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MAINTENANCE OF EXTERIOR TIMBER STAIRS TO PRESERVE WOOD QUALITY

30 May 2018

If you have an older home and you want to preserve the wood quality of your exterior timber stairs, to prevent rotting and to protect it from exposure to the elements, then there are some maintenance tips you can do yourself. Special care treatments can effectively prolong the life of your exterior timber stairs and also improve their appearance.

How to Preserve Wood Quality of Your Exterior Timber Stairs

Here are some things that can be done to preserve the wood quality of your exterior timber stairs:

  1. Replace Damaged Boards and Railing: Damaged or rotting railing and boards should be replaced, as their structural integrity has been compromised and could become a potential hazard. Sign of severe wear can reveal excessive splintering.
  2. Sanding: It’s true, all unprotected wood will eventually get splinters. Splinters not only present a risk of injury to those using stairs, but it opens up timber and exposes it further damage, by allowing moisture to get deeper into the wood, which will cause even more damage. Sanding down splinters is important, as it is a necessary step before applying protective wood sealant.
  3. Apply Sealant: The most import thing one can do to preserve exterior timber stairs is to make sure that they are protected from moisture. To do that, wood sealant should be applied every 3-5 years, depending on the use, the location of the stairs, and the harshness of the weather, also taking into consideration the type and quality of the timber.
  4. Protection against Termites: Another benefit of treating your exterior timber stairs with sealant is that it will protect it from insects such as termites, at no extra cost.

Exterior timber stairs are an ideal choice if your home has an elevated porch or entry way. If you already have timber stairs, then regular maintenance is needed if want them to last. However, if your exterior timber stairs are beyond repair, either broken or have become rotten, then it’s time to have them replaced.

If this is the case, not to worry, Planet Stairs is here to help. We specialise in interior and exterior timber staircases.

Planet Stairs – Interior and Exterior Timber Staircase Specialists

At Planet Stairs, we specialises in the maintenance and installation of interior and exterior timber staircases, handrails, and balustrade for home renovation projects, new home builds, and all types of commercial properties. If your timber stairs need maintenance to preserve wood quality, or you need to replace them, then we can help.

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