The move followed initial contact with the SMA by Andy Hamilton, managing director of Stair Scheme member Staircraft.
"Both organisations believe they can get value from sharing knowledge, and content of our respective initiatives in areas such as performance and safety, codes of conduct, installation and third-party certification," said BWF chief executive Iain McIlwee. "It is always useful to get alternative perspectives and see how they can inform your own activities and development. Previously we have had contact with the industry in South Africa and are now looking to develop links with our counterparts in Europe too."
The BWF Stair Scheme was launched in 2011 to raise awareness of the criteria for high quality timber stairs, develop industry standards and improve safety. Its membership now accounts for 70% of UK production.
The US SMA started in 1988 and has similar objectives, funding safety research, and lobbying for reform of US building codes to raise its stair sector standards.
"The BWF Stair Scheme has taken a lead in the UK to ensure higher standards and greater customer confidence in timber stairs and these efforts are harmonious with the benefits of our SMA Code and and certification programmes," said SMA executive director Dave Cooper.