Some fundamental principles: an outdoor staircase can be erected in the south-east, facing east, in the south-west, facing west, in the northwest, facing north, and in the southwest, facing south. These are the only directions that make sense for a staircase; all other directions are wrong. As with any other part of your home, use your best judgment when deciding where to place your stairs. Stairways should always be placed so that people will want to use them, but they don't have to be used daily to be useful. If you plan carefully, you should be able to install beautiful new stairs that will add charm to your home for many years to come. The type of wood you choose for your stairs is important because it will influence the overall look and feel of your home. Options include cherry, maple, birch, hickory, pecan, sycamore, and walnut. The choice of wood will also affect its price tag. For example, wood such as mahogany is very expensive while pine is much cheaper. You should also consider how the wood will be treated before you buy it. Some woods, such as redwood, are naturally resistant to insects and other organisms that may damage wooden surfaces. Other types of wood, such as pine, need to be treated with a protective oil or stain to prevent this.