Best option for outside stairs?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Best option for outside stairs?
Hey guys, our house has a long flight of metal stairs leading up to the 2nd floor, some years ago we changed all threaders but now I am seeing them starting to rust again even though we have never thrown salt on them.
I am think best we do away with the metal stairs and build something else. I am thinking might be best to go with some type of lumber which has some longevity plus if I should see any board start decaying then I can simply change that board without having to change the entire stairs?
I am think best we do away with the metal stairs and build something else. I am thinking might be best to go with some type of lumber which has some longevity plus if I should see any board start decaying then I can simply change that board without having to change the entire stairs?
#3
Group Moderator
Yea, if you have metal stairs maintaining them would be the best option. Everything requires maintenance so you won't get away from periodic maintenance by going with wood stairs and in the long run metal ones can last longer if maintained. Wood stairs would have a built in life limit and need to be replaced at some point.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
One major issue with the metal threaders is that there's getting a lot of build up rust underneath where the threaders are welded to the side rails so it's not the threaders themselves that's rusting. I am worried that if I were to chip away at the rust it may weaken everything so I don't know what the fix for this would be?
#5
Forum Topic Moderator
If the rust is bad enough to chip off, you might want to get someone to look at it but normally just wire brushing off the rust is sufficient. Allowing the steel to continue to rust will at some point weaken the stairs, keeping the steel painted should stop or slow down the rusting.
#6
Group Moderator
I doubt the rust is chipping off the welds. The weld areas are likely the thickest steel in the stair. But because the welds tend to be in corners they are areas where dirt and water collect so rust is likely to start there. Then, those corners are more difficult to properly clean than the open area of the treads so prepping for painting will take some patience and the right tools to get into the corners.
#7
Member
Thread Starter
Oh there is rust there, I know because I had used a claw hammer and chisel to chip away the rust a few years ago.