Many homeowners hesitate to use wood for an exterior balustrade because they worry that it might rot away within a year. You might be able to use the wood for balustrades in your home if it has been appropriately treated for outdoor uses. Timber is strong, versatile and beautiful. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Load
Australian Standard 1170.1 states that external balustrades must be able to provide structural support capable of resisting a maximum of 0.9kN inward, downward and outward loads at all points. To be safe for human use, the timber must also be able to resist horizontal and vertical loads of 1.13kN/m.
Selecting timber
For balustrades in warmer climates, timber should be either Above Ground Durability Class 1 or H3-treated softwood. The timber used in cooler climates should be either Above Ground Durability Class 2 species or H3 treatment softwood. Straight-grained wood is also recommended.
BCA Requirements
All balustrades must comply with the Building Code of Australia. This requires that they be installed along all ramps, stairways, floors, corridors, balconies, verandahs, mezzanines, access bridges, and other features that are more than one meter above any surface below. It must not rise less than 1 meter above the floor.
Structural Properties
There are many structural properties to consider when designing and building your timber balustrade. The handrail size, newel posts, and posts must have a minimum stress level of F5. Connectors are crucial for transferring loads.
Finalization
The timber used for external purposes requires that it is correctly finished in order to maximize its life span and minimize the effects of weathering. Unprimed timber should be treated with a coat of paint, stain, or both. Timber balustrades that have been treated should get a similar treatment but with two coats.
Maintenance and Care
Avoid getting your external balustrade wet. Instead of using a hose, use a brush to clean it. It is essential to regularly reapply any finishes mentioned above.
While timber can decay and become brittle from exposure to the elements, it doesn’t mean you should eliminate it from your list of materials to make an external balustrade. You could end up with the best balustrade material. You can expect the wood to start to decay if you don’t properly care for it.
