We have compiled a few of the most commonly asked questions about stair design that we get from our customers to help you understand a little more about what we do and how we do it. If you have any questions that are not answered here, you can get in touch with our friendly staff who will be happy to help you.
Stair Design Frequently Asked Questions
-
Will my timber treads match my flooring?
- Yes, however you must understand that the flooring is purchased from one company and the timber for your stairs comes from a different source. With each species of timber the colouring is generally quite consistent but as you see with your flooring it comes in many different tones which makes the timbers of your stair blend in with the general toning of your floor.
-
Is all my timber solid timber?
- Yes, at Southern Stairs we use “select grade” timbers in most of our stairs but sometimes the sizes we require for a tread say 280 x 32 might not be available and as such smaller sections would have to be used which may have to be laminated together. This still gives you a solid tread and will still match your floor as it is many boards joined together.
-
What types of timber do you have that is suitable for stairs?
- We have many timbers to suit most budgets and designs. We have MDF for stairs that will be carpeted to keep the cost down. Pine, maple and Victorian ash are very good value timbers for a smaller budget and there are many Australian hardwoods available to match in with your flooring.
-
What types of stairs do you have?
- We can do almost any type of timber staircase. Most of the time the architect designs the house or renovation and they allow space for the staircase. If the architect does not allow much room for the stair then we cannot be as flexible with our staircase design. As such it is important to talk to the architect and get him to work out how much room you can afford to utilise for your staircase. Sometimes space is very limited.
-
Is creaking typical of timber stairs?
- A new staircase should not creak or squeak if it has been built right. Older stairs may creak because the glue may have broken down over time.
-
Do you renovate or refurbish existing staircases?
- Yes, we can renovate your existing staircase by removing the existing balustrade and replacing it with a new balustrade. If you have the turned posts and balusters we can replace them with something contemporary or something more modern like glass all depending on your budget.
-
Will my timber staircase fade or discolour over time?
- It all depends on the position of your stairs if it is in direct sunlight or not. Some timbers may lighten up a bit but generally all timbers will darken over time.