LevelMaster now stock Merbau Treads, these being some of the best stair treads on the market. Sourced from S/E Asia and PNG the timber itself is referred to as Kwila which has a premium look and finish. With proper maintenance the timber treads have a 20 year life expectancy in addition to being fire and termite resistant.
Merbau Stair Treads: Also Known As
Merbau timber is also referred to as:
- Kwila – the most common alternative name, used interchangeably with Merbau
- Ipil – the name used in some Pacific Island regions
- Vesi – another regional name for the same hardwood species
Fixing Stair Treads
Fixing these is quite simple, pre-drill the tread before using coach screws for secret fixing. Use a single coat of quality penetrating oil on all surfaces prior to installation. Following installation, apply a further two coats of the same oil to all surfaces.
Step-by-Step: Installing Merbau Stair Treads
- Pre-drill each tread before fixing, to avoid splitting the timber
- Apply a single coat of quality penetrating oil to all surfaces of the tread prior to installation
- Secure the tread to the stringer using coach screws for secret fixing
- Check the gap between installed treads meets the Australian certification standard of no more than a 125mm gap
- Once installed, apply a further two coats of the same penetrating oil to all surfaces
Maintaining Merbau Stair Treads
Merbau stair treads are Kiln dried (moisture content less than 15%) and have a durability rating of 1, giving a life expectancy of more than 20 years when properly maintained. To get the full lifespan from your treads:
- Reapply penetrating oil periodically to maintain the timber’s finish and weather resistance, particularly for outdoor installations
- Check treads periodically for surface wear, particularly on high-traffic outdoor stairs
- Keep the gap between treads clear of debris to maintain both appearance and the certified non-slip surface
Compliance When Installing
Merbau treads are P4 rated, meaning they comply with the AS4584-2013 slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials, and don’t require grip-tape or modification to meet this rating. However, when paired with a standard LevelMaster stringer (175mm rise), a minor and easy modification may be required to meet the separate Australian certification standard limiting the gap between two treads to no more than 125mm. For more information on this requirement, see our stair stringer calculator and certification guide.
Use
Whether you’re designing a new staircase inside or replacing stairs to liven up your outdoor setting, these LevelMaster Merbau Treads are perfect for the job!Frequently Asked Questions
Do Merbau stair treads need to be oiled before installation?
Yes. Apply a single coat of quality penetrating oil to all surfaces before fixing, then a further two coats once the tread is installed.
Do Merbau treads need grip tape to be compliant?
No. Merbau treads are P4 rated and comply with AS4584-2013 without any grip-tape or surface modification.
Is there a gap requirement between Merbau treads on a staircase?
Yes. Australian certification standards require no more than a 125mm gap between treads, which may need a minor adjustment when paired with a standard 175mm rise stringer.
How long do Merbau stair treads last?
With proper maintenance, including periodic re-oiling, Merbau stair treads have a life expectancy of more than 20 years.
Key Takeaways
– Pre-drill and oil treads before installation, then apply two further coats of oil once fixed
– Merbau treads are P4 rated and AS4584-2013 compliant with no modification needed
– Check the gap between treads meets the 125mm Australian certification requirement
– Periodic re-oiling helps Merbau treads reach their full 20+ year life expectancy
Products
Merbau Stair Treads are available in a length of 1.2m (custom lengths available to order) and perfectly suit a pair of LevelMaster Stair Stringers. We sell these in a full bundle including stringers, merbau treads and all fixings, all ready for you to install your new stairs.
Ready to buy? Shop Merbau Stair Treads here, or get in contact to order or for more information on this package.
Last Updated: September 2026