Category: Insights

The stainless steel fabrication work we do throughout Toronto takes many forms, from blending tank platforms to floating staircases; whether it’s form or function, the team at Weld Rich and Steel always has the specialists on hand to make these projects come to fruition.

Our latest project is the result of collaborative efforts from our entire crew, from designers to engineers, for a residential project focused on safety and visual appeal.

What Did the Project Involve?

The project we were contracted for involved the fabrication of a stainless steel custom fire escape for a private rental home near High Park, Toronto. As seen from the image below, the finalized project turned out exactly how our client envisioned:

History of the Building and Conforming to Safety Standards

Fabricating this custom fire escape staircase may have been a cause for concern for other contractors due to it being more than 80 years old, but not for the team at Weld Rich and Steel.

When it comes to projects like these, safety is king, and we’re proud to say that throughout our many years of serving the GTA community, our dedication to safety standards hasn’t steered our clients or us wrong.

As shown in the image below, the staircase spans 3 storeys at the rental home. However, the building had originally been erected with 2 storeys, with the client later deciding to extend it to 3.

As a result, it was imperative that this multi-storey fire escape staircase comply with the City of Toronto’s property standards bylaws, including the requirement that fire escapes and their treads, risers, guards, handrails, and supports be kept in safe, clean, and good working order.

On top of this, an array of Ontario building codes has been established for the construction of stairs, with special considerations for fire escapes regarding their exit width, all of which Weld Rich and Steel adheres to with tenacity.

As evidenced above, our tenacity in stainless steel fabrication is unrivalled, no matter the age of your building. Should you be considering installing steel stairs for a residential or commercial project, get in touch! Our craftsmen will be here to provide you with a solution that will stand the test of time.

When it comes to custom metal fabrication in Toronto, Weld Rich and Steel maintains a high standard of excellence and quality in customer service and lasting results. This is true across all industries and clients we serve.

Blending Tanks Platform for Siltech Corporation

Recently, we finished a project for Siltech Corporation, an industrial company specializing in chemical manufacturing. A mezzanine platform was custom-fabricated by our team of welders to support large tankers carrying industrial-grade chemicals within the plant. The platform serves dual purposes: supporting large tankers and allowing employees to perform maintenance and repairs as needed.

Commercial Industry Custom Metal Fabrication in Toronto

Weld Rich and Steel is experienced in providing custom metal fabrication in Toronto for clients in the commercial sector. With a strong focus on building mezzanine platforms, guard rails, and extensions, we offer the expertise and capabilities to deliver reliable, durable results that stand the test of time. The scope of our work involves meeting the needs of clients across a diverse range of industrial sectors, including food processing and commercial retail spaces. Know that your project is in good hands when you bring it to the team at Weld Rich and Steel.

The Weld Rich and Steel Difference

Weld Rich and Steel offers a myriad of benefits over competitors – including affordable services without compromising on superior quality. Other benefits of opting for our services include flexible payment options, efficient end-to-end processes, and design flexibility, including custom work in structural installation and steel fabrication. Our experienced team of qualified designers, engineers, and technicians is ready and fully capable of assisting you along the way in effectively bringing your project to life.

As industry leaders when it comes to CWB certified welding, you can rest assured knowing your project needs will be met accordingly and to your specifications. Call Weld Rich and Steel today to learn more about our services! We’d be happy to help.

As experts in stainless steel fabrication, we at Weld Rich and Steel have been involved in some of the most intricate custom projects all over the city. Recently, we were called to update an old stairwell in the Deerfields Clinic at The West Mall, replacing it with a sleek, modern floating staircase.

In recent times, floating stairs have become increasingly popular thanks to the visual appeal of the floating illusion. Only the most skilled and talented welders and fabricators can create the best floating stairs. A big part of that process is stainless steel fabrication, in which the staircase components are custom-made and then installed together.

Designed to hide the otherwise bulky and unappealing supporting structures of a staircase, a floating staircase should look as light and unattached as possible. Of course, this design cannot in any way compromise safety and stability.

