English Oak Exterior Staircase Specs With Thicker, Stronger Beams

A traditional English exterior oak staircase should feel solid, safe, and built to last. However, many homeowners don’t realise how much timber size affects long-term performance. When you compare our staircases with competitor products, the difference becomes clear immediately. Their posts, strings, treads, and handrails are noticeably smaller. In contrast, Timber Solution uses much thicker beams, traditional joinery, and engineered specifications to ensure maximum durability and a true English look.

This guide explains why thicker timber sections matter, how they improve safety and lifespan, and why choosing a staircase built with small beams can create serious problems in the future.

Why Our Oak Staircases Use Thicker, Stronger Beams

Traditional English Appearance

A staircase built with larger oak beams has the classic, solid look that defines traditional English joinery. Moreover, thick posts, deep strings, and wide treads create a bold and impressive structure that instantly enhances any property. Smaller beams simply cannot replicate this style.

Longer Lifespan

Bigger beams naturally last longer outdoors. They resist twisting, movement, and long-term wear more effectively than thin components. As a result, you benefit from improved stability, fewer repairs, and a staircase that continues performing well for decades.

Correct Joinery Requires Thick Timbers

This is the most important reason. A traditional English oak staircase relies on mortise and tenon joints with oak dowels. When manufacturers use small beams, several issues appear:

• the tenons become too small
• the edge distance becomes insufficient
• the dowels sit dangerously close to the outer face

Because of this, the oak often splits, especially during wet winters.

Once water enters a split, more problems follow. Rain collects inside the joint, and in freezing weather the water becomes ice. Since ice expands, it pushes the split wider every season. Eventually, the staircase becomes:

• Wobbly
• Noisy
• Unstable
• Uncomfortable to walk on

In contrast, Timber Solution prevents these issues. We use large beam sections, so every joint is full-sized, safe, and secure.

• Competitors Often Cut Costs With Small Beams

Many competitors reduce costs by using smaller posts, narrower strings, and thin handrails. When you look at their photos, the difference is obvious. Instead of focusing on strength and longevity, they aim for the cheapest manufacturing method.

Timber Solution takes the opposite approach. We use the thickest oak components on the market, yet our staircases remain some of the most affordable in the UK. Therefore, you get superior quality without the premium price.

Our Verified Oak Staircase Specifications

Every staircase is engineered, structurally approved, and crafted from premium green oak. Additionally, each component is designed to provide long-term reliability.

Primary Structural Components

• 150 × 150 mm oak posts — extremely strong and highly stable
• 70 × 270 mm side strings — rigid support with a max 42° pitch
• 30 × 150 mm landing boards — durable platform with a clean finish

Steps, Risers & Safe Gaps

• 50 × 250 mm oak treads with tenons on both ends
• 50 × 70 mm risers, following the maximum 100 mm safety gap

Balustrade & Handrail Components

• 50 × 50 mm solid oak spindles (max 100 mm spacing)
• 100 × 100 mm handrails — thicker and stronger than competitor rails

Joinery

• Traditional mortise and tenon joints
• Correct dowel placement and edge distance
• No steel plates or shortcuts

Because every beam is thicker, every joint is stronger. Therefore, the staircase stays stable and comfortable to use.

Why These Specs Matter

Using heavier oak beams and correct joinery improves safety, durability, and long-term comfort. Additionally, the classic English design enhances your home’s exterior. Whether the staircase connects a balcony, raised deck, or garden entrance, these specifications guarantee a professional, long-lasting result.