Metal Stairs

Tampa's Best Stair Builders

A stair is an essential component of any structure. Not only does it offer a necessary function, but it is also a fundamental design element. Steel is a durable and versatile building material with many perks for users and the environment. In the humid Florida weather, steel stands up well to these elements especially with a protective layer of powder coating or paint. Choosing an experienced metal fabricator is the key to getting a perfect staircase to make your commercial property safe and also function at its best.

Benefits of Using Steel Stairs for Your Buildings

Steel stairways host many benefits, which make them a popular option among all types of business sectors. Here are some of the reasons for using steel for your staircase.

Resilience

Steel stairs don’t expand and contract when humidity, heat and other elements are exposed. The metal staircase is inherently resistant to all environmental elements, including flood and fire, which is a crucial benefit for many people. It ensures a long life and great investment so long as it is installed correctly and securely.

Durability

Steel staircases are some of the most durable and sturdy. They can last for an extended period without showing much wear and tear. Structural steel is five times stronger than concrete or timber staircases. This makes them an excellent investment for your property. They require minimal maintenance plus they hold up well against heavy duty cleaning such as power washing and harsh scrubbing.

Versatile

Structural steel is malleable. It can be customized into any style, shape, or pattern. Using timber or balustrades, you can incorporate your style and uniqueness into a custom metal stair.

Easy to Install

Installing new metal stairs and railings is easy, with simple drilling and bolting each step into place once they are lined up correctly. Our team has experience with setting these structures on concrete, attaching to brick or block, creating a base if the stairs are needed over soft ground, gravel and aggregate. Basically, if we cannot safely install the staircase we will let you know up front or call one of our connections in order to aid in the process.

Easy to Maintain

Structural steel is easy to maintain. Once you paint your steel staircase with rustproof paint, it can last for years without repainting. This assumes that you are using a high-quality product and applying it by following the instructions and professional standards. Depending on the conditions and location, it may only need occasional dusting and cleaning. Keep an eye out for any sections where the paint has chipped and rust or corrosion may be starting. You'll want to treat those areas right away and apply a fresh coat of paint to prevent those problem areas from spreading.

Sustainable

Steel is one of the most eco-friendly building materials. It is the most recycled material worldwide, with a global recycling rate of over 60%. Utilizing steel railings thus can help protect the environment.

Economical

Steel is less expensive than wood, concrete, or other materials used to build staircases. Steel is much stronger than timber and concrete as well. The cost is lowered in part by the strength, on the premise that when something is stronger, less of that material is needed. When less material is needed to make the structure sound, less cost can be incurred. The entire structural steel fabrication process saves a lot of resources and labor expenses.

Reliable

Structural steel comprises iron and other materials. These materials make it strong, thus a reliable solution for staircase construction. Steel is also impervious to bugs and insects. Combining steel with concrete, like many of our photos here, allows for a different look and can be very useful in apartment and certain commercial settings.

Aesthetic

With the ability to powder coat and paint in nearly any color, it's easy to have your steel egress stairs in Tampa match the overall decor of your building. Style is another major factor. Stairs can function first (meaning straight, simple and the most affordable option) or they can combine form and function (meaning we can customize the railings or infill to match a certain style you have in mind or something that will impress your customers and really play into the overall design of your establishment). Once installed, a metal staircase adds natural beauty to your property and at least this aspect of your building will stay beautiful for years to come.

There are a variety of options when it comes to metal stair treads. Some of them include the following:

Plate Stair Treads

Plate stair treads are stainless steel sheets installed over existing stairs to add traction and safety. They are available in many colors, making them easy to customize for your building's décor.

Plank Stair Treads

Plank stair treads are a cost-effective way to give your property a touch of rustic charm while enhancing the safety and aesthetics of your staircase.

Bar Grate Stair Treads

Bar Grate stair treads are designed to withstand higher traffic and provide a clean and solid appearance. These treads have a more open pattern of holes than the other metal stair tread designs. Perfect for areas where you don't want to risk water pooling up and leading to rust or slippage.

Metal Pan Stair Treads

This method combines steel and concrete which create a strong but visually different approach. Each steel tread is shaped like a pan (with a lip at the front and back) and then attached to the stinger. The pan is filled with concrete and leveled after it is installed. Usually there is 1.5" of concrete in each tread and they can be finished smooth or with a texture to help with surface grip.

