Durable, sturdy, yet aesthetically pleasing – steel stairs are a solution that works for different types of facilities. Wondering if they will be suitable for your production hall or multi-family building? In this article, our experts outline the advantages and disadvantages of steel stairs to help you decide.
Advantages of steel stairs – why choose such a construction?
Steel stairs combine apparent contradictions: lightness, extreme strength, industrial character and the ability to blend into almost any interior. Learn about the 5 most important advantages of these structures, which speak for their choice in industrial and multi-family buildings.
Advantage 1. durability and strength
Steel is an extremely durable material. Stairs made of it are resistant to high static and dynamic loads, abrasion, impact and other mechanical damage. This is especially important for industrial facilities, where stairs are heavily used.
For example, outdoor stairs made of stainless steel or carbon steel protected by corrosion protection are durable and resistant to the elements. They will retain their properties for many years, even under harsh operating conditions.
Advantage 2 Security
Steel stairs are very safe. They can be equipped with non-slip elements on the steps, sturdy balustrades to prevent falls, and lighting to improve visibility.
At Rapmet, safety is a priority. We constantly strive to ensure that our products meet the highest standards in this regard. We design and manufacture all steel stairs in accordance with current building regulations, which guarantees their safe use.
What’s more, we have a certificate of conformity of factory production control in accordance with EN 1090-1, authorizing us to manufacture steel load-bearing elements and their assemblies up to class EXC3 according to EN 1090-2. This means that our steel stairs meet the stringent European requirements for structural safety.
We also meet the requirements of ISO 3834 and PN-EN 1090, which confirms the highest quality of our steel structures. We make sure that the production process is supervised by competent personnel with the appropriate authorizations.
Advantage 3. versatile application
Steel stairs are used in various types of facilities. They can be used as:
- Interior and exterior stairs in industrial halls,
- escape stairs,
- Stairs to piers and platforms,
- Stairs in public facilities (such as schools or hospitals),
- Stairs in offices and administrative buildings.
Thanks to the fact that Rapmet’s offer includes various types of steel stairs (straight, spiral, and interval stairs), we can adjust the functionality of the structure to individual needs and the specifics of the object.
Advantage 4 Aesthetics
Steel can be easily molded, providing great opportunities for designing stairs in a variety of shapes and styles. In addition, we offer various techniques for finishing the surface of steel. The most commonly used are galvanizing, powder coating or polishing.
Steel stairs can be painted in any color from the RAL palette, which allows them to be perfectly integrated into the interior design. In turn, a variety of fillings for balustrades emphasize the aesthetic qualities of the construction.
Advantage 5. relatively low weight
Compared to stairs made of other materials (such as concrete), steel stairs are characterized by relatively light weight. This is a major advantage – lightweight construction is easier to transport and install, and reduces the load on building floors. This is an important argument for choosing steel stairs, especially in the case of modernization of existing buildings.
Do steel stairs have any disadvantages?
Like any material, steel also has certain limitations. It is worth knowing them, so that you can make an informed decision and take full advantage of the potential of steel stairs.
Disadvantages of steel stairs
- Corrosion. Carbon steel is susceptible to corrosion, especially in humid environments. This applies mainly to outdoor stairs. To prevent this, at Rapmet we use effective corrosion protection, such as hot-dip galvanizing or powder coating. For extremely aggressive environments, we recommend the use of stainless steel.
- Heat conduction. Steel is a good conductor of heat. In practice, this means that steel stairs heat up in the sun and can be hot to the touch. A solution to this problem may be to finish the steps with composite materials that reduce heat conduction.
- Noise. The sound of footsteps on steel stairs can be more audible. Of course, in industrial facilities, where there are usually elevated noise levels, this issue is practically irrelevant.
Steel stairs – advantages and disadvantages of different types
| Type of staircase | Advantages | Disadvantages | Application |
| Straight stairs | DurabilitySimple designEasy to clean Versatile use | They take up more space than spiral staircasesLimited adaptability to unusual spaces | Production halls WarehousesStaircases in multi-family buildings |
| Spiral staircase | Saves spaceCan be adapted to unusual spaces | Less convenient to use, especially for the elderly or those with limited mobility Narrow steps make it difficult to bring in large objects | Evacuation stairsAccess to platforms and platformsStaircases in multi-family buildings with limited space |
| Interlocking stairs | Combines the advantages of straight and spiral staircasesAllows you to change the direction of the staircaseMay be more ergonomic than spiral stairs | They can be more expensive than straight stairs | Staircases in multi-family buildingsAccess to mezzanine floors |
Order the design and construction of steel stairs at Rapmet
Steel staircases enjoy unflagging popularity both in industrial construction and in multi-family buildings. Their durability, strength, safety and ability to match different architectural styles definitely speak for their choice.
At Rapmet, we offer a wide range of steel stairs made of the highest quality materials. Our experience and modern machinery allow us to carry out even the most demanding projects. We provide expert advice at every stage of the investment, from design to installation.
If you are planning to install steel stairs in your facility, we invite you to contact our specialists. We will be happy to answer all your questions and help you choose the optimal solution.
