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Best Wood For Outdoor Stairs (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a durable and attractive material for outdoor stairs, wood is definitely worth considering. Not only is it a traditional and timeless choice, but it can also withstand harsh weather conditions and provide a natural and warm vibe to your home.

Before buying wood for outdoor stairs, there are several factors you should consider. Firstly, the type of wood matters greatly. Hardwoods like teak, redwood and cedar are more durable and resistant to rot and insects, but also more expensive than softer woods like pine or spruce. Other factors to consider include the thickness and width of the wood, the finish and treatment options, and the overall design and installation process.

If you’re still unsure whether wood is the right choice for your outdoor stairs, ask yourself these questions. Do you want your home to have a rustic and natural charm or a more modern and sleek look? Are you willing to invest more in a long-lasting and low-maintenance option, or do you prefer a cheaper and easy-to-replace solution? By answering these questions, you can make an informed decision and select the best wood option for your outdoor stairs.

10 Best Wood For Outdoor Stairs

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for adding grip and preventing slips on stairs, ramps, boats, ladders, and various surfaces made of wood, concrete, or metal.
2
It is ideal for outdoor deck, patio, yard, landscape, and stairs decoration with low voltage, multi-color LED lights.
3
This product is ideal for illuminating outdoor pathways, steps, patios and landscapes with waterproof LED lights in various colors.
4
The product is ideal for displaying plants and organizing items both indoors and outdoors with its freestanding 3-tier design.
5
This product is ideal for adding a durable and safe handrail to indoor or outdoor stairs with wood, concrete, or brick walls.
6
This product is ideal for adding warm white accent lighting to outdoor landscapes, gardens, patios, and wood floors.
7
Ideal for outdoor stairways with 3 or 4 steps, providing white picket wrought iron handrails for concrete or wooden stairs.
8
It is ideal for providing a sturdy handrail for stairs and walkways in homes, hospitals, and other indoor/outdoor settings.
9
Ideal for lighting decks, stairs, pathways, and outdoor landscapes with cool white LED lights in a flush mount design.
10
Ideal for outdoor lighting on decks, stairs, gardens, and yards with low voltage LED lights that are waterproof and energy-efficient.
The product is ideal for adding grip and preventing slips on stairs, ramps, boats, ladders, and various surfaces made of wood, concrete, or metal.
It is ideal for outdoor deck, patio, yard, landscape, and stairs decoration with low voltage, multi-color LED lights.
This product is ideal for illuminating outdoor pathways, steps, patios and landscapes with waterproof LED lights in various colors.
The product is ideal for displaying plants and organizing items both indoors and outdoors with its freestanding 3-tier design.
This product is ideal for adding a durable and safe handrail to indoor or outdoor stairs with wood, concrete, or brick walls.
This product is ideal for adding warm white accent lighting to outdoor landscapes, gardens, patios, and wood floors.
Ideal for outdoor stairways with 3 or 4 steps, providing white picket wrought iron handrails for concrete or wooden stairs.
It is ideal for providing a sturdy handrail for stairs and walkways in homes, hospitals, and other indoor/outdoor settings.
Ideal for lighting decks, stairs, pathways, and outdoor landscapes with cool white LED lights in a flush mount design.
Ideal for outdoor lighting on decks, stairs, gardens, and yards with low voltage LED lights that are waterproof and energy-efficient.

1. Yellow Gripstrips: Waterproof Non-Slip Treads

Ensure safety on any surface with GripStrips' anti-slip treads. With over 1800 cleats designed for traction, these treads are perfect for the slipperiest of conditions. Unlike flimsy adhesive tapes that start peeling after a few weeks, GripStrips' professional treads are made to last. They can be installed easily in virtually any weather conditions, making them a great choice for both indoor and outdoor use.

GripStrips are tough and effective, and nothing is more durable and reliable than them. These treads are made using waterproof and weather-resistant friction+ plastic, which stands up to pressure washing, shoveling, and salting. The screw-down anti-slip treads last for years and can even be reused and reinstalled somewhere else.

These screw-in treads are designed to work on any indoor or outdoor surface, including hardwood, vinyl, laminate, metal, stone, and concrete (will require concrete anchors). They are perfect for adding non-slip traction to stairs, ramps, ladders, boats, truck steps, walkways, restaurant floors, stores, factories, offices, decks, patios, landscape ties, and trails. They provide professional protection and prevent slips and falls.

