Stairs do not only offer functionality, but they also bring a design element to your entire home They can come in all shapes and sizes as well as materials. Since they are often a permanent part of a home’s interior, it is important to come up with a well thought out design.
Consider the following factors when choosing a metal staircase design:
Budget
The first thing you should do is determine a budget. How much are you willing to pay for a staircase? The answer to this question will help you choose the type of materials and services you can afford to complete the project.
Materials
Metal stairs can be made from stainless steel, wrought iron or aluminum. To help you choose, consider the style of your home. Is it rustic or contemporary? Is it eclectic or minimalist? Also, the atmosphere you want in a space will help narrow down your options.
Space
The size of your space will also help you determine the design of your metal staircase. It would look out of proportion to have a larger staircase in a tight space. Conversely, a narrow staircase might be awkward in a large living room.
Safety
When designing a staircase, consider the people who will be using the stairs. Are there small children or elderly persons? It is unsafe to let older adults use a spiral staircase. So, you might want to consider staircases with landing platforms such as quarter-turn or switchback types of staircases. Also, it is safer to add handrails to any design you can think of. Weld Rich and Steel provide staircases with the same grating used on street sidewalks and with openings that are less than 3/16. These grates are safe for all types of shoes and require little to no maintenance. Snow and rain fall right through meaning no more slipping and no salt needed.
In a nutshell, you have to make sure that every element you want in a metal staircase is carefully considered. Altering any of the details once the staircase is installed would incur an additional cost and time.
Lastly, never forget to consult with your designer and builder so they can help you choose a design that will also meet your local building code.