Due to their minimalist, modern look, floating staircases are most often paired with other materials that visually enhance the sense of modernity, such as glass and steel.

As such, the floating staircase we made for Deerfield Clinic features 3-inch-thick quartz stone slabs for the steps, 15 mm-thick double-laminate tempered glass, stainless steel standoffs on the steps, and a stainless steel handrail.

This particular staircase we designed and fabricated is a mono-beam stringer, featuring support from beneath the steps. The staircase was then custom-painted.

Broadly speaking, the process for creating this mono-beam stringer for our client involved extensive consultation, measurements and design, stainless steel fabrication, installation, and final detailing.

As you can see in the picture above, the largest component to be installed first is the stringer, which essentially sets up the rest of the work we need to do.

A project like this requires different technicians and experts to come together: painters, welders, fabricators, engineers, project managers, and more. Of course, the most important component is the client, whose vision drives the project.

Toronto’s urban development is constantly evolving. As a go-to structural steel fabricator in Toronto, Weld Rich and Steel has been part of some of the most interesting innovations in the city.

The Austin Laneway House is a completed Toronto project from our earlier portfolio. Its structural steelwork formed part of a compact residential building project on a constrained urban site.

A laneway apartment suite is a separate residential unit located on the same lot as a detached house, semi-detached home, or townhouse. Laneway housing should be constructed in the backyard of the home, next to a public laneway.

Since the rules were passed, laneway housing has become a new frontier for the city’s urban development.

More and more homeowners are submitting applications to construct homes in their laneways. As structural steel fabricators, we recently completed the framing of one of these homes. The homeowner’s purpose for the build was to have an on-site place to care for their mother.

For a new laneway-suite proposal, use the current City of Toronto zoning and permit guidance. Dimensions, setbacks and eligibility must be assessed for the specific property rather than inferred from a historic project.

Laneway housing is truly an innovative way of thinking, utilizing underused backyard spaces while also maximizing and reclaiming space for affordable rentals in the city. If you’re thinking of applying for a laneway house construction permit and require structural steel fabricators, consider Weld Rich and Steel for your next project!

This project spotlight records WRS steel fabrication for a Sidewalk Labs building-raincoat prototype in Toronto. It describes completed prototype work, rather than the current status of a neighbourhood development.

Quayside Prototypes by Google-Affiliated Sidewalk Labs

Heated, hexagonal-shaped sidewalks that can light up and large umbrella-like raincoats that shield from precipitation are among the most exciting prototypes Sidewalk Labs has to offer. The building raincoats also adjust by season – effectively allowing a transition from indoors to outdoors based on the weather. Interactive projections are also projected onto the raincoats based on current events in the city.

Steel Raincoat Support Structure

As a leading firm for custom metal fabrication in Toronto, Weld Rich and Steel assisted with the structural steel framing that would support the plastic-like raincoat.

The project took roughly one week to complete, to assemble the steel components. The only caveats are Toronto’s harsh winter weather and the sheer weight of the steel components, totalling roughly 7500 lbs across all three steel parts. Regardless, the final product is stunning. The raincoats offer a level of contemporary style and functionality to the underdeveloped Queen’s Quay area – effectively maximizing the amount of time Toronto-dwellers can spend outdoors, even in the colder months.

The value of this historic prototype is the fabrication challenge: supporting an unusual architectural concept with a custom steel assembly. Future development proposals and approvals should be checked separately from this completed project.

If you’re looking for custom metal fabrication in Toronto, look no further than Weld Rich and Steel. Our team of professionals is fully capable of bringing your design to life, regardless of the project scope and specifications. For all your custom metal fabrication needs in Toronto, call us today!

For a structural steel project in Ontario, verify the welding company’s certification and the requirements of the applicable code, drawings and specification. Company certification is an important qualification; it is not a substitute for project-specific design, inspection or approval.

This guide explains the importance of CWB certification, the CSA standards that govern the industry, and why these regulations are vital for the legal and physical safety of your project.

