Stair Parts
Custom stair parts made to your exact specifications,
from classic designs to modern aesthetics.
Stair Parts & Custom Stair Components
Mason’s Mill & Lumber supplies custom stair parts and components for residential and commercial projects where detail, consistency, and fit matter.
From treads and risers to handrails, balusters, and newel posts, our stair parts are milled to specification using carefully selected hardwoods and proven production methods.
Stair Parts Custom Made in Mill 3
Balusters and Balustrade
Balusters are the vertical posts supporting the railing, working with the handrail to form the balustrade system. While three balusters per foot is standard, tighter spacing can add an elegant touch to your design.
Handrails
Handrails provide support and safety, resting horizontally or at an angle above the balusters. Smooth transitions in handrails are achieved using fittings like volutes, turnouts, or goosenecks, blending practicality with style.
Newel Posts
Newel posts are the larger vertical supports anchoring the balustrade system. Placed at key points—like the base, top, and turns of a staircase—they provide both structural support and a bold design element.
Treads and Risers
Treads are the horizontal steps you walk on, while risers are the vertical supports beneath them. For a sleek, modern look, risers can be omitted, creating an open tread design.
Nosing
The nosing is the edge of the tread or landing tread that extends beyond the riser, offering more walking surface and a polished appearance.
Fittings and Moldings
Fittings such as upeasings and goosenecks create smooth transitions when the handrail changes height or direction. Decorative moldings, like cove molding, enhance the design by covering joints between treads and risers.
Browse our Stair Treads
Ayous / African Mahogany — Cutek Extreme Clear Finish
Ayous (Triplochiton scleroxylon), also known as Obeche, African Whitewood, Samba, or Wawa, is a lightweight tropical hardwood native to the forests of West and Central Africa. In its natural, unmodified state, Ayous has a pale cream to light yellow heartwood with a straight to slightly interlocked grain and a medium-to-coarse texture with good natural luster. It's frequently grouped with — and sold alongside — African Mahogany because of its similar workability, dimensional characteristics, and the way it accepts stains and finishes to achieve rich, mahogany-like tones.
Ayous is prized for several reasons that make it well-suited to architectural and millwork applications: it's remarkably lightweight (roughly 24 lbs/ft³), which eases handling for vertical siding, ceiling, and overhead installations; it has low shrinkage and good dimensional behavior once properly dried; and its clear, knot-free character grades produce a smooth, uniform surface ideal for high-visibility finish work. In its natural state, Ayous is considered non-durable to moderately durable against decay, which is why exterior applications require a quality penetrating finish to protect the wood and extend its service life.
Each board is finished with Cutek Extreme Clear, a penetrating oil specifically formulated to stabilize exterior wood from within. Unlike surface coatings that sit on top of the board and eventually peel, crack, or flake, Cutek carries its oils deep into the wood fibers where they work continuously to reduce moisture movement — the primary cause of cupping, checking, warping, and end-splitting. This is especially important for a species like Ayous, whose natural durability benefits significantly from a stabilizing oil. Because Cutek penetrates rather than films, maintenance requires no sanding or stripping — just clean the surface and reapply when it looks dry. The clear formulation adds no pigment, allowing the Ayous's natural cream-to-honey tone to show through initially before gradually silvering to a soft gray patina if left unmaintained with a colortone.
Because Ayous can react with iron and galvanized fasteners (causing black staining), stainless steel fixings are required for installation. Pre-drilling is also recommended, as the wood can be brittle.
Ideal for architectural siding, feature walls, soffits, porch ceilings, interior paneling, sauna applications, and covered outdoor living areas where a lightweight, workable hardwood with a refined appearance is desired.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Species | Ayous (Triplochiton scleroxylon) |
| Also Known As | Obeche, African Whitewood, Samba, Wawa; often sold alongside African Mahogany |
| Origin | West and Central Africa |
| Modification | None — natural, kiln-dried |
| Finish | Cutek Extreme Clear (penetrating oil) |
| Finish Type | Oil-based, non-film-forming |
| Color | Natural pale cream to light yellow; darkens slightly with age; accepts stains beautifully to achieve mahogany-like tones |
| Grade | Clear grade available; virtually knot-free |
| Grain / Texture | Straight to slightly interlocked grain; medium-to-coarse texture; good natural luster |
| Janka Hardness | ~440 lbf |
| Average Dried Weight | 23.8 lbs/ft³ (380 kg/m³) — lightweight |
| Specific Gravity | 0.32 (basic), 0.38 (12% MC) |
| Modulus of Rupture | 8,680 lbf/in² |
| Elastic Modulus | 934,000 lbf/in² |
| Shrinkage | Radial 3.1%, Tangential 5.3%, Volumetric 8.7% (T/R ratio 1.7) |
| Natural Durability | Non-durable to moderately durable — finish required for exterior use |
| Workability | Machines and finishes well; sands smoothly; accepts stains and oils evenly |
| Applications | Exterior siding (with finish), feature walls, soffits, porch ceilings, interior paneling, sauna walls/ceilings, millwork, trim |
| Fixings | Stainless steel required — Ayous reacts with iron and galvanized fasteners; pre-drilling recommended |
| Maintenance | Clean and re-oil with Cutek Extreme as needed — no sanding or stripping required |
| Sustainability | FSC-certified options available |
Quote
Why Choose Mason’s Mill & Lumber Co.?
Expert Craftsmanship
Our M3 Custom Millwork shop combines skilled artisanship with advanced machinery for superior quality.
Top-Quality Materials
We source the finest woods and materials to ensure lasting durability and beauty.
Endless Customization
Whether it’s traditional hardwood or a unique design, your staircase will be as functional as it is striking.
Personalized Service
We work with you from concept to completion, ensuring every detail meets your vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
We supply a full range of stair components, including treads, risers, handrails, balusters, newel posts, nosing, fittings, and related decorative profiles. Components can be ordered individually or as part of a complete stair package.
Yes. Stair parts can be milled to project-specific dimensions, profiles, and species. Custom sizing and detailing allow components to align with architectural drawings, existing conditions, or design intent.
We offer a wide selection of domestic and specialty hardwoods. Species availability may vary based on project requirements and lead times. Our team can help identify the best option based on appearance, durability, and performance needs.
In many cases, yes. We regularly work with projects that require stair parts to coordinate with flooring, trim, or other millwork elements. Providing samples or specifications helps ensure consistency.
Stair parts are typically supplied unfinished unless otherwise specified. Finishing options may be available depending on project scope and requirements. Our team can discuss what makes the most sense for your application.
Yes. We work with builders, designers, and stair professionals to review drawings, measurements, and requirements. While we don’t design or install staircases, we help ensure materials and profiles align with the intended use.
Yes. We support residential, multi-family, and commercial applications where quality, consistency, and fit are important.
Start your next Project with Mason's Mill today!
Custom stair parts and components.