Finishing outdoor stairs

Finish wooden outdoor stairs with Osmo Terras-Olie, with Osmo Antislip Terras-Olie 430 as a top coat on the treads. Outdoor stairs are especially dangerous when wet, so grip matters more here than for almost any other outdoor wood. At the same time, the wood must stay well protected against water, dirt and wear.

Treads: Terras-Olie with anti-slip

First treat the treads with two thin coats of Terras-Olie. It penetrates the wood, repels water and, with pigment, also protects against UV light. Then apply Antislip Terras-Olie 430 as a third coat for extra grip. Never apply Antislip directly to bare wood, as on its own it does not protect sufficiently against moisture. Also see terrace.

Stringers and handrail

Vertical parts such as the stringers, balusters and handrail do not need anti-slip. Treat them with Natuurlijke Olie-Beits, a primer and top coat in one that is suitable for all outdoor wood, or with the same Terras-Olie as the treads. Also treat the cut edges and the underside of the treads, as that is where moisture penetrates fastest.

Preparation

Let new wood weather for at least six weeks, then make sure it is clean and dry. Always test a colour with a sample first. One litre of Terras-Olie covers about 24 m² per coat. Rinse used cloths with water afterwards, as oily cloths can self-ignite.

Maintenance

On stairs, the front edges of the treads wear first. Clean the stairs with Terrasreiniger and never use a pressure washer. If the wood has turned grey, first remove the grey with Power-Gel. When renovating, apply no more than one thin coat, followed by another coat of anti-slip.