Wood Tread Options for Your Floating Staircase in Jacksonville, FL

Every floating stair system built by Jacksonville Floating Stairs uses a laser-cut steel structure — fabricated in our shop, delivered with a factory powder coat finish, and installed without any on-site welding or grinding. This page is about the choice that comes after the structure: the wood tread — species, thickness, and finish — and why those decisions matter differently in Jacksonville than they do elsewhere.

Northeast Florida has high relative humidity for most of the year. Wood treads that aren't acclimated to the installation environment expand after they're in place. That movement opens joints, loosens hardware, and can cause surface finishes to crack. We bring lumber into the home at least two weeks before installation and monitor moisture content until it stabilizes at the home's equilibrium level.

Species selection matters for performance, not just looks. White oak is dimensionally stable and accepts a wide range of stains well. Walnut is naturally denser and holds up to heavy traffic. Ash is harder than either and resists surface wear longer. Hickory shows more dramatic grain variation if that matches your design direction. We go through the options with you based on your traffic levels, finish preferences, and how the staircase will be maintained.

Every tread is sealed with a UV-stable, humidity-resistant finish. Near the beaches or in homes that get significant morning sunlight, UV exposure yellows unprotected finishes within two years. Our finish systems are specified for Florida's light levels and maintain color stability without requiring refinishing cycles every few years.