Timber is a reasonably resilient material, but bad handling & poorly organised storage on job sites could potentially lead to damage & wastage.
In order to maintain correct moisture content, physical appearance & discourage any splitting, decaying or discolouration, it is important to store timber products correctly prior to construction.
The packaging around Timber products is designed to protect it during transport only. All Kwila handrail & Stair components should be stored flat, at least 150mm off the ground, evenly supported & in a well ventilated, undercover area, protecting them from moisture, humidity & weather at all times.
Kwila timber posts, handrails & mouldings should be handled with care. When moving, make sure that there is adequate support for the entire length of the board to ensure they are not damaged, dropped, jarred or dragged. Never pick up a full length of product from one end only.
Unless your design is being made specifically for a short life span, all structures, especially any exposed to external conditions, require on-going maintenance.
The purpose of any maintenance regime is to ensure the structural integrity, safety, original look & condition of your construction material, so that it can continue to effectively perform its intended function.
Maintenance must therefore be considered at your design stage, as you will find that the level & frequency of maintenance is a function of the original design & each materials specifications.
It is at this point where original costs must be weighed up against future costs.
The application & maintenance of coatings will reduce weathering & wear & tear. Many protective finishes are available & range from water repellent resins, & penetrating oils, stains & full paint systems. All of which differ significantly in their appearance, cost, ease of application, degree of maintenance & protection.
For more detailed information, please refer to the attached Timber finishes guide from Timber Queensland
On top of re-coating maintenance, you should periodically check your structure for any physical changes. Any possible leaks or exposure, where moisture could infiltrate & cause decay, & any signs of damaged timber, should always be attended to without delay.