Mild Steel, Stainless, Or Aluminum: Which Is Best For Your Custom Staircase?

While many important decisions take place in the background when designing a custom staircase, one of the most significant ones is your choice of metal. It’s true that customer preference will play a part, but it is important to inform your clientele of their key options and related benefits before the final selection is made. 

 

If you’re just starting out in the world of construction, this knowledge can be hard to come by. It requires years of experience to intuitively pick the best material for your client’s metal staircase upon a single conversation. However, you can get there and this blog is here to be your personal cheat sheet!

 

Let us show you how three main metal types - mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum - stack up against each other in terms of durability, aesthetics and cost so you can make the best choice. 

 

1. Mild Steel: A Cost-Effective Pick

 

Mild steel contains low amounts of carbon, which is what gives its name and also makes it quite malleable. Here’s how it fares on the durability, aesthetic and cost parameters. 

 

• Durability: When it comes to durability, mild steel is nothing short of excellent. It can withstand high loads with ease and can be safely used in residential and commercial settings. That said, be wary of rust as it is prone to it. But you can counteract that problem with proper finishing, be it galvanizing or powder coating. 

 

• Aesthetics: Mild steel has a clean look, almost industrial. However, it can be customized endlessly with the help of a paint job or coatings. Its customizability also extends to its design. Mild steel can be molded into any shape - from ornate and decorative to minimalistic and modern. 

 

• Cost: Of all the three metals listed in this blog, mild steel is the most affordable, which makes it apt for tight-budget projects! 

 

Mild steel can be used to create indoor staircases and spiral stairs. Resort to it if cost-control is high on the list. 

 

2. Stainless Steel: Low-Maintenance Champ

 

Enriched with chromium, stainless steel is tough as nails while being highly versatile too. That said, it comes in various grades so it’s important to be mindful of the variety you choose based on your project requirements. 

 

• Durability: A chart-topper when it comes to corrosion resistance, stainless can be safely used to make both indoor and outdoor staircases. Moreover, it requires minimum maintenance and can easily withstand regular exposure to humidity. 

 

• Aesthetics: Sleek and polished, a steel staircase can upscale the design of any project. Its modern aesthetic matches very well with glass and wood, creating a luxurious effect that fits well into homes, offices and public spaces. 

 

• Cost: It’s a touch more expensive than mild steel. However, stainless steel makes up for its price tag with its premium look and advanced corrosion resistance. Not to mention, its low maintenance and longer lifespan. 

 

Use it freely for all kinds of modern or high-end projects. Especially those that require rust-free materials. 

 

3. Aluminum: Ultra Modern & Lightweight

 

Highly ductile and lightweight, aluminum finds use everywhere - from foils and wraps to airplanes and your phone. When it comes to staircases, though, here’s what you need to know. 

 

• Durability: It may not be very strong but its corrosion resistance is at par with stainless steel. You can safely use it to build outdoor staircases. Plus, it’s easy to install and keeps the load on supporting structures to a minimum. 

 

• Aesthetics: Aluminum’s signature matte and frosted look enjoys mass appeal. That said, it can be anodized or powder-coated to achieve different kinds of finishes. Floating stairs look particularly good in aluminum. 

 

• Cost: When it comes to affordability, aluminum is right in the middle of mild steel and stainless steel. So it’s relatively affordable and can lead to cost savings since it’s easier to transport. 

 

Aluminum works well in marine environments and is great for contemporary projects. 

 

Conclusion

 

Choosing between the three requires a careful assessment of your project's requirements. You already know the best use case scenario for each. But we know that as a contractor, you might require some extra help in picking the right metal. And that’s what Weld Rich and Steel is here for! From fabrication to installation, we can help you create staircases that stand the test of time. Contact us today to get started with your custom staircase project.