Decks, Stairs, Balustrades & Handrails

Practical Maintenance for Queensland Homes Outdoor living areas are one of the great advantages of Queensland homes. Decks, stairs, balustrades and handrails get used every day and are constantly exposed to sun, rain, humidity and dirt.

The good news is that most serious problems start small . With a little regular attention, homeowners can slow deterioration, spot issues early, and avoid costly repairs later.

simple maintenance tasks you can do yourself early warning signs to watch for common mistakes that shorten the life of decks and handrails how to decide when a professional repair or rebuild makes sense Throughout this guide you’ll also find links to more detailed

DIY guides

Done-For-You (DFY) services if you’d prefer the work handled properly for you. Dirt, moisture and mould: the real enemy The number one cause of deterioration in outdoor timber is persistent dirt

deck boards stair treads handrails balustrades joints between rails and posts Simple monthly cleaning Deck surfaces Mop once a month using a generic hardwood floor cleaner A small splash of dishwashing detergent also works, though it tends to foam more

Rinse lightly if required Handrails and balustrades Wipe down with a damp cloth A light surface cleaner (e.g. spray-and-wipe type products) helps remove every-day grease and grime High-risk mould areas Outside faces of balustrades beside stairs