External Staircases – Durable Outdoor Timber Stairs
At Stairplan, we manufacture bespoke external staircases designed for long-lasting performance in the British climate. Whether for garden access, raised decking, annexes, or commercial properties, our outdoor staircases are built for strength, safety, and style.
🔹 Built for the Outdoors
Unlike internal staircases, external stairs must withstand exposure to rain, frost, and UV. That’s why we only use durable hardwoods and robust joinery techniques — we do not build outdoor stairs in softwood, as it lacks the lifespan and resistance required.
🔹 Why Choose Stairplan for Outdoor Stairs?
🪵 Made from Iroko or other durable hardwoods
🔩 Fully jointed, glued, and screwed for weather resistance
📏 Made to measure for your project
🇬🇧 Manufactured in the UK with precision CNC machinery
🚚 Nationwide delivery available
🧰 Optional balustrades, handrails, and anti-slip options
🔹 Timber Options
We typically use Iroko for external staircases due to its natural resistance to moisture, insects, and decay. Iroko is a dense African hardwood often used in marine and outdoor applications — perfect for exterior use.
Each staircase is supplied raw sanded, ready for on-site oiling or finishing to your preferred spec.
🔹 Common Uses for External Staircases
Access to garden offices or annexes
Decking stairs and raised terraces
First-floor apartment access
Commercial or public stair access where timber is specified
Safety and Compliance
All external staircases are built to meet appropriate building regulations, with options for:
Non-slip tread surface Options Available
Handrails and landing balustrades
Closed risers or open riser with safety bar options
✅ Built to Withstand. Designed to Impress.
Every outdoor staircase we build is made with care, precision, and materials that are fit for the job. If you’re investing in exterior access, choose a manufacturer who understands the demands of UK weather and delivers staircases built to last.
🔹 How to Order
To request a quote:
Send us your floor-to-ground height and desired layout
Let us know the timber finish and whether you need balustrade/handrails
Include any photos or site sketches if available
📧 Email: sales@stairplan.com
📞 Call: 01952 608853
We’ll provide a tailored quotation based on your site, size, and timber requirements.
🔹 Timber Treatment & Optional Oiling
Although Iroko is naturally durable and well-suited to external use, we recommend applying a suitable UV-protective exterior oil to preserve its appearance and prevent surface greying over time.
We supply all external staircases raw sanded, ready for finishing on site. For added convenience, we offer an optional oiling service where your staircase can be factory-oiled with a clear or tinted finish prior to delivery. This enhances moisture resistance and extends the timber’s lifespan from day one.
🔹 Measuring Service Available
If you’re unsure about sizes, layout, or fitting requirements, we offer a professional measuring service (subject to location and access). One of our surveyors will visit your site to take accurate measurements and advise on the best layout and fixing method.
This ensures a perfect fit and smooth installation, especially for more complex access points or multi-level setups.
🔹 Recommended Installers
We work with a network of experienced recommended installers who are familiar with our staircases and fitting techniques. While we don’t offer installation directly, we’re happy to connect you with trusted tradespeople who can carry out the installation professionally and efficiently.
Just send us photos of the installation area, and we can estimate labour costs and recommend someone in your region.
Our external staircases being assembled in the workshop.
Each staircase is individually built using durable hardwoods like Iroko, then dry-fitted and checked for accuracy before dispatch. This ensures a smooth installation process on site and allows us to tailor each staircase to the customer’s specification. Shown here is part of the final assembly process, where key joints and structural details are carefully checked by our team before delivery.
| Timber Type | Durability (Outdoors) | Rot & Insect Resistance | Stability | Maintenance Needs | Appearance Over Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iroko (Hardwood) | ★★★★☆ (Very High) | Excellent (Naturally resistant) | Very stable | Low (occasional oiling) | Ages gracefully with oiling |
| Treated Softwood | ★★☆☆☆ (Moderate) | Depends on chemical treatment | Prone to warping/splitting | High (regular treatment needed) | Often deteriorates quickly |
| Oak (Untreated) | ★★☆☆☆ (Moderate–Low) | Susceptible to decay outdoors | Can move & crack over time | Medium (needs treatment) | May blacken or silver quickly |
✅ Why We Recommend Iroko:
Naturally resistant to moisture, insects, and fungal decay — no need for chemical treatment
Dimensional stability reduces risk of warping, twisting, or splitting
Long lifespan with minimal maintenance — just periodic oiling to retain colour and richness
Excellent for UK weather conditions — performs better than untreated oak or softwood
🔸 Disclaimer – Timber Performance Over Time
While we recommend Iroko as the most suitable timber for external staircases based on our experience and available data, we cannot guarantee how it will react over time. Its performance depends heavily on how well the staircase is maintained and the environmental conditions it is exposed to (such as moisture levels, sunlight, and airflow).
We share this guidance in good faith based on years of experience, but each installation is unique, and natural timber products will always vary in their behaviour outdoors.