Steps and stairs: more than just a way onto the deck
Timber steps and stringers are just as vulnerable to embers as the rest of a deck
It's easy to think of deck or verandah steps as just a way to get outside. But if you ever need to leave your home in a hurry during a bushfire, those same steps could be your escape route. That makes them worth a closer look, not just for your property, but for your family's safety.
Timber steps catch embers in the same way as the rest of a deck. Flat treads and the gaps around stringers give embers somewhere to settle and pile up, and once they catch, timber steps can burn through and collapse.
A galvanised steel structure gives embers far less opportunity to pile up on the treads than a timber one.
Risks
Embers pile up on flat timber treads and in the gaps around stringers, especially where leaves and bark collect in corners and joints
Timber steps can burn through and collapse in the same way as the rest of a deck
If your main way out relies on deck or verandah steps, fire damage there could block the escape route you're counting on
Dry, weathered or unpainted timber steps ignite faster than ones that are sealed, oiled or painted
Fixes
Where you can, choose a galvanised steel step structure rather than timber, it gives embers far less chance to pile up and hold heat
Keep steps and the area underneath clear of leaves, bark and other debris, especially before Total Fire Ban days
Check timber treads and stringers regularly for cracking or splitting, and keep them sealed, oiled or painted
Think about whether your steps are part of your escape route, and keep at least one path away from the house clear and fire-ready
If you're building or replacing steps, ask about non-combustible tread and stringer options
These are small fixes, and they genuinely help. Address the weak links on your steps today, and you'll have a safer path both around your home and away from it if you ever need one.
