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Oak and pine are both exceptionally popular choices for the home, especially as handrails, and both come with their own benefits. Both showcasing style, strength and a variety of colours, it can be a difficult choice to decide which one is perfect for your house. As a hardwood, oak is denser and stronger, which makes it more durable and less vulnerable to scratches and dents. Pine, a softwood, is more lightweight than oak and tends to be less expensive too.
When you are choosing the ideal handrail for your wooden stairs, it can help to compare the pros and cons of each wood and the designs available for each to examine exactly how they would be suited for your staircase.
Here, we take a look at some of the key features of these two kinds of woods and the factors to consider when selecting the perfect timber for your wooden handrail. We also look into the handrail design options available for each type of wood.
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Read the key differences between both types of wood.
Find out what handrail designs are available in each wood option.
Read our guide to choosing between oak and pine handrails.
Find out what other factors you need to consider when choosing between oak and pine.
We answer frequently asked questions on oak vs pine handrails.
Oak has typically been prized for its exceptional strength. Oak trees can take hundreds of years to grow, making their wood a dense hardwood that can withstand heavy-duty use and force.
Pine trees grow a lot more quickly than oaks, and because of this, their wood is softer. Although it is not as strong as oak, pine can is still strong enough to prove a good option for use in stair rails and offers the added benefit of being lightweight.
Generally, pine tends to be lighter in colour than oak with a yellow or reddish tint which can gradually darken. With straight grain and attractive knots, pine offers a unique and striking style. Oak is often a light to golden brown with an extremely pronounced grain and without.
Expense is a key factor when selecting wood stair parts. Due to pine's faster growth rate and oak's superior strength and durability, pine is the less expensive of the two kinds of wood. However, an oak staircase can last longer in optimum condition, making it a potentially cost-effective long-term solution for your stairs.
As well as being strong, oak is a very durable wood that can last for a long time without deteriorating, even after long-term, heavy-duty use with low need for maintenance. This means it is less likely to dent, stain or wear down in the long term. Pine is a very sturdy wood, but it doesn't boast the same long-term durability as oak.
Oak is perfect for staining and polishing, while pine looks exceptionally stylish when varnished, pained or stained.
You can view our full range of oak handrails and pine handrails here.
There is a range of stylish designs available for pine handrails, including cottage loaf style, mopstick designs and pigs ear handrails, which are both designed to be screwed directly on to the wall. You can also find a wide range of pine HR handrails. Pigs ear handrails can be secured directly to the wall without brackets, making them an ideal choice for narrow staircases. Mopstick handrails require handrail brackets, making them a decorative option.
Cottage loaf is also a popular design for oak handrails, with traditional styles and HR handrails also proving popular choices. For wall-mounted handrails, you also have the options of mopstick and pigs ear oak handrails.
When choosing between oak and pine for your handrail, it's important to consider what kind of design you prefer. Do you enjoy the traditional, knot-free appearance of oak or the unique grain of pine? If you prioritise strength and require wood that can withstand heavy-duty use without denting or scratching, oak may be a good option for you. However, the size of your budget is also a key factor in your choice too. With oak being a more expensive option than pine, the latter delivers good quality on a lower budget.
Read more about the benefits of oak here.
When you weigh up all the pros and cons for each wood to decide which will be perfectly suited to your needs, there can be some other factors to consider too. One important factor in your decision is the size of the handrail that you require and to ensure you measure correctly. You can find out more about choosing the right handrail here.
You also need to choose between grooved and ungrooved handrails. Grooved handrails allow spindles to sit within the groove of the handrail – for example, a 32mm spindle would sit in a 32mm grooved. Once the spindles are in place, the gap between the spindles can then be filled using an infill strip. You can also choose glass grooved handrails, which have a deep channel running the length of the handrail to accommodate a glass panel. Silicone can be bought separately to secure either the glass or spindles in place.
Ungrooved handrails, on the other hand, require brackets or clamps to be screwed directly into the handrail. Brackets and clamps can be attached to both glass panels or metal spindles. This can provide a slightly more decorative feel to your staircase. An ungrooved handrail can also be used as a handrail on the wall.
Are you still unsure of which type of handrail to choose? View our full range of handrails here.
No, pine is a softwood and consequently less strong than oak. As oak is formed, it builds up layers that make it stronger and more resistant to wear and tear. Oak is also much heavier, impacting its durability and hardness. However, pine still offers good strength and durability.
Oak is an extremely versatile wood that works well when stained in order to showcase the natural timber. Pine is perfect for staining, varnishing or painting.
Pine trees grow more quickly and are more sustainable than oaks. Their wood is softer and neither as strong nor as durable as oak wood. Consequently, pine is less expensive than oak.
Taking good care of your stair parts will keep them in premium condition for longer. Regularly vacuum any dust, dirt or grime that has accumulated on stair parts, including stair treads, the handrail, the base rail and between the spindles. Use a damp cloth with a mild detergent to remove any spills or stains on the wood before drying the wood with a clean cloth. You can also treat wood to keep it looking its best with varnish or oils. Treatex clear hardwax oil, for example, helps to protect and enhance the natural beauty of wood. Filler can also be used for filling imperfections.
You can shop our full range of finishings here.
Red oak is more common and faster growing than white oak, so production costs tend to be lower, which subsequently results in lower costs to the consumer.
Pine has a very distinctive pattern of knots with a straight grain and beige or yellow colour. Oak has a larger colour range from blonde to dark browns and is knot-free with a pronounced grain.
It depends on your individual requirements. Pine is less expensive than oak and has an excellent finish, but it not as hardwearing or strong. Oak is exceptionally durable and timelessly stylish but costs more.
Softwood options include pine and hemlock, whilst oak and ash are popular hardwoods available for handrails.
For a high-quality finish and stylish look, choose your stylish staircase handrail with Jackson Woodturners.