GripStrips has been a trusted provider of the highest degree of protection and safety for years. They are proud to serve homes, apartments, and businesses across North America. Choose from their full selection of sizes and colors to find the strips that are perfect for your project!

Pros

  • Over 1800 cleats designed for traction make these treads perfect for the slipperiest of conditions
  • Made of waterproof and weather-resistant friction+ plastic, these treads can withstand pressure washing, shoveling, and salting
  • Screw-in design makes them suitable for any indoor or outdoor surface
  • Professional protection that helps prevent slips and falls
  • Full selection of sizes and colors available to choose from

2. Colorful Stainless Deck Lights For Outdoor Decor

Enhance the ambience of your home and garden with these LED Deck Lights that are certified to CE for quality and safety. Measuring Φ1.77" x H1.02", these lights come with a mount hole size of Φ1.38" and a cable length of 1.64ft per light. The distance between light to light is 3.28ft. These lights are detachable and can be installed in parallel connection. Even if one or two of the deck lights fail, the LED deck light kit still works perfectly fine.

Made of superior quality stainless steel and PC fire-proof material, these LED Deck Lights are waterproof with an IP67 rating. The cables come with male and female waterproof connectors, making them safe for indoor and outdoor use. With an easy installation process of drilling holes, pushing the LED deck lights in and connecting cables, these lights can be installed anywhere you can drill a hole, including deck stairs, deck steps, patios, floors, eaves, pools, walkways, kitchens, garden outdoor led landscape lighting, and indoor & outdoor decoration.

These LED Deck Lights use DC12V low voltage output, ensuring there is no flicker and low consumption. With a lifespan of over 50,000 hours, these lights have excellent heat dissipation capacity, making them not only safe but also energy-saving.

Pros

  • CE certified for quality and safety
  • Waterproof with an IP67 rating
  • Made of superior quality stainless steel and PC fire-proof material
  • Detachable and can be installed in parallel connection
  • Easy installation process
  • Energy-saving and has a lifespan of over 50,000 hours

3. Colorful Deck Lights – Qaca Stainless Steel

Create a warm and relaxing ambiance with this round deck light that emits soft and cozy illumination. The magic of this low voltage light is sure to make you feel comfortable and at ease. Illuminate your way home with the gentle lighting it provides.

This deck light is energy-efficient with its 12 lumens DC 12V low voltage LED lights. It's perfect for adding a subtle glow and a pleasant ambiance to your summer evening gatherings.

With its color changeable feature, you can easily choose any color on the remote controller's color ring. You can also select from 15 different lighting modes to suit your preferences. If the light is too bright, you can conveniently dim it through the remote controller. This light is ideal for making decks, front steps, and walkways more visible in the dark. It also works well on back decks, patios, or porches.

This deck light boasts a unique and artistic design that is sure to add charm and warmth to your home. With its super mini shape of Φ1.77"(30mm) x H1.02"(20), it can be used to decorate steps, stairs, floors, gardens, patios, lawns, porches, gates, yards, kitchens, pools, decks, and landscapes.

The manufacturer guarantees 100% satisfaction with their product. If you're not completely satisfied, their customer service team is ready to assist you and address your concerns.

Pros

  • Emits warm and soft light that creates a cozy ambiance
  • Energy-saving with its 12 lumens DC 12V low voltage LED lights
  • Color changeable feature allows for customization and versatility
  • Unique and artistic design adds charm and warmth to any space
  • Suitable for a wide range of applications
  • Guaranteed 100% satisfaction with customer service support

4. Giantex 3-Tier Ladder Plant Stand

Add a touch of elegance to your patio, garden or living room with the Giantex 3-Tier Plant Stand. This beautiful plant stand is made of sturdy and durable Chinese fire wood, ensuring its longevity. The natural wood fragrance adds to its charm and is also beneficial for your health. Its contemporary and stylish design is the perfect combination for your home decor needs.

Featuring three step tiers, this plant stand provides ample shelf space for your favorite small or medium plants, books, shoes, bags and other decorative items. Its wide shelf space can hold several large and heavy plants, making it perfect for displaying potted plants.

The yellow water-based paint on the surface of the plant stand makes cleaning easier, giving you more time to enjoy your plants and home decor. Assembly is a breeze with the included assembly materials and screws. The clear instructions make it easy to assemble, and if you have any questions, the friendly customer service team is available to help. Simply send an email and expect a reply within 24 hours.

