FANLO Loft Staircase - Douglas Fir or Larch, Adjustable via Pivots, Interior and Exterior
The FANLO loft staircase is available in douglas fir or solid larch — two wood species naturally resistant to moisture and climatic variations, suited to both exterior and interior use. It is the only loft staircase in the WoodUp range designed to withstand the elements. Like the FAGEOLE, it incorporates a metal pivot system that allows the slope to be adjusted and the steps to remain horizontal regardless of the chosen angle.
The FANLO is delivered as a kit with 14 steps and a step section of 195x34 mm. The floor-to-floor height, footprint, and tread depth are variable depending on the slope set at installation. Delivered in 2 parcels (parcel 1: stringers / parcel 2: steps). The handrail is optional.
Main specifications
| Specification | Description |
| Type | Loft staircase, adjustable kit via pivots |
| Available wood species | Solid douglas fir or solid larch |
| Use | Interior and exterior |
| Number of steps | 14 |
| Step section | 195x34 mm |
| Step height | Variable depending on adjusted slope |
| Tread depth | Variable depending on adjusted slope |
| Width | Variable depending on version |
| Footprint | Variable depending on slope and floor-to-floor height |
| Recommended stairwell | Overall width + 2 cm × adjusted footprint |
| Slope adjustment | Via metal pivots — steps always horizontal |
| Handrail | Optional |
| Finish | Raw wood — exterior treatment recommended for outdoor use |
Packaging
- ✓ Parcel 1: Stringers
- ✓ Parcel 2: Steps
Key points
- ✓ The only exterior loft staircase: douglas fir or larch — naturally moisture-resistant wood species
- ✓ Adjustable pivots: adaptable to the available height and setback — steps always horizontal
- ✓ Thick 195x34 mm section: superior rigidity and durability compared to 145x28 mm sections
- ✓ 2 parcels: stringers and steps shipped separately for easier handling
- ✓ Exterior treatment required: for outdoor use, apply a UV-rated oil or wood stain before installation
Installation advice
Slope adjustment is carried out via the metal pivots according to the procedure in the instruction manual. For exterior use, ensure adequate drainage at the base of the staircase to prevent water pooling in contact with the wood. Secure the stringers firmly to the floor (concrete slab or footings) and to the upper support using stainless steel or galvanised fixings suited to exterior use.
Exterior treatment: before installation, apply an exterior wood oil or microporous wood stain to all faces (including hidden faces). Renew every 2–3 years depending on exposure.
Maintenance and protection
For exterior use, apply an exterior wood oil or UV wood stain before first use and renew every 2–3 years depending on exposure (south-facing, coastal areas = more frequent renewal). Douglas fir and larch naturally grey without treatment but retain their mechanical resistance. To maintain the natural colour, regular treatment is necessary. Cleaning: stiff brush and soapy water in spring.
For interior use, a varnish or interior oil-wax is sufficient — same maintenance frequency as the other models.
WoodUp advice
The FANLO is the right choice for exterior access — raised terrace, garage mezzanine, access to a loft from outside. Douglas fir and larch are two wood species recognised for their natural durability outdoors (class 3–4) without chemical treatment. Larch is slightly more durable but also heavier; douglas fir is lighter and easier to work.
Before purchasing: as with the interior FAGEOLE, the dimensions (step height, tread depth, footprint) are not fixed — they depend on the adjustment carried out on site. These values cannot be provided in advance without knowing the floor-to-floor height and the available setback.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between douglas fir and larch for an exterior staircase?
Douglas fir (class 3) is naturally resistant to moisture, lighter, and easier to work than larch. Larch (class 3–4) is denser and slightly more durable in extreme wet conditions. Both are suitable for an exterior loft staircase. If the staircase is directly exposed to rain with no shelter, larch is preferable. If the staircase is semi-sheltered (canopy, covered terrace), douglas fir is sufficient.
Should the FANLO be treated before or after installation?
For exterior use, treat before installation if possible — this allows all faces to be treated, including those that will be inaccessible after assembly (underside of steps, inner faces of stringers). Apply 2 coats of exterior oil or microporous wood stain. For cut areas (trimmed stringers), touch up after cutting before assembly.
Can the FANLO be used indoors?
Yes. Douglas fir and larch work very well indoors — their warm tone and marked grain bring a natural character. Indoors, a varnish or interior oil-wax is sufficient, with no need for specific UV treatment. This is an interesting option if you want a loft staircase with the visual character of exotic wood at a lower cost.
How do I calculate the footprint of the FANLO for my configuration?
The footprint depends on the adjusted slope. For a floor-to-floor height H and a slope angle A, footprint = H / tan(A). For a slope of 60° (steep) and H = 280 cm: footprint = 280 / tan(60°) = 162 cm. For 45° (average slope): 280 cm. Contact the WoodUp customer service team with your height and available setback for a precise calculation.
What fixings should be used to secure the FANLO outdoors?
Use exclusively A2 or A4 stainless steel screws and bolts for outdoor fixing. Galvanised or phosphated screws corrode quickly in damp outdoor conditions and stain the wood. For floor fixings (concrete slab), use stainless steel wall plugs with suitable fixing plates. The kit does not include anchor fixings — these must be sourced according to your substrate.
Why choose the FANLO over a treated fir loft staircase?
Douglas fir and larch have natural outdoor durability without chemical preservative treatment — unlike fir, which requires pressure treatment to resist the elements durably. A natural douglas fir or larch staircase is more ecological, easier to finish, and retains its mechanical properties even if the surface treatment is not renewed regularly.
Our complementary staircases
FAGEOLE - Adjustable interior loft staircase, 195x34 mm section
AULAC - Interior pivot loft staircase, fir
BASSEYRE - Straight interior loft staircase, fir 287 cm