There is really no metal that is fully resistant to corrosion. With exterior stair cases in Tampa, and even interior stairwells, that will be moisture in the air and humidity for the better part of the year. That water vapor coming in contact with iron or steel (which is composed of iron and carbon) begins to oxidize forming iron oxides as it shows signs of rust, like a reddish, orangish crust. Not only is this unsightly and gives the stairs an abandoned look, but it also weakens the metal and can shorten its lifespan.

Paint to Avoid Rust

One of the most common and also most recommended brands is Rust-Oleum. They make plenty of standard products that do a good job preventing rust. They also manufacture commercial grade items which can be messier and trickier for do-it-your-selfers, but are used commonly by contractors and specialists.

Prime Before Paint

Both primer and paint serve as a coating on the steel. The better the coating, the less likely for the steel to receive moisture and therefore corrosion to take place. Primer has properties that allow it to bond or adhere to the steel or iron better than paint. Painting on top of this allows for the color of choice to be achieved as well as any special finishes or creative treatments.

Preparation

For outdoor stairs that have begun to show signs of corrosion, you'll want to first try and remove any rust and prepare the surface by getting it as clean and smooth as possible. A wire brush is a fabulous tool for this job, but a heavy duty bristle brush and some elbow grease can do a decent job. Finishing by further blending the surface with sand paper will help the remove finer particles and also create a slightly course surface to help the paint adhere.

A pretreatment of cleaner will help to break down the rust first. There are some chemicals (like phosphoric acid) that do the job well but are dangerous and toxic. Use caution if you go this route. Some common household items that work well and are much safer for you are white vinegar or baking soda. These can be applied and left to work for an hour. With baking soda, add some water to create a paste from the material. With either option, finish by cleaning it off with soap and water. Wipe down the material let it completely dry.

Finally select a paint that is designed for metal application. There are many options, but in our opinion, an oil-based paint will prove to be more durable. It should help to form a layer or top coat over the metal that further protects it from coming in contact with moisture plus helps to fend off scuffs and dents.

Although we don't usually work on smaller jobs like treating rust, if your stairs are in need of replacing or you're looking for Tampa metal stair repairs, please give us a call at 813-212-3054 or drop us a line so we can take a look at your project.

Things to Consider When Looking for a Reliable Metal Fabricator or Welder

When searching for a reliable metal stair contractor in Tampa, there are a few things to consider. These include:

Experience

First and foremost, finding a metal fabricator with experience in the metal industry is crucial. This will help ensure you get high-quality fabrication services. Price plays a part in most people's budget, we get it. While shopping around consider other factors too: does the provider work by themselves or do they have a team? Have they been doing this type of work for a couple years or a couple decades. These elements can add to cost (for the right reasons) because have a trusted team is more expensive than just paying yourself. And if you find a Tampa welder who has extensive professional knowledge, they should also charge more than a novice for that wealth of knowledge. After all, it should help get the job done right the first time. Thankfully, our technicians possess a variety of technical expertise in the industry at a fair price. We know how to execute specific designs and processes successfully. We also understand current trends and designs, plus utilize up to date equipment to remain on the cutting edge of this industry.

Certification

Any reputable, experienced metal fabricator you choose should have a license and appropriate welding certifications. You'll want to check this with your tech if anything is in question.

Quality Work

High-quality products are vital in a competitive environment. Whether it is a small or a big job, never compromise on quality standards. Thankfully, we always test our tools to ensure they operate safely and as expected. We also have highly trained technicians so that you can be sure of quality work.

Adequate Tools

Adequate tools are a must for any metal fabricator. Nobody wants to work with a metal fabricator who runs their business on a piece of old, outdated equipment. We are equipped with the latest, most up-to-date tools and machinery. This helps us to do work fast and with a high level of professionalism.

Reputation

A good reputation signifies that a company is trustworthy. It also shows how highly customers think of it. At Tampa Welding, we have built an unrivaled reputation by providing high-quality services tailored to meet customers’ needs.

Customer Service

Customer satisfaction is a priority for all companies; this is no different when it comes to welding contractor. At Tampa Welding, we happily answer all customers’ calls before and after project completion. We also take care of customers in any manner necessary, such as when you need emergency repairs or new designs made. A stair installation is an excellent investment for your commercial property. If you want to learn more about steel staircase railings, call now at 813-212-3054 or fill out the contact form at the top of this page.