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When it comes to indoor staircases, the common notion is that wood is better. However, it is not always the absolute, irrefutable truth. While wooden staircases bring their own advantages, they often fall short when compared with their metal counterparts. Not only is maintaining metal staircases easier, but they might also score higher in aesthetic appeal, despite wood’s classic charm.
In this blog, we will show you why more commercial property owners and builders are ditching wood in favor of metal for indoor staircases. Let us begin!
With wood, wear and tear are inevitable. Expect to see a couple of cracks here and there, along with signs of rotting, warping, or swelling. Especially if the office is located in a particularly humid environment or climate. Plus, with the generally high-traffic of commercial spaces, wooden stairs will show early signs of wear.
In contrast, metal staircases display incredible strength in the face of time and traffic. Resistant to everyday abuse, they do not suffer from cracks or warp, or rot that easily. If you get yours from a trusted fabricator, they will provide you with galvanized or powder-coated stairs that resist rust and corrosion.
Maintaining wooden staircases is far from a cakewalk. You have to sign them up for regular sealing, staining or painting to ensure moisture or insects do not damage them. Frequent refinishing is also critical if you want to hide the signs of wear or the unavoidable scratches and scuffs.
On the other hand, maintaining metal stairs is very easy. Occasional cleaning and inspection are enough to keep them spick and span. If you get stairs that have been coated or painted, you can be rest assured that a touch-up will not be required for a few years. Lower upkeep also makes them more budget-friendly, which is a boon for commercial property owners.
There is no denying that the traditional and warm look of wood complements the aesthetics of commercial spaces with a more rustic or Scandinavian vibe. While covering them with stains or paints can give these stairs a different look, their design versatility is somewhat limited.
However, if you choose a reliable structural steel fabricator, you can customize your metal staircase to your heart’s content. Coming in various shapes – from spiral to U-shape, L-shape, floating or curved – metal staircases can imbibe the aesthetic you want them to. You can also pair them with wood or glass to create an interesting look. Not to mention, they can be powder-coated in practically any color.
For compact commercial spaces, wooden staircases might not be the best choice due to their space-consuming nature. They need extra structural support, thus limiting available layout space for the rest of the office.
There are no such troubles with metal staircases. Their inherently flexible nature allows for open-riser designs, which can save builders and property owners a ton of physical and visual space. Floating staircase designs are another great choice for offices with lower square footage or open designs.
Though a renewable resource, the use of exotic hardwoods cannot exactly be termed as sustainable. Besides, overharvesting of wood can also be a contributing factor to deforestation. Let us not forget that wood waste from fabrication projects is typically not recyclable.
If sustainability is important to your project, opting for metal staircases might be more sensible. Steel is not only recyclable, but it is often made of recycled content itself. Moreover, it comes with a longer lifespan, thus eliminating the need for frequent replacements and the use of extra materials.
Though a traditional favorite, it is time to retire wood as your number one choice for indoor staircases. Metal staircases prove to be a more practical choice in the long run as they are stronger and require less maintenance. They also offer immense design flexibility, which means you can have them in any design or color you like.
So whether you are a builder taking on a custom commercial project or a property owner renovating their current office, Weld Rich and Steel’s metal staircases will be a great addition to your space. Contact us today and let us discuss how we can bring your unique staircase ideas to life.