Durability
For the external durability of stairs, handrails and balusters, timbers should have a natural durability class of 1 or 2, or preservative treatment of H3 or higher.

Connectors should be hot-dip galvanised, or for coastal environments subjected to airborne salt deposits, stainless steel or fasteners with equivalent corrosion resistance should be used. For further information on durability refer to the Technical Specifier’s Guide for Hardwoods and Cypress (referenced at the end of this guide).

Timber grading is required for all structural components used in stairs, handrails and balusters. They must be in accordance with AS2082 (see note 4) and AS2858 (see note 5). If laminated timber is being used it must comply with AS1328 (see note 6). Finger jointed timber must comply with AS1491 (see note 7). Other standards useful in describing appearance features include AS2796 (see note 8) and AS1810 (see note 9).



Notes
4. AS 2082 – 2000: Timber - Hardwood - Visually stress-graded for structural purposes, Standards Australia, Homebush,
5. AS 2858-2001: Softwood – Visually stress-graded for structural purposes, Standards Australia, Homebush,
6. AS 1328: Glued laminated structural timber, Standards Australia, Homebush,
7. AS 1491: Finger jointed structural timber, Standards Australia, Homebush,Check Currency
8. AS 2796: Timber - Hardwood – Sawn and milled products, Standards Australia, Homebush,
9. AS 1810 -1995: Timber - Seasoned cypress pine - Milled products, Standards Australia, Homebush,