How should I maintain my steel garden stairs?

If you're looking for a staircase for your garden that is both sturdy and beautiful, then a steel staircase is a good choice. Steel has a bold, modern appearance and offers many advantages. Steel staircases can withstand various weather conditions, require little maintenance, and last a long time.

In this blog, we will explain how to best maintain a steel garden staircase so that you can use it for years to come.

Summary

• By regularly cleaning your garden stairs and checking for wear and rust, the stairs will stay in good condition for longer.
• Although steel stairs can withstand various weather conditions, it is important to be cautious about slipperiness in winter.
• If you walk barefoot on a corten steel staircase, you should be careful of heat in the summer and keep in mind that rust stains may occur.

How long does a steel staircase last?

The lifespan of a steel staircase depends on the type of steel used. Corten steel can withstand various weather conditions and can last up to 25 years. Powder-coated steel can also last a long time due to its durable coating, especially if properly maintained.

Various factors can influence the lifespan of your steel staircase, such as maintenance, weather conditions, and usage.

Maintenance

To extend the lifespan of your garden staircase, it is important to clean it regularly and check for damage or rust formation.

Reading Tip

Do you want to know how to best maintain corten steel? Then read our blog about maintaining corten steel.

Weather conditions

Corten steel is strong and resistant to various weather conditions, but it is important that you have good drainage. If corten steel remains underwater for a long time, the rust layer can detach. You can read more about this process in our blog 'Can corten steel withstand water?'

Usage

The use of your garden staircase also affects its lifespan. The more often you use the stairs, the faster they will wear down. If you regularly carry heavy objects up and down the stairs, that can also cause faster wear.

Scratches on the stairs

On a corten steel staircase, scratches occurring are less of an issue; they will rust shut on their own. With a powder-coated staircase, however, you need to be more careful, as the protective coating can wear off over time. If that happens, you can easily touch up the damage with a special touch-up pen.

Are there parts of a steel staircase that need to be replaced regularly?

Although steel staircases are usually sturdy and durable, certain parts, such as the steps and fasteners, can wear out over time. Therefore, it is important to regularly check the frame for cracks, deformations, or other signs of wear. The connections between the different parts of the staircase should also be checked and maintained frequently. This way, the staircase remains safe to use.

Can you walk barefoot on a steel garden staircase?

Yes, it is possible to walk barefoot on a steel garden staircase, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

Heat in the summer

Corten steel can get very hot in the summer. When it is 25 degrees Celsius outside, the steel can warm up to about 57 degrees Celsius. This makes it less comfortable to walk barefoot on the stairs. A powder-coated staircase will also have a similar effect.

Dirty feet

Corten steel is known for its unique rusting process. This process not only gives it a special appearance but also creates a protective layer on the steel. When the steel is exposed to the outside air and moisture, it begins to rust. Instead of rusting through like regular steel, corten steel forms a rust layer over time that protects the steel from further rusting.

Reading Tip

Do you want to learn more about this process? Read our blog about the corten steel rusting process.

However, during this rusting process, the stairs may give off rust stains. These stains can remain on your bare feet but are easy to remove with water and soap. Once the rusting process is completely finished, the stairs will no longer give off stains.

Can a corten steel garden staircase become slippery?

Corten steel has a robust and even rough appearance, but under certain conditions, this material can also become slippery.

When can a rusted outdoor staircase become slippery?

The rust layer on corten steel has a rough texture and usually provides good grip. However, under icy conditions, that is often not enough. The rust layer can hold water, which can freeze and form an ice layer. This makes the surface of the stairs slippery and can be dangerous to walk on.

What can you do about a slippery outdoor staircase?

If there is snow or ice on your outdoor staircase, it is important to remove it immediately. Regular cleaning to remove accumulated dirt and moisture also helps reduce slipperiness.

In slippery conditions, you can sprinkle sand or salt on the steps for extra grip. However, be careful: with corten steel, it is better to use only coarse sand, as salt can cause a chemical reaction with the steel. This could lead to a shorter lifespan for your stairs. If the stairs are powder-coated steel, you can use salt. During the powder-coating process, a polyester layer is applied, making the stairs resistant to salt.

Attention!

Do not use SALT on a corten steel staircase to de-ice it. This can significantly shorten the lifespan of the corten steel. Therefore, use sand as an alternative to increase grip on the slippery garden staircase.

Conclusion

Steel garden stairs usually last a long time, but various factors can influence their lifespan, such as the type of steel, maintenance, weather conditions, and usage. To ensure that your garden stairs last as long as possible, it is important to clean them regularly and check for damage or rust.

At MySteel, you can choose from a wide range of corten steel stairs and black powder-coated steel stairs. This way you can find the staircase that best fits your garden.