What is CWB Certification?

The Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) was formed in 1947 to administer the welding standards integrated into the National Building Code of Canada. Unlike individual welder “tickets,” CWB certification is a company-level credential.

It serves as a third-party verification that a fabricator can consistently produce welds that meet the high-security requirements of Canadian infrastructure.

Why CWB Certification is Critical for Your Project

Choosing a certified welding company provides three essential layers of protection:

• Code and specification requirements: Confirm the applicable company certification, qualified personnel, welding procedures and inspection records with the project team.
• Documentation: Retain certification and inspection information required by the contract. Insurance coverage and legal responsibilities depend on the policy, contract and circumstances.

• Quality Assurance: CWB certification ensures that the company employs certified Welding Supervisors and follows officially registered Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS).

Key Standards: CSA W47.1 and CSA W59

Our work in Ontario is governed by two primary pillars of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA):

CSA W47.1 (Certification of Companies)

This standard dictates how a company must be organized to perform fusion welding of steel. It requires regular audits by the CWB to verify that equipment, personnel, and management systems meet national safety levels.

CSA W59 (Welded Steel Construction)

This is the technical “manual” for the industry. It covers the design of welded connections, preparation of joints, and strict inspection criteria. Whether we are fabricating a simple lintel or a complex commercial frame, we adhere to CSA W59 to ensure structural longevity.

The Role of the Certified Welder

Individual qualifications: Confirm that welders are qualified for the process, position and scope of work, and that the applicable qualification and continuity requirements are met.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does every welding project in Toronto require CWB certification?

Requirements depend on the work and the applicable code/specification. Ask the project designer or authority having jurisdiction to confirm the requirements; verify the company’s current certification through CWB.

How do I verify a contractor’s CWB status?

Every certified company should provide a “Letter of Validation.” You can also verify their status directly through the CWB Group’s official directory.

Is CWB certification the same as AWS (American Welding Society)?

While they share similarities, CWB is the specific legal requirement for structural work within Canada. AWS standards are often used globally but do not replace the need for CWB certification on Canadian soil.

Reference: CWB company certification. Confirm applicable standards, editions and project requirements with the responsible professionals.

In structural steel fabrication, there is no margin for error. A deviation of just a few millimetres or a microscopic flaw in a weld can compromise the integrity of an entire building. Quality Control (QC) is the rigorous process of ensuring that every component leaving the shop meets the exact specifications of the engineering drawings and the safety requirements of the Ontario Building Code.

Quality control connects the supplied drawings, fabrication requirements and agreed inspection plan. For a structural steel package, establish who supplies material records, who performs each inspection and what documentation is required before work is released.

Phase One: Incoming Material Inspection

Quality starts with the raw material. Before a single cut is made, we verify the integrity of the steel:

• Material records: Confirm the required grade and request the mill test reports or traceability documents specified for the package.

• Surface Inspection: Checking for laminations, heavy rust, or mill scale that could affect weld quality or paint adhesion.

Phase Two: Precision Cutting and Fitting

The accuracy of the final installation depends on the precision of the initial fabrication.

• Cutting and preparation: Select the cutting method and tolerances to suit the material, connection details and approved fabrication information.
• Fit-up inspection: Check dimensions, hole locations, alignment and joint preparation against the current drawings before final welding.

Phase Three: Weld Quality Assurance

Weld quality review should follow the applicable project specification and welding standard. Confirm inspection responsibilities and required records before fabrication.

• Visual inspection: Review accessible weld surfaces against the specified acceptance criteria. Visual inspection alone cannot establish the absence of internal discontinuities.

• Non-destructive testing: When the project requires UT, magnetic-particle testing or another method, confirm the qualified inspection provider, timing and reporting requirements.

  • Ultrasonic Testing (UT): Using sound waves to find internal flaws.

  • Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI): To detect surface and near-surface cracks in ferromagnetic materials.

Phase Four: Coating and Corrosion Protection

Durability is defined by how well the steel resists the environment, especially in Ontario’s harsh winters.

