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Timber stairs

Timber stairs built to code for Newcastle homes

I’m Liam Sharpe, a licensed carpenter. I build timber stairs, steps and handrails for homes across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Maitland.

Book a free on-site quote 0402 499 810

5.0 on Google
Licence 383930C
10+ years in the trade

Liam Sharpe and his apprentice in Sharpe shirts and tool belts — Pictured: Liam Sharpe and his apprentice

What makes a stair safe to use

A safe stair has every step the same height and depth, so your feet find the next one without looking. The parts have names: the riser is how high each step is, the going is how deep it is from front to back, and the stringers are the side boards the treads sit on.

Stairs are part of the carpentry services I build around Newcastle, usually with a deck. My merbau spa deck has a step the full width of the deck down to the lawn, and upper-level decks need a full flight with a handrail down to the yard.

What our customers say

Google5.0 See all reviews

tom payne

3 months ago

Really happy with the work from Sharpe Building & Construction. We had a pretty tight timeline, and even when a few unexpected issues came up, they handled everything without any fuss. The job was completed by the deadline, and the whole process was smooth and stress-free. Would definitely recommend them

Response from the owner3 months ago

Thank you, Tom! We really appreciate your kind words and are glad we could deliver the project on time despite the unexpected challenges. It was a pleasure working with you, and we are thrilled you’re happy with the result. Thank you for choosing Sharpe Building & Constructions. We truly appreciate your recommendation !

Dot Hodder

3 months ago

Thanks Liam. You did a beautiful job of working out what I wanted. My home feels complete with the new additions, plus the pergola. I found you by word of mouth and you certainly didn't disappoint.

Response from the owner3 months ago

Thank you so much, Dot! It was a pleasure working with you and bringing your ideas to life. I’m really glad you’re happy with the end result and that your home feels complete with the new additions and pergola. Thank you for trusting Sharpe Building & Constructions. We truly appreciate your kind words and support!

Renee & Brendon Harley

3 months ago

Needed some windows installed. Easily done, no fuss. Polite crew.

Response from the owner3 days ago

Thanks Renee and Brendon. Glad the new windows went in smoothly. If there is anything else you need done around the house, Sharpe Building & Constructions is happy to help across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. Liam

Recent decks with stairs and steps

What stairs do you build?

Deck stairs
A flight of timber stairs from a raised deck down to the yard, with a handrail.
Full-width steps
One or two wide steps along a low deck, which double as somewhere to sit.
Landings
A flat landing part-way down a long flight, or where the stair turns.
Handrails and balustrades
Timber handrails on stairs, and balustrades where you could fall 1 m or more.
Replacement stairs
Pulling out worn or rotten outdoor stairs and building new ones.

Which stair suits my deck?

The height of the deck decides the stair. Three examples from my own jobs.

A low deck

One wide step the full width of the deck, so you can walk off it anywhere.

A raised deck

A deck a little higher off the ground with steps down to the lawn and a balustrade along the open sides.

An upper level

An upper deck needs a full flight of stairs, a handrail and a balustrade, built to the code below.

What are the building code rules for stairs?

Stairs on a house follow the National Construction Code. The NCC Housing Provisions on stairways set these limits:

Each riser between 115 mm and 190 mm high, and each going between 240 mm and 355 mm deep.
Two risers plus one going add up to between 550 mm and 700 mm, which keeps the stair a comfortable slope.
Between 2 and 18 risers in each flight; a longer stair needs a landing.
The same riser and going all the way down a flight, and no gap in open risers that a 125 mm sphere could pass through.

I set out every stair to these numbers before cutting a stringer, so the finished stair passes and feels right underfoot.

What changes the price of timber stairs?

Every stair is priced on site. These change the cost the most:

Height: How far the stair climbs, which sets the number of steps.
Timber: Treated pine, merbau or another hardwood for the treads and stringers.
Landings and turns: A landing or a turn adds framing and posts.
Handrails and balustrades: On one side or both, and along the deck.
The ground: A solid footing at the bottom, sometimes on a slope.

The quote is free, and you get the price before any work starts. Residential building work over $5,000 also needs a licensed contractor and a written contract under NSW law, as NSW Fair Trading sets out. Every job over that amount comes with one.

How a stair job runs

1Send the job
Use the form or call 0402 499 810. Photos of the spot help.
2Free on-site quote
I come out, measure the rise and the run, and give you a price.
3Set out, then build
Stringers set out to the code, then treads, handrail and balustrade.
4Walk-through
We look over the finished job together.

Get a free on‑site quote.

Tell me the job and your suburb. I’ll call you to book a time, come out, measure up and give you a price before any work starts. Or call 0402 499 810.

5.0 on Google reviews
Licence 383930C, check it on the NSW register
Free on‑site quote

Questions about timber stairs

How many steps does my deck need?

It depends on the height. Each step rises no more than 190 mm, so a deck 1 m off the ground needs at least six risers. I work it out when I measure up.

Do outdoor stairs need a handrail?

A handrail makes any flight easier, and where you could fall 1 m or more from the side, a balustrade is required.

Can you replace my old deck stairs?

Yes. I pull out worn or rotten stairs and build new ones to the current rules.

What timber is best for outdoor stairs?

Hardwood treads such as merbau wear well. The stringers are usually treated pine or hardwood, sized to the span.

Can I check your licence?

Yes. Licence 383930C is on the NSW licence register. The Carpenter class covers stairs.

Where do you build stairs?

I’m based at 4 Nightingale Crescent, Cameron Park NSW 2285 and build across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Maitland. There’s no showroom: I come to you to look at the job.

Call 0402 499 810 or email sharpeconstructions@aol.com. Licence 383930C, ABN 27 866 451 671.