Stair Information

Featured Stairs Companies (3 of 16)

Click here to show all companies

Stairs Explained

Stairs are a crucial aspect of any development whether they are intended for internal usage or external usage. Where staircases are required within an internal location, whether it be in a domestic, industrial or commercial, consideration will need to be given to altering the floor plan accordingly to ensure access and exist routes to and from the stairs. Available floor area space will also be adversely affected by the installation of a staircase. A number of companies can be contracted to produce bespoke stairs from a range of materials.

Domestic staircases are generally constructed from solid timber. Modern staircases use a combination of solid timber and chipboard to reduce costs. Chipboard can be used to form the stair treads and solid timber to produce the stair balustrades. Using solid timber produces a warm and durable end product. Balustrading products are manufactured in a number of different woods such as oak, pine, ash and tropical hardwoods along with many more. Staircase balustrades typically comprise vertical spindles and newels supporting a handrail. Where stair treads are not to be carpeted and are to be left exposed solid wood, such as that used to finish the balustrade, can be used to create a more traditional effect. Stair tread cladding kits can be purchased in natural solid wood or engineered wood to further reduce costs.

Balustrades and their components can either be varnished or painted for further protection and effect. Wooden balustrading components, such as spindles and newels, can be purchased 'off the peg' in a number of different designs and varying degrees of complexity. To create truly bespoke staircases spindles and newels can be turned by carpenters or staircase specialists to your own designs. Further items to enable customisation are newel caps and newel bases, where a one piece newel post is not purchased. Balustrading products can be purchased manufactured from materials such as cast iron and stainless steels. Cast iron balustrading used in conjunction with cast iron stair treads can create a Victorian period style staircase. A number of companies specialise in producing period cast iron spiral staircases to complement any existing or new build project. Contemporary staircases may comprise stainless steel spindles and natural wood fixtures, such as treads and handrails.

Where handrails are specified either wood or metal can be used. Wooden handrails allow better grip but are not as durable as metal ones. Metal handrails, typically produced in tubular section steel or stainless steel are more durable and suited to commercial and industrial environments.

Staircases can be manufactured from cast concrete and clad in materials such as marble or ceramic tiles. Pre cast concrete stairs comprising only stair treads are particularly popular for industrial and commercial applications were durability is an important factor. Concrete stairs are also suited to outdoor environments. A variety of different balustrade materials can be attached to the pre cast treads, from toughened glass screens to metal spindles, which makes for a versatile and labour saving product. Current trends within commercial environments are for the installation of glass stairs comprising both glass balustrade systems and stair treads for added effect.

Frequently used staircases, such as those within commercial or industrial environments, can be protected by fitting stair nosings to the leading edge of the stair tread. Stair nosings can be fitted over carpets or directly to the stair tread and are available manufactured from aluminium, rubber or plastic. Within industrial environments, where liquids are likely to be spilt upon the floor, an anti slip stair nosing should be considered for health and safety considerations. Anti slip inserts can be purchased for aluminium stair nosings manufactured from plastics and abrasive cement compounds. Self adhesive anti slip stair nosing strips are also available in a number of different materials.

A number of metal fabricators and architectural metalwork companies specialise in producing bespoke and standard fire escapes to suit all types of buildings. Generally constructed from steel and galvanised for rust protection they must be durable to withstand outdoor weather conditions. Stair treads tend to be constructed from steel grids or other perforated surfaces to allow water to drain away and reduce slip hazards.