• Surface preparation: Follow the coating supplier’s preparation specification and the project requirements; cleanliness and surface profile affect adhesion.

• Dry Film Thickness (DFT) Testing: Measuring the thickness of the protective coating to ensure it meets the specified micron level for long-term corrosion resistance.

Final Documentation and Delivery

Documentation should be agreed for the package. Depending on the specification, required records may include:

• Final as-built measurements.

• Welding inspection reports.

• Galvanizing or painting certificates.

Expert Insight: Precision in the shop means faster erection on-site. Learn more about our full Structural Steel Fabrication process.

FAQ: Quality Control in Fabrication

Why is precision in metal fabrication so important?

Precision ensures that structural components fit perfectly during site erection. Poor QC leads to “field fixes,” which are expensive, time-consuming, and can weaken the overall structure.

How often is the fabrication equipment calibrated?

Calibration and equipment checks should follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions and the project quality plan. Request relevant calibration records where the specification requires them.

What is the difference between Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA)?

QC is the operational process of checking the product (the “doing”), while QA is the set of planned activities that ensure the QC process is working correctly (the “system”).

The erection phase is where the precision of the fabrication shop meets the reality of the construction site. Whether it is a small residential renovation or a complex commercial frame, the success of a steel project depends on meticulous planning, rigorous safety protocols, and on-site expertise.

This guide outlines the critical steps and best practices for a seamless structural steel installation, based on our years of experience in the Greater Toronto Area.

1. Pre-Erection Site Planning

Before the first beam leaves our shop, a comprehensive site survey is essential. Even a minor discrepancy in the foundation can lead to significant delays.

• Anchor Bolt Verification: We verify the placement and elevation of all anchor bolts. Identifying a misalignment at this stage allows for pre-planned adjustments rather than costly “field fixes.”

• Access & Logistics: In urban environments like Toronto, space is a luxury. We coordinate “just-in-time” deliveries to ensure that steel members are lifted directly from the truck to the structure, minimizing site congestion.

2. Safety Protocols and Rigging

Plan lifting, temporary stability, access and fall protection with the responsible site team. Welding certification and workmanship requirements do not replace the separate safety rules applicable to erection work.

• Rigging Inspections: All slings, shackles, and cranes undergo daily inspections.

• Fall Protection: Every team member follows a strict fall-arrest plan tailored to the project’s unique geometry.

• Stability During Erection: We ensure the structure is adequately braced at every stage of the assembly to withstand wind loads and self-weight before the final connections are made.

3. The Choice of Connection: Welding vs. Bolting

A successful erection strategy often involves a hybrid of joining methods.

• Field bolting: Use the specified bolt assemblies and installation/verification method. Required bolt pretension cannot be inferred from a generic torque value alone.

• Field Welding: When maximum rigidity or architectural aesthetics are required, our CWB-certified mobile units perform high-quality field welds, even in challenging on-site conditions.

4. Coordination with Other Trades

Structural steel is the “skeleton” of the building. Its accuracy affects every trade that follows—from masons to glass installers.

• Tolerance Management: We work within the tight tolerances defined by CSA S16, ensuring that the frame is perfectly plumb and level.

• Field discrepancies: Report mismatches before modifying structural steel. Any change affecting the design or connection must be reviewed through the project’s approval process.

5. Summary Checklist for a Successful Project

To ensure your next steel project is a success, keep this checklist in mind:

1. Survey Early: Never assume the foundation is perfect.

2. Plan the Lift: Coordinate crane placement and delivery schedules in advance.

3. Prioritize CWB Certification: Ensure your erection team is as qualified as your fabricator.

4. Inspect Constantly: Document every connection, whether it’s a torque-tested bolt or a visual weld inspection.

FAQ: Structural Steel Erection

How long does the erection phase typically take? It depends on the complexity and tonnage. A simple mezzanine can be erected in a day, while a multi-story commercial frame may take weeks of coordinated lifting.