Pros

  • Sturdy and durable Chinese fire wood construction ensures longevity
  • Natural wood fragrance is beneficial for health
  • Contemporary and stylish design adds elegance to your home decor
  • Ample shelf space for plants and decorative items
  • Yellow water-based paint on the surface makes cleaning easier
  • Easy to assemble with included materials and clear instructions
  • Friendly customer service team available to answer any questions

5. Stainless Steel Wall-Mounted Handrail With Safety Features.

Looking for a reliable and sturdy handrail for your stairs? Look no further than this heavy duty stair handrail from Muzata. Designed with safety in mind, this handrail provides added security for pregnant women, children, and the elderly when going up and down stairs. It has a maximum payload capacity of up to 200lbs, making it compliant with both commercial and residential codes.

Installation is a breeze with this handrail. The round handrail comes pre-drilled with holes for easy bracket installation, and an adjustable handrail connector is included to make installation even easier. Before installation, be sure to accurately measure the length of the handrail you need and follow the provided instructions.

This wall-mounted handrail is made of high-quality T304 stainless steel that is rust-resistant, ensuring it will last a long time. It is ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications and can be mounted on wood, concrete, bricks, or stones. It is suitable for both landing and stairs of any degree. However, please note that T304 is not recommended for projects within 10 miles of the seaside or saltwater.

The brushed finish of this stair handrail makes it applicable for various decorating styles. The surface of the handrail is carefully treated to create a unique feel that applies to a variety of decorative styles, such as minimalist, elegant, fashionable, and other decorative styles.

To complete your railing project, Muzata provides various lengths of stair handrails and accessories, such as round handrail connectors, wall-mounted handrail brackets, and extension handrail connectors for flat handrails. Search for Muzata HK27, HK28, HA03, HB01, and HA01 to find the products that best suit your needs.

Pros

  • Heavy duty handrail provides added safety for pregnant women, children, and the elderly
  • Maximum payload capacity of up to 200lbs
  • Pre-drilled holes and adjustable handrail connector make installation easy
  • Made of high-quality T304 stainless steel that is rust-resistant
  • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications
  • Brushed finish makes it applicable for various decorating styles
  • Various lengths of stair handrails and accessories available

Cons

  • – Not recommended for projects within 10 miles of the seaside or saltwater

6. Low Voltage Deck Lights: Elegant In-Ground Illumination

The LED Deck Lights by this brand are perfect for both outdoor and indoor decoration. The lights can be easily installed by drilling holes, pushing them in and connecting cables. These lights can be used for various purposes such as deck steps, stairs, kitchen, stairway, bathroom, shelves, cabinets, living room, fountains, pools, backyards, eaves, fences, pergolas, walkways, outside, and accent lighting.

The kit includes 10 detachable lights that are connected in parallel. This means that the kit will work even if one or two lights fail. The warm white LED lights have a lumen of 50LM per light and a color temperature of 2800K-3200K. The output of these lights is DC 12V, and the kit also includes a 12V power supply transformer. The maximum number of lights that can be connected in series is 20. The diameter of each light is 32mm, with a height of 23mm and a cut-out size of 24mm. The power cable is 3M/118inches long from the plug to the first light. The maximum distance between two lights is 98cm/38.5inches, and the total length of the kit is about 13M.

These LED lights are made of high-quality PC+304 stainless steel, making them durable and long-lasting. They have an IP67 waterproof rating, which makes them safe for indoor and outdoor use. The lights have a lifespan of over 50,000 hours and are energy-saving and environmentally friendly, with grade-A LED chips of 0.6w/pcs.

These lights are certified by CE, FCC, and RoHS to ensure their quality and safety. The kit comes with stable and safe copper 2 pin connectors and a glue-filled power adapter that is completely insulated and waterproof. The package includes 10 LED deck lights, 1 US power adapter, and 4 screws.

Pros

  • Easy installation process
  • Can be used for both indoor and outdoor decoration
  • Detachable lights in parallel connection, works even if one or two lights fail
  • Warm white LED lights with a lumen of 50LM per light and a color temperature of 2800K-3200K
  • Durable and long-lasting due to high-quality PC+304 stainless steel construction
  • IP67 waterproof rating, safe for indoor and outdoor use
  • Energy-saving and environmentally friendly with grade-A LED chips of 0.6w/pcs
  • Certified by CE, FCC, and RoHS to ensure quality and safety
  • Stable and safe copper 2 pin connectors and a glue-filled power adapter that is completely insulated and waterproof

7. Flexi-White Outdoor Handrails For Steps

The wrought iron handrail is a flexible solution for 3 or 4 steps, with a maximum height of 26 inches or 66 centimeters, a distance between posts of 43.8 inches or 111.3 centimeters, an upper post height of 38.2 inches or 97 centimeters, and a lower post height of 38.5 inches or 97.8 centimeters. It is designed to fit different sizes and is perfect for providing balance and skid-proof support during rainy or winter days.

