After concrete and reinforced concrete, steel is one of the most common materials for stairs. Many types and forms of stairs can be made from this material. Due to its high strength and low weight, it allows for delicate constructions. For interiors, builders use polished stainless steel and painted steel. For exterior stairs they use stainless or hot-dip galvanized steel. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages.
What design possibilities does steel offer?
Buy stairs online is easy. Companies offer steel stairs in various designs and sizes. Hot-dip galvanized versions with powder coating are popular. The Outdoor stair handrail often consists of stainless steel. Good models are resistant to weather-related oxidation and withstand temperatures from -20° to +50°.
The construction of steel stairs is similar to that of wooden stairs: saddled or inserted. Different steel profiles are used as stringers or beams. There are flat steel, hollow profiles and section steel. Installers screw or weld the treads or support profiles to the load-bearing profiles. There are different materials for the stair treads:
- Wood,
- Natural stone,
- Expanded metal grating,
- Glass,
- Concrete,
- Engineered stone,
- patterned/chequered plates.
Note: For required (emergency) stairs there are special fire protection requirements. These steel stairs must be fire-retardant. They have fireproof coatings or a special cladding. Increasingly used are delicate constructions without risers. The treads have an undercut.
What advantages do steel stairs offer?
Steel is one of the materials commonly used for stair constructions.The material looks modern. It gives off a touch of industrial chic. The products are stable and durable. The material offers many options for design. Because of its low weight and high strength it allows for delicate constructions.
Slim stair types for indoor and outdoor use are suitable when space is limited.
Due to its fire resistance, steel is well suited for escape stairs in public buildings. This requires installation and welding by a specialist. The products have fireproof claddings and fire-retardant coatings.
What disadvantages do steel stairs have?
Like any material used for building a staircase, steel also has minor drawbacks. A noticeable feature is the acoustics.When users walk on the stairs, it is louder than on stone or wooden stairs. Therefore sound insulation measures are necessary. With possible construction errors, steel stairs tend to vibrate. In outdoor areas the products need either a special surface treatment or a coating. This prevents users from slipping on the treads. In part, the appearance of stairs changes over the years indoors and outdoors. Weather conditions can alter the look to the detriment.
Tip: It is important that builders pay attention to professional welds, as poor welds can negatively affect the appearance.
How is a steel staircase installed?
Depending on the type of construction there are different ways to connect the individual components. Most suppliers rely on partially welded constructions. They deliver the straight flights complete with beams or stringers with undersills. On site craftsmen mount these to the ceiling edges with spacer washers and base plates. Local welds are necessary to join the staircase.
Bolted connections are used wherever welds are not possible or building conditions are difficult. Suppliers provide the stairs with elongated holes. These allow adjustment in one direction.
How long does a steel staircase last?
Steel is load-bearing and resilient. The material is gladly used in the construction of stairs. It is:
- durable,
- robust and
- versatile.
The material is comparable to reinforced concrete. It endures many decades, whether as an indoor stair or a garden stair.
Do steel stairs rust?
Stairs for living areas or the garden need special protection against rust. Indoors it is sufficient to prime them with rust protection or to paint them with a rust-inhibiting lacquer. Welds during installation or subsequently occurring damage also require anti-rust treatment. Exterior stairs must be baked enamel coated or painted twice. Optionally they are hot-dip galvanized. Stainless steel is a good alternative for handrails. They are easy to clean and rust-free.
Conclusion: Steel as a resilient building material
Steel stairs are durable, robust and modern. They are available as partially welded constructions. With the right coating they last for many decades. Thanks to the low weight and high strength there are numerous design possibilities.