Can steel be erected in the winter? Yes. In Ontario, we erect steel year-round. However, field welding in the winter requires specific pre-heating protocols to prevent the steel from becoming brittle.

What is the role of a site supervisor during erection? The supervisor ensures that the erection sequence follows the engineered drawings and that all safety and quality protocols are strictly maintained.

Structural Steel Weld Finishes and Coatings. This guide explains what a project team should clarify before fabrication or field work.

Separate three decisions

A structural weld has a required joint geometry and acceptance criteria. Its contour or mechanical finish is a second decision, and the corrosion-protection or fire-protection system is another. These requirements are related but should not be collapsed into a universal three-category code table.

As-welded and ground profiles

A weld may remain as welded after specified cleaning, or a drawing may require a particular contour or grinding operation. Do not grind a structural weld simply to make it look smoother: removal can affect its required section. Follow the drawings and obtain review where requirements are unclear.

Surface preparation for coatings

Cleaning, removal of contamination and the required surface profile depend on the selected coating system and substrate. Abrasive blasting is a preparation method, not a universal structural weld classification. Use the preparation specification supplied for the actual system.

Galvanizing and field repairs

Coordinate welded assembly details with the galvanizer before fabrication. If welding or damage affects an existing zinc coating, the specified preparation, welding controls and compatible repair system must be established. Field-applied zinc-rich repairs should not be represented as automatically identical to hot-dip galvanizing.

Fire protection

An intumescent system must follow its tested/listed design and manufacturer’s instructions, including compatible primer, preparation and coating thickness. Do not assume every weld must be ground flush or that one coating thickness provides every required fire-resistance rating.

Inspection and maintenance

Agree weld inspection and coating inspection responsibilities, acceptance criteria and records. Coating service life depends on exposure, preparation, application, detailing and maintenance; a generic 10-, 25- or 50-year promise is not a project specification.

What to include in a quotation request

Send the structural and fabrication information, weld symbols, finish requirements, exposure conditions, coating/fire-protection specification and installation scope. WRS can review the fabrication enquiry and identify items requiring clarification by the project designer or coating supplier.

Reference: CWB company certification. Confirm applicable standards, editions and project requirements with the responsible professionals.

Structural Welding: A Project Guide to Codes and Quality. This guide explains what a project team should clarify before fabrication or field work.

Start with design responsibilities

Structural welding connects members according to the project’s engineered details. The required loads, member selection, connection geometry and approvals must be established by the responsible design professionals. A fabrication guide does not provide an alternative to those calculations.

Know the roles of the standards

CSA W47.1 addresses company certification for fusion welding of steel. CSA W59 covers welded steel construction, and CSA S16 concerns steel structure design. The applicable editions and additional project requirements should be identified in the specification. AWS references may also appear, but equivalency must not be assumed without project review.

Specify material and traceability

Confirm the specified steel grade and required material records. Weldability depends on more than a single carbon-equivalent threshold. Chemistry, thickness, consumables, restraint and the qualified procedure all influence welding controls. Material substitution needs appropriate review.

Prepare and fit the joint

Use current approved fabrication information. Check joint preparation, access, fit-up, alignment and the permitted tolerances before welding. Resolve discrepancies through the project’s approval process rather than changing structural details without authorization.

Match qualifications and procedures

Verify company certification and the qualifications required for personnel, process and position. Apply the welding procedure and environmental controls specified for the work. Preheat, interpass and any heat-treatment requirements must come from the applicable technical documents.

Inspect to the project requirements

Visual inspection and NDT have different capabilities. Define the responsible inspection provider, test extent, acceptance criteria and hold points before work begins. A generic table cannot establish acceptance of a particular structural weld.

Close out the work

Record required inspections, approved changes and repair dispositions. Coordinate coating restoration and final documentation. For an enquiry, send drawings, specification, location, site access and the proposed fabrication/installation scope so outstanding information can be identified early.

Reference: CWB company certification. Confirm applicable standards, editions and project requirements with the responsible professionals.