FANLO Miller’s Staircase – Douglas Fir or Larch, Pivot-Adjustable, Indoor and Outdoor Use
The FANLO miller’s staircase is available in Douglas fir or solid larch – two timber species naturally resistant to moisture and changing weather conditions, suitable for outdoor and indoor use. It is the only miller’s staircase in the WoodUp range designed to withstand the weather. Like the FAGEOLE, it has a metal pivot system that lets you adjust the pitch while keeping the treads level at any chosen angle.
The FANLO comes as a kit with 14 treads, each with a 195x34 mm section. The floor-to-floor height, footprint and going vary according to the pitch set during installation. Supplied in 2 packages (package 1: stringers / package 2: treads). The handrail is optional.
Key specifications
| Specification | Description |
| Type | Miller’s staircase, pivot-adjustable kit |
| Available timber species | Solid Douglas fir or solid larch |
| Use | Indoor and outdoor use |
| Number of treads | 14 |
| Tread section | 195x34 mm |
| Riser height | Varies according to the set pitch |
| Going | Varies according to the set pitch |
| Width | Varies by version |
| Footprint | Varies according to the pitch and floor-to-floor height |
| Recommended stairwell opening | Overall width + 2 cm x adjusted footprint |
| Pitch adjustment | Metal pivot adjustment – treads always level |
| Handrail | Optional |
| Finish | Unfinished wood – exterior treatment recommended for outdoor use |
Packaging
- ✓ Package 1: Stringers
- ✓ Package 2: Treads
Key points
- ✓ The only outdoor miller’s staircase: Douglas fir or larch – timber species naturally resistant to moisture
- ✓ Adjustable pivots: adapt to the available height and run while keeping the treads level
- ✓ Thick 195x34 mm section: greater rigidity and durability than 145x28 mm sections
- ✓ 2 packages: stringers and treads packed separately for easier handling
- ✓ Exterior treatment required: for outdoor use, apply a suitable UV-protective oil or wood stain before installation
Installation advice
Adjust the pitch using the metal pivots as described in the instructions. For outdoor use, provide adequate drainage at the foot of the staircase to prevent water pooling against the wood. Secure the stringers firmly to the ground (a concrete slab or footings) and to the upper support using stainless-steel or galvanised fixings suitable for outdoor use.
Exterior treatment: before installation, apply an exterior wood oil or microporous wood stain to every surface, including hidden faces. Reapply every 2–3 years depending on exposure.
Care and protection
For outdoor use, apply an exterior wood oil or UV-protective wood stain before first use and reapply every 2–3 years depending on exposure (south-facing or coastal locations require more frequent treatment). Douglas fir and larch naturally turn grey without treatment but retain their structural strength. Regular treatment is needed to maintain their natural colour. Cleaning: use a stiff brush and soapy water in spring.
For indoor use, a stair varnish or indoor hardwax oil is sufficient – maintenance is needed as often as for the other models.
WoodUp advice
The FANLO is the choice for outdoor access – to a raised terrace, garage mezzanine or loft accessed from outside. Douglas fir and larch are both known 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 you buy: as with the indoor FAGEOLE, the dimensions (riser height, going and footprint) are not fixed – they depend on the setting chosen on site. These measurements cannot be provided in advance without knowing the available floor-to-floor height and run.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Douglas fir and larch for an outdoor 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 extremely damp conditions. Both are suitable for an outdoor miller’s staircase. If the staircase will be directly exposed to rain without shelter, larch is preferable. If it will be partly sheltered (under a canopy or covered terrace), Douglas fir is sufficient.
Should the FANLO be treated before or after installation?
For outdoor use, preferably treat the wood before installation. This lets you coat every surface, including those that will be inaccessible after assembly (the undersides of the treads and the inner faces of the stringers). Apply 2 coats of exterior oil or microporous wood stain. Touch up any cut areas, such as shortened stringers, after cutting and before assembly.
Can the FANLO be used indoors?
Yes. Douglas fir and larch work very well indoors: their warm colour and pronounced grain give them natural character. Indoors, a stair varnish or indoor hardwax oil is sufficient, with no need for specific UV protection. It is an appealing option if you want a miller’s staircase with the visual character of exotic wood at a lower cost.
How do I calculate the FANLO’s footprint for my space?
The footprint depends on the set pitch. For a floor-to-floor height H and pitch angle A, footprint = H / tan(A). At a steep 60° pitch and H = 280 cm: footprint = 280 / tan(60°) = 162 cm. At 45° (a moderate pitch): 280 cm. Contact WoodUp customer service with your height and available run for a precise calculation.
What fixings should I use to install the FANLO outdoors?
Use only A2 or A4 stainless-steel screws and bolts for outdoor installation. Zinc-plated or phosphated screws corrode quickly in damp outdoor conditions and stain the wood. For fixing to a concrete slab, use stainless-steel anchors with suitable mounting plates. The kit does not include anchoring fixings – choose these to suit your support.
Why choose the FANLO over a treated fir miller’s staircase?
Douglas fir and larch are naturally durable outdoors without chemical preservative treatment, unlike fir, which needs pressure treatment to withstand the weather over time. An untreated Douglas fir or larch staircase is more environmentally friendly, easier to finish and retains its mechanical properties even if the surface finish is not renewed regularly.
Other staircases in our range
FAGEOLE – Adjustable indoor miller’s staircase, 195x34 mm section
AULAC – Indoor pivot-adjustable miller’s staircase, fir
BASSEYRE – Straight indoor miller’s staircase, fir, 287 cm