The handrail is made from durable wrought iron material with thick solid bases, making it more rigid and reliable than aluminum products. Its stable and sturdy construction ensures an excellent load capacity to provide a secure grab bar for your family. The ergonomic design also ensures a comfortable grip.

The handrail is effortless to install and comes with complete accessories, including 16 M6 bolts, 4 M8 bolts, 8 self-tapping screws, 8 expansion screws, 2 wrenches, and 36 gaskets. The installation process only takes a few minutes, just choose your desired location, mark it, drill holes on the mounting surface, set up screws, and finally place base trim over fasteners.

This outdoor stair railing features a smooth powder-coated surface with a chic white finish, which makes it easy to clean with water or cloth. Its classic curly side design is beautiful, making it more ornamental and eye-catching. In addition, the handrail also decorates your stairs.

The railing for steps provides extra security for the elderly, children, pregnant women, disabled family members, and people after surgery. It can be installed on concrete, brick, and wood steps of porches, balconies, gardens, home buildings, hotels, garages, etc. This outdoor railing is ideal for places where you cannot attach it to a wall or structure.

Pros

  • Flexible design for 3 or 4 steps of different sizes
  • Made from durable wrought iron material with thick solid bases for stability and reliability
  • Effortless installation with complete accessories provided
  • Stylish and ornamental design with a smooth powder-coated surface and chic white finish
  • Provides extra security for people with different needs
  • Suitable for installation on different types of steps and in various settings

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for steps with more than 4 steps

8. Cool White Decking Lights – 10 Pack.

Enhance the beauty of your outdoor space with these LED deck lights from QACA. Measuring Φ1.18" x H1.02", each light has a mount hole size of Φ0.87" and a cable length of 1.64ft, with a distance of 3.28ft between each light. These lights are perfect for adding accent lighting to steps, stairs, garden patios, floors, pool decks, kitchens, and landscapes both indoors and outdoors.

These LED deck lights feature a low voltage power supply of DC 12V, making them energy-efficient and eco-friendly while still providing ample lighting. The lights are certified to CE and RoHS, ensuring product quality and safety. They are also IP67 waterproof, making them safe for use in wet conditions.

With a walkover pressure max of 220lb, these lights are durable and built to last. You can enjoy a long lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, and QACA offers a 1-year product warranty for your peace of mind. If you have any questions or concerns, their customer service team is always available to assist you.

Upgrade your outdoor lighting with these high-quality LED deck lights from QACA. With their easy installation and impressive features, they are sure to add a touch of elegance and safety to your space.

Pros

  • Low voltage power supply is energy-efficient and eco-friendly
  • Certified to CE and RoHS for product quality and safety
  • IP67 waterproof rating for safe use in wet conditions
  • Durable design with a walkover pressure max of 220lb
  • Long lifespan of up to 50,000 hours
  • 1-year product warranty for peace of mind

9. Stainless Steel Warm Led Deck Lighting Kit

The Outdoor Light Dimension LED Deck Lights are perfect for adding some accent lighting to any area. Each light is Φ0.71" x H1.02" in size and has a mount hole size of Φ0.59". The cable length for each light is 1.64ft and the distance between light to light is 3.28ft. These lights have a low voltage power supply of DC 12V, making them energy-saving and environmentally friendly.

These LED Deck Lights are designed for various applications such as steps, stairs, garden patio, floor, pool deck, kitchen, landscape outdoor or indoor security and decoration lighting. They are ideal for ensuring safety at night and creating a romantic atmosphere.

The quality of these lights is guaranteed as they are certified to CE and RoHS standards to ensure product quality and safety. The lights and cables are IP67 waterproof, making them safe for indoor and outdoor use. They have a walkover pressure max of 220lb, ensuring they are durable and long-lasting with a lifespan of up to 50000 hours.

If you have any questions or requirements about the deck stair light, the QACA customer service team is available to answer your inquiries within 24 hours.

