STAIRS Stairs don't have to be made in pine, and they don't need to be a standard design. The stairs in the Xylodom West Wing are made out of ash, but you could use oak, beech, elm, cherry, or sycamore. And although our stairs are simple and traditional, the design possibilities are endless. If you need to put new stairs into your house or replace existing ones, it's sensible to sit down and spend a little time thinking about them. Familiarise yourself with the technical terms - check this out.       Original Elm Stairs by Scott Yeomans Consider different styles. Think about little details that you've never thought of before. Do you really want square newel posts and balusters? Do you want a banister that the kids can slide down-don't ask them! Do you want your stairs to match hardwood flooring? Think about the kind of timber you want to use for your stairs. Not necessarily what's available in the local DIY store, but what you actually want. Ash or Maple stairs will look quite different to stairs made in Oak. The one creamy but cool, the other golden brown, warm and reassuring. McConnel Wood Products can supply all the timber parts that you need to make beautiful hardwood stairs. We can also organise turning (or carving) of newel posts and balusters if required. For more information on stair design cost and availability of timbers or for a cost estimate on the supply of timber for an existing plan e-mail us at info@mcconnel.co.uk or call us on 01848 331 662. McConnel Wood Products specialise in European and homegrown hardwoods and supply sawn timber blanks for use in cabinet making and interior design throughout Scotland. "I have answered three questions and that is enough Said his father; "don't give yourself airs" "Do you think I can listen all day to such stuff Be off or I'll kick you downstairs"