Commercial Staircases

Benefits

Why Steel?

Steel is engineered for structural integrity, making it the ideal choice for commercial settings that demand long-term durability. The galvanising and powder-coating processes that steel undergoes render it resistant to environmental factors like moisture and chemicals. This durability is crucial for office environments, where fluctuating humidity or exposure to cleaning agents could compromise other materials.

Key Advantages of Steel:

• Load-bearing capacity: Steel handles high daily foot traffic and heavy loads without deforming. Its strength ensures that even over decades, a well-constructed steel staircase will not sag or lose stability, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
• Fire resistance: Steel excels in fire scenarios, maintaining its structural integrity under extreme heat. This performance is a decisive factor in protecting evacuation routes, as the material remains strong far longer than alternatives.

Steel is engineered for performance in demanding environments, offering unmatched strength, safety, and longevity.

The Importance of Customisation

Customisation for space optimisation: Every aspect of your staircase enhances the function of your space. A cantilevered design, for example, can optimise floor space, making your office layout more efficient. In environments where sound control is essential, acoustic treads or perforated steps can be added, reducing noise transmission in busy, multi-floor offices.

Key Customisation Options:

• Sound control: Integrating acoustic treads or perforated steps helps manage sound in noisy office environments.
• Safety enhancements: Steel allows for precise adjustments to your specific needs, such as integrating safety features like handrails or LED lighting for enhanced visibility.
• Space efficiency: Design options like spiral or straight staircases can be selected to complement the architectural layout, improving both space efficiency and ease of movement.

Customisation transforms a staircase into a functional asset that maximises spatial efficiency and workflow continuity.

Considering Cost and Return on Investment

Financial predictability and minimal maintenance: Investing in steel significantly reduces long-term operational costs. While initial expenses may be higher than materials like wood, steel’s minimal maintenance needs save both time and resources over the staircase’s lifespan. Routine upkeep, such as cleaning and inspections, suffices to maintain its performance, while weaker materials would likely require refinishing or more frequent inspections to stay compliant.

Return on Investment:

1. Durability and cost efficiency: Steel offers predictability and longevity, eliminating the need for frequent repairs. This reduces operational downtime and ensures that maintenance doesn’t interrupt your business operations.
2. Recyclability: Steel can be repurposed, further reducing waste and disposal costs.
3. Long-term savings: Fewer resources are spent on maintaining structural integrity, making it a sound financial decision.

Steel minimises maintenance costs and operational disruptions, offering reliable long-term financial benefits.

Enhancing Accessibility and Compliance

Precision and accessibility: Steel’s precision in fabrication ensures that accessibility requirements are met with accuracy. Staircases can be constructed to exacting standards, providing safe access for individuals with mobility challenges. Wider steps, ergonomic handrails, and low-rise designs can all be incorporated without sacrificing strength.

Compliance and Safety:

• Meeting regulatory standards: Incorporating these aspects ensures compliance with the latest building regulations, reducing the risk of post-construction adjustments.
• User safety and comfort: Steel’s adaptability extends to ergonomic needs, improving the safety and comfort of users.

Steel staircases provide precise, regulation-compliant accessibility features that improve the safety and inclusivity of office environments.

Sustainability Matters

Environmental benefits of steel: As one of the most recycled materials worldwide, the use of steel reduces the need for new raw material extraction, conserving natural resources. Steel production has advanced significantly, with methods like electric arc furnaces that rely on recycled scrap, minimising emissions and reducing the overall carbon footprint of construction projects.

Sustainability Goals:

• Long lifespan: Steel’s long life reduces the frequency of replacement cycles.
• Certification benefits: For businesses seeking certification under programs like LEED or BREEAM, steel staircases contribute valuable points toward these benchmarks.

Steel aligns with environmental goals, offering a sustainable, long-lasting material choice that supports green certification efforts.

Installation and Compliance with Building Codes

Proper Installation of a metal stairway goes beyond simply meeting aesthetic preferences—it must be done in accordance with stringent building codes to ensure both safety and long-term functionality. When a stairway is installed in a commercial space, it needs to adhere to regulations that dictate everything from step height and depth to the placement of railings and load-bearing requirements. Non-compliance can lead to costly fines or require extensive modifications after the fact, making it crucial to work with professionals who are well-versed in the specific codes governing your industry and location.

Custom Products for Your Space: One significant advantage of opting for metal stairs is the ability to create custom solutions that match the needs of your space without compromising on safety or design. Whether the goal is to maximise efficiency in smaller buildings or to incorporate a sleek, modern look in larger complexes, custom options can be installed to suit your particular architectural and operational requirements.

An office I heard of had custom stairs installed in a multi-level workspace, and the precision in both design and adherence to code meant there was no need for adjustments after installation. This highlights the importance of selecting products that are not only high quality but also compliant from the outset. Each stairway in the building met the required safety standards, providing peace of mind for the business owner while seamlessly blending into the overall aesthetic.

When you choose custom metal stairs, you ensure compliance with building codes while achieving a tailored fit for your specific needs.