Pros

  • Low voltage power supply making them energy-saving and environmentally friendly
  • Ideal for ensuring safety and creating a romantic atmosphere
  • Certified to CE and RoHS standards for product quality and safety
  • IP67 waterproof making them safe for indoor and outdoor use
  • Durable and long-lasting with a lifespan of up to 50000 hours

Best Wood For Outdoor Stairs FAQs

Can treated wood be used for outdoor stairs?

Yes, treated wood can be used for outdoor stairs. Treated wood is specifically designed to resist rot, decay, and insect damage, making it a great option for outdoor projects like stairs. The treatment process involves applying chemicals that penetrate the wood fibers and protect it from moisture, which is the main cause of decay and rot. Treated wood comes in different grades and levels of treatment, so it is important to choose the right one for your project. For outdoor stairs, you should use at least a ground-contact grade of treated wood, which is treated to withstand moisture in direct contact with the ground. It is also recommended to seal or paint the wood to further protect it from the elements. Overall, treated wood is a durable and cost-effective choice for outdoor stairs that can withstand the test of time with proper maintenance.

How does weather affect outdoor wooden stairs?

Weather can have a significant impact on outdoor wooden stairs. The constant exposure to sun, rain, snow, and humidity can cause the wood to expand and contract, resulting in cracks and splits. Moisture can also cause the wood to rot and decay over time, making it weak and unsafe to use.

In addition, extreme temperatures can cause the wood to warp or twist, making it difficult to walk on. As a result, it is important to protect outdoor wooden stairs from the elements by using a protective coating or sealant. This can help to prevent moisture from penetrating the wood and keep it in good condition for longer.

Regular maintenance is also crucial for ensuring the longevity of outdoor wooden stairs. This includes cleaning, sanding, and resealing the wood periodically to prevent damage from occurring. By taking these steps, homeowners can enjoy the beauty and functionality of their outdoor wooden stairs for years to come.

How often should outdoor wooden stairs be maintained and refinished?

Outdoor wooden stairs require regular maintenance and refinishing to ensure their longevity and safety. The frequency of maintenance and refinishing depends on various factors, such as the type of wood, the amount of exposure to weather elements, and the amount of foot traffic.

On average, outdoor wooden stairs should be maintained and refinished every two to three years. However, if the stairs are made of softwood or are exposed to harsh weather conditions, they may require more frequent maintenance and refinishing.

It is important to inspect the stairs periodically for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If the stairs are showing signs of rot, decay, or warping, they should be repaired or replaced immediately to avoid any accidents.

In addition to regular maintenance, it is also important to clean the stairs regularly to prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris. This can be done by sweeping or vacuuming the stairs and using a mild detergent and water solution to clean them.

Overall, regular maintenance and refinishing of outdoor wooden stairs are crucial to ensure their safety, longevity, and aesthetic appeal.

What is the best way to protect outdoor wooden stairs from moisture and rot?

The best way to protect outdoor wooden stairs from moisture and rot is by applying a protective coating. There are several options available in the market, including paint, stain, and sealant. However, it is crucial to choose a product specifically made for outdoor use and suitable for the type of wood used in the stairs. Before applying the coating, the wood should be thoroughly cleaned and dried to ensure proper adhesion. Additionally, it is recommended to apply a primer if using paint or stain to enhance the durability of the coating. Regular maintenance is also essential to ensure the protective layer remains intact and effective. This includes cleaning the stairs periodically, removing debris, and inspecting for any signs of damage or wear. By taking these precautions, outdoor wooden stairs can be protected from moisture and rot, prolonging their lifespan and enhancing their appearance.

What types of wood are suitable for outdoor stairs?

When it comes to outdoor stairs, it's important to choose a wood that can withstand exposure to the elements. Moisture, sunlight, and temperature changes can cause wood to warp, crack, and rot over time. That's why it's best to choose a wood that is naturally resistant to decay and insects.

One popular option for outdoor stairs is pressure-treated lumber, which is chemically treated to resist decay and insect damage. Other good choices include cedar, redwood, and cypress, all of which have natural oils that make them resistant to rot and insect infestation. Tropical hardwoods such as ipe, tigerwood, and cumaru are also popular for outdoor stairs due to their durability, but they can be expensive.

It's important to note that any wood used for outdoor stairs should be properly sealed and maintained to prevent water damage and UV fading. Regular cleaning, sanding, and reapplication of sealant or stain can help prolong the life of your stairs.

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