary homes, Ash and Accoya provide sleek, clean lines and durability. Ash suits minimalist designs, while Accoya is engineered for long-term performance, perfect for modern architecture. 

Affordable options?

If you're seeking a more accessible solution without compromising on style, Pine or Hemlock are excellent choices. Both offer great versatility and can be customised with painted finishes, delivering beautiful results that complement any design, all while maintaining excellent value.

Choosing the Right Timber for Your Project 

When selecting timber for your joinery project, it’s important to consider not only the aesthetic appeal of the wood but also how its characteristics match the specific needs of your project. 

Here’s a breakdown of the best timber types for different joinery applications, helping you make an informed choice. 

Timber for Doors  

When choosing timber for doors, you’ll want a material that not only suits the style of your home but also provides security and strength. Some excellent options include: 

• Oak: Durable, classic, and always in demand, oak is an ideal material for both external and internal doors. 
• Walnut: A luxurious option that brings a deep colour and distinctive grain pattern to doors, walnut is often used for high-end or feature doors. 
• Sapele: This hardwood offers both aesthetic beauty and strength, making it perfect for doors that require both style and function. 
• Accoya: Known for its environmental credentials and outstanding durability, Accoya is an excellent choice for external doors exposed to the elements. 
• Pine: A more affordable timber choice for interior doors, pine can be stained or painted to fit your design. 

Timber for Gates  

When When selecting timber for gates, durability is key. You want a material that will withstand the elements without losing its charm. Ideal choices include: 

• Accoya: A leading choice for exterior joinery, Accoya’s resistance to weathering makes it perfect for garden and driveway gates. 
• Sapele: Known for its strength and resistance to decay, sapele is another excellent choice for external gates that need to perform for many years. 

Our Most Popular Timber Selections 

At Central Joinery Group, we don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every staircase and joinery project we deliver is built around careful timber selection. Over 30+ years of manufacturing, three materials have consistently proven to be the favourites for creating stunning, long-lasting results: 

American White Oak 

Timeless, durable, and versatile - American White Oak is the foundation of countless bespoke staircases, doors, and balustrades we’ve crafted across the UK. It offers a beautiful grain, excellent strength, and finishes beautifully with stains, oils, or clear coats. Ideal for homeowners and developers who want a high-end, enduring look. 

American Black Walnut 

When clients want to make a true statement, they turn to American Black Walnut. This premium timber brings deep, luxurious tones and a fine grain that transforms staircases and feature joinery into centrepieces. Its natural elegance needs little embellishment, and it's perfect for contemporary and classic homes alike. 

Accoya® 



For those who prioritise longevity, sustainability, and low maintenance, Accoya® delivers unmatched performance. Modified for outstanding durability, it’s resistant to rot, moisture, and weathering which makes it ideal for external doors, windows, gates, and other weather-exposed joinery. It’s an investment in peace of mind. 

Choosing the right timber is only part of the story. The craftsmanship behind it matters even more. 

At Central Joinery Group, we combine: 

• 30+ years of precision manufacturing expertise 
• In-house CNC cutting, dry-fit testing, and pre-assembly 
• Tailored design advice based on real-world experience 



Every staircase and piece of joinery we deliver is manufactured here in the UK and never outsourced. Every project is treated with the same attention to detail, whether it's for a single bespoke home or a multi-plot development. 

When you work with us, you’re not just getting beautiful timber. You’re getting reliability, craftsmanship, and partnership from your first idea to final installation.