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| Spiral Stair Applications |
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| 1. |
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If I use a spiral stair what building codes apply? |
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You should check with your building inspector for local codes. It may be wise to obtain
this in writing. We consider most spiral stairs to be secondary or ornamental stairs.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The selection of Steel Spiral Stair products to
comply with your local building codes, safety laws, or any other law, ordinance,
regulation, etc., that apply is the entire responsibility of the buyer, building owner,
architect and or engineer. We have no responsibility in this matter. |
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| 2. |
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Is there only one basic design of your stairs? |
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No, each stair is made to order and they can be customized to suit. When cost is a
factor our most typical design is the best buy. |
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| 3. |
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How can I get a one-piece spiral stair into my building? |
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The stair might be screwed through the door. For smaller stairs add 2 inches to1/2 of
the diameter. This is the minimum width door opening required. (Measure the clear
width available - it will be smaller than the nominal door size) |
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| 4. |
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My door opening is large enough, but what other things should I look for? |
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Will there be any obstructions in front of or behind the door? Is the room you are entering
at least as large as the stair length? Is the door well unusually thick? On the inside,
is there a wall next to and at a right angle to the door? |
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| 5. |
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What if I can't get a one-piece stair into my building? I want a steel handrail and welded construction, not a plastic, multi-piece kit! |
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We can cut the stair in half and modify it so you can reassemble the two halves in a few
minutes. Note: The door opening size above still applies. |
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| 6. |
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If I cannot get the stair into my building in one piece or cut in half then what can I do? |
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For really tough situations we can "knock down" a stair. We fabricate and
shop-assemble all parts, including the steel handrail, to fit your exact measurements
then knock down again for shipment. This is still a custom built stair and it is NOT
adjustable. |
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| 7. |
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How do I transport something this large? How heavy is it? Will you deliver? |
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You can transport the stair in just about anything. Assuming you have a normal
floor-to-floor height, the stair will fit in the back of a pickup or a small open trailer. We
have delivered many stairs in a short-bed, Toyota pickup. Some smaller stairs have made
it into vans. The weight varies, depending on diameter, length, and features. A typical
interior, 12-rise stair, without wood decking, runs in the 400-pound range. We can deliver
to some areas or have your stair shipped. Ask for a price quote on delivery. |
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| 8. |
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How long does it take to have a stair built? |
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It can depend on the design and of course, how many orders are in front of you.
You should allow a minimum of 4 weeks. Call for a time estimate before ordering. |
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| 9. |
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What determines the price of my stair? |
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This is not a kit. Each spiral stair is built to customer requirements. Like most other
purchases of this sort your selection of components will determine the price.
However, don’t let that scare you. Ask for a price quote. We are not high-pressure
sales oriented! |
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| Stair Well |
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| 1. |
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How large should the stair opening be? |
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On smaller stairs, the finished opening must be at least 4 inches larger
than the diameter of the stair to allow for finger clearance. Larger stairs, 60" diameter
and above, allow 5 inches. Our platforms are made to fit square wells for this measurement
and will not properly fit smaller wells.
Example: 48" diameter stair requires a 52" finished out
square hole.
A 60" diameter would require a 65" finished out square hole.
Optional platforms can be made to accommodate off-sized and special wells.
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| 2. |
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Is a platform needed? |
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Yes, in most cases the metal frame platform is needed. A few exceptions are possible.
The platform normally occupies about 1/4 of the well. In very limited cases, you can frame
your own platform into the opening. Head clearance can be a problem. |
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| 3. |
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What is the differenct between a "Loft" and a "Well" stair? |
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These are our references for two common stair set-ups.
"Well" being mounted into a corner, "Loft" mounting to one side only. |
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| 4. |
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Are well railings included? |
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No. They are ordered separately. Not all customers use iron railings around the well. |
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| Construction |
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| 1. |
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How are the treads constructed? |
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Our basic tread is an open steel sub-frame with screw holes to mount a wood tread.
Formed diamond plate treads are available on special order. Smooth sheet metal treads
are available on special order but are not a practical choice. We feel they have no
advantage over the open frame since they also need to be decked with wood for most
interior uses, such as carpeting. Natural woods are more attractive on an open frame stair.
Your building codes may require a partial riser for residences. A partial wood riser with a
maximum 4" air space is commonly used. |
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| 2. |
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What type balusters are used? |
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The basic interior stair uses a 1" x 1" x 11/12 guage square steel tube baluster
for each rise. (This is much stronger than the ones used on most kits we have seen.) The
basic exterior stair uses a 3/4" square solid bar baluster which eliminates the problem of
rusting out from the inside. Many optional balusters are available. |
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| 3. |
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Is there a difference in construction of interior and exterior stairs? |
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Yes. For exterior stairs, we use solid stock rather than hollow, where possible, for the
balusters. Some of the tread parts are slightly heavier. |
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| Finishes |
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| 1. |
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Does the stair come painted? |
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On typical interior stairs you have a choice of one coat of black primer or one coat of lighter
colored primer or we can leave the steel bare for your own special finish. Exterior stairs
can be supplied bare for galvanizing or one coat of primer. See rust question. |
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| 2. |
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Is the exterior stair more resistant to rust? |
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NO! All steel rusts and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! All steel
products require maintenance when used out-of-doors. For rust resistance, we recommend
galvanizing for exterior products. We can arrange for this service or to save time and costs
you can take care of it yourself. |
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| General |
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| 1. |
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What about assembly and installation? |
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Stairs are installed by the customer. Most spiral stairs consist of 3 main components.
The stair, the platform and the base. The actual assembly required involves setting these
three components in place, anchoring them and then mounting your wood treads. Very
customized orders could require special skills. |
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| 2. |
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Who does the measuring for the size of the stairs? |
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You do. All that is required is to measure the finished floor to finished floor and maintain
the minimum well size required. There are additional layout decisions such as the tread
degree and hand. We do occasionally measure on extremely customized orders.
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| 3. |
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Our question to you... Do you really want a spiral stair? |
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In some cases you may be better served by a conventional stair. Spiral stairs are ideal for
second stair applications. They are not conducive to the moving of furniture or bulky items
from level to level. The larger diameter spiral stair does lessen the problem, but, it does not
eliminate it. A spiral stair should not be used to replace an existing conventional stair unless
you use a large diameter unit and provide other means of moving large items from level to
level.
For a stair that is in constant use, do not be lured into using a small spiral stair to save
floor space because it is a direct trade off with foot room on the stair. Small spiral stairs are
tricky to walk on, especially on descent. Your heel nearest to the center column has little
area on which to step.. On larger stairs your travel path is further to the outside where the
tread is wider, thus making it easier to negotiate.
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| 4. |
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How do I order? |
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Please contact us for ordering information. |
