Steel Staircase Designs for NYC Homes and Commercial Buildings: Form Meets Constraint
Stairs are more than a means of getting from one floor to another, and they can have a dramatic impact on the overall aesthetic of a home or commercial building. From compact apartments and townhouses to lofts, retail spaces, offices and more, steel is often the best choice for homeowners and property managers who want to maximize space thanks to its strength, which allows for slim designs and an open layout.
Fabrication Starts with Space and Use
Whether you want a sculptural railing or a functional staircase designed with regular use in mind, a custom steel staircase can be fabricated to suit your needs. That made-to-order approach is the central premise behind custom steel staircases in both residential and commercial settings. From sleek residential stairs to commercial designs that can withstand heavy traffic and comply with accessibility guidelines and building codes, steel staircases can be built to order to suit any budget, space and style. The team at European Custom Iron is one example of a specialist fabricator focused on this kind of work.
There are many types of stairs to choose from, including:
- Straight-run. If there’s enough room, a straight-run staircase is a simple option.
- L-shaped and U-shaped. If the staircase will have a significant rise, a landing in the stair run can make ascending and descending easier. These are also good options if the available space is narrow.
- Switchhead – This type of staircase also makes efficient use of vertical space, which is ideal for compact interiors.
- Curved and spiral – These dramatic staircases are conversation pieces, but tread size and configuration, ease of use, and practicality (can furniture be maneuvered up and down the stairs?) should all be taken into consideration.
Before aesthetics come into play, the available space, from floor to ceiling height, width and run, as well as the location of any landings, will dictate the best type of staircase. Other factors include the building’s layout (will a staircase obstruct traffic flow or interfere with doors opening and closing?), attachment options and methods for bringing materials on site. All of these details can affect the final look, so it’s important to work with an experienced fabricator from the outset.
Why Does Steel Work in NYC Interiors?
Because steel is strong, it can span long distances and support treads, which means stringers can be slimmed down, giving the staircase an airy, light look. Steel staircases are ideal for open floor plans since they won’t get in the way like bulky support beams.
Steel staircases with wood treads are a popular option since the natural material adds warmth to an otherwise contemporary design. Metal treads are also a possibility, however, and lend an edgier feel that’s well suited to studios, garages, and other spaces.
Britannica’s overview at www.britannica.com/technology/staircase explains that, depending on the staircase design, there may or may not be risers. Open risers lend an airy feel, but if you have small children, pets, or if you simply prefer a more traditional staircase, consider closed risers.
Railings Turn Style Into a Safety Question
From cable railings to iron railings to slat designs, there are a wide range of options to choose from. While aesthetics should play a factor, so should practicality, as what type of railing infill would be easiest to maintain? How open is too open (this is especially important if there are landings)? Will the railing comply with local building codes (no gaps wide enough for a child to slip through, sturdy enough to withstand leaning and bumping, etc.)?
Details That Shape the Final Build
- Handrails. In addition to style, handrails should be comfortable to grip and run the length of the stairs if needed.
- Headroom – Make sure there are no obstructions like beams or sloped ceilings that will get in the way. In many cases, building codes require at least 80 inches of headroom.
- Finishes – Powder coating is popular option since it’s durable and can be ordered in an almost endless array of colors and sheens. A painted finish can be helpful if a color match is needed. A clear coat will accentuate the steel, including welds and other nuances, but may show scratches and fingerprints.
- Traction – If your staircase will see lots of foot traffic, consider a more textured metal plate, adding an abrasive strip, or using wood treads with the right nosing. Especially important if the staircase is located outdoors or is known to get wet.
- Outdoor conditions – If your staircase will be exposed to the elements, make sure to factor that into your material and finish selections.
From determining where the stringers will be located (on the side or under the treads, or even hidden within the walls) to deciding whether or not welds will be visible, there are lots of ways to personalize a steel staircase.
To help avoid changes down the line, it’s important to meet with your steel fabricator early in the design process, and provide them with accurate measurements (especially once framing and other structural elements are in place) and information about the surrounding areas. In some cases, the thickness of the floors will impact the design of the staircase, particularly the size of the first and last steps (too different in size and it may not pass code or present a tripping hazard).
