When it comes to building outdoor staircases, most people think it’s a simple job—just a few treads and a handrail, right? But the reality is very different. At QHI National, we know the staircase is more than just a way up or down. It’s a key part of the structure, the finish, and most importantly—your safety.
Let’s break down what makes a QHI staircase different—and why you should care.
🔧 What Is a Stair Stringer?
Before we dive into materials, let’s get technical. A stair stringer is the angled support that runs along each side of the staircase, holding the treads in place. It carries the entire load of the stairs and plays a huge role in stability and lifespan.
In other words, cheap stringers = wobbly stairs = expensive problems down the track.
🪵 Timber Stringers: The Traditional, But Risky, Option
Traditionally, many builders use hardwood stringers, cut on-site and bolted to a timber frame. They look solid, but the truth is they’re vulnerable:
• ✅ Termite-prone
• ✅ Susceptible to rot, especially in wet or coastal areas
• ✅ Can warp or split over time
• ✅ Require more maintenance and have a shorter lifespan
These risks only get worse if they’re left unsealed or exposed to weather
🛡️ Why We Use Hot Dip Galvanised Steel Stringers
QHI National prefers to use pre-fabricated hot dip galvanised steel stair stringers—and here’s why:
• 🔩 Engineered strength: Built to code and designed for long-term stability
• 💧 Weather-resistant: Gal coating resists rust and corrosion, even in coastal zones
• 🐜 No termites, no rot: Steel doesn’t suffer from biological decay
• 🧰 Clean, modern finish: Looks sharp and blends with any outdoor build
• ⏳ Set and forget: Minimal maintenance required
For outdoor stairs—whether it’s for a deck, patio, granny flat or NDIS access ramp—steel stringers are the smart choice.
🪜 The Tread: Why We Stick with Hardwood
Now let’s talk about what you walk on—the treads.
We always recommend and use hardwood treads. Why?
• 🌧️ Durability: Hardwood holds up to foot traffic and the elements
• 👣 Non-slip when sealed: Better grip than softwoods or composites
• 👀 Timeless look: Natural grain, colour, and finish suits any build
• 🔨 Easily replaceable: If ever damaged, you can swap a tread without tearing apart the whole staircase
It’s a balance of form, function, and finish—done once, done right.
✨ Finishing Touches: Balustrade That Makes a Statement
A staircase isn’t complete without a balustrade—and at QHI, we finish our stairs with premium, low-maintenance materials that look incredible and last even longer.
Here’s our signature combo:
• Stainless Steel Wire Balustrade: Modern, sleek, and low visual impact
• Kwila Posts: Rich hardwood colour that pairs beautifully with your treads
• 90 x 45mm Hardwood Top Rail: Strong, smooth, and ties the whole system together
The result? A staircase that elevates your outdoor space, keeps your family safe, and adds real value to your property.
🏡 Built To Last, Designed To Impress
Whether it’s a high-set deck in Brisbane, an NDIS-compliant ramp in Sydney, or an elevated granny flat in Melbourne—we don’t cut corners. Every QHI National staircase is built with:
• Engineered steel stringers
• Durable hardwood treads
• Premium finishes that outlast the rest
Want a staircase that stands the test of time—and looks damn good doing it?
Talk to QHI National.
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