Top Stairs and Railings of Tucson
Reliable Steel Stairs in Tucson
In any multi-unit or commercial building, stairs are an integral part of how people move through the property and experience the building. Durable materials like steel aren’t just “nice to have” but a code-driven necessity because stair systems must meet rigorous structural standards. At Top Stairs and Railings of Tucson, we build to your exact specifications while following local requirements, resulting in steel stairs that will stay safe and reliable over time, not just when new.
Why Choose Steel Stairs?
Metal stairs can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own characteristics and benefits. These materials can include steel, aluminium, wrought iron, and copper. The two latter options are less common due to their cost and weight although iron is very popular for other elements of a staircase such as railings and decorative balusters. Metal stair designs in steel, however, can fit many different specifications and applications.
Steel vs. Aluminum
When it comes to metal stairs in Tucson, steel and aluminum are both prized for their durability, but their performance in the area’s hot climate and under the demands of the building may vary.
Steel is the go-to option for apartment complexes, industrial facilities, and offices that require long-term structural reliability. Compared to aluminum that can flex or dent under heavy use, steel has greater load capacity and resilience. When properly treated, steel also offers long-term stability in Tucson’s extreme heat and monsoon season.
Steel vs. Concrete
Concrete is another common material for stair construction. And while it’s exceptionally sturdy, it’s also heavy. Installing concrete stairs requires more structural support, which can increase construction time and project costs. Steel, meanwhile, is extremely strong without needing to add excessive weight to the building’s structure. Steel stairs are a smarter option for properties where load capacity matters. Depending on the use and location, we may need to install concrete footers for the supports or landings. This provides extra support while stabilizing the portion of the stairs that touch the ground to prevent expansion, contraction and even erosion from negatively affecting a staircase.
Beyond the superior strength-to-weight ratio, steel comes with minimal downtime if you have a busy commercial environment. Its design flexibility means it can be customized into open-riser, spiral, or modern industrial designs. As for using concrete, this would require formwork, curing time, and heavy equipment. Repairs like crack filling are also slower and costly.
How Our Tucson Steel Stairs Can Transform Any Space
Investing in quality steel stair fabrication means choosing long-term safety and peace of mind. It’s not just about meeting codes and staying cost-effective. It’s also about having a complete escape system for your building occupants in case of an emergency. Our years of experience in fabricating stairs promise to deliver both code compliance and practical function for any of the following properties.
Commercial Buildings
For Tucson’s offices, shopping centers, and warehouses that see high daily traffic, we provide steel egress stairs that can handle heavy loads and continuous use while maintaining dependability over time. For commercial buildings, a staircase with double metal stringers (or two support beams on either side of the steps) is especially beneficial and reliable while requiring extremely little maintenance to keep them in good working condition.
Industrial Facilities
In Tucson’s industrial zones, metal egress stairs are a gold standard. Factories, distribution centers, and warehouses need structures that can endure heavy foot traffic and exposure to machinery, and our industrial stairs deliver on all counts. From a staircase with excellent slip resistance to spiral stairs for limited floor spaces, our team can customize them for maximum workflow efficiency.
Public and Institutional Buildings
In hospitals or campuses where thousands of people move around daily, a dependable steel egress stair can be a lifesaver. Its fire-proof nature ensures safe routes during a fire or other emergency. For public institutions, the use of steel aligns with the city’s long-term infrastructure goals as this material performs well for decades with minimal maintenance. Fire stairs, interior staircases, and monumental stairs, like in a grand lobby, are all examples of projects our team can put together for you.
Apartment Complexes and Condominiums
Fire safety is non-negotiable in multi-unit housing, and this is where our fire escape stairs come to the rescue. Using steel, we provide a staircase that’s non-combustible and can retain its strength even under high heat. We also believe that steel will hold up longest with a little care, over the course of consistent repeated use. For developers, property owners, or managers looking to maximize usable square footage, we can also work on efficient stair layouts like straight run stairs (for small apartment buildings) and switchback stairs (for multi-level apartment complexes).
Corrosion Protection
You can also count on us to help you care for and maintain your steel stairs. Powder coating is one of the most effective and long-lasting finishes out there that can protect staircases from environmental wear. When powder-coated, steel resists corrosion and UV exposure extremely well. The coating also enhances thermal stability, which means the metal is less likely to expand, eaken, or warp under prolonged sun exposure.
Fully Custom Steel Stairs for Your Property
Working with Top Stairs and Railings of Tucson goes beyond having a team of experts guiding you to meet local building codes and fire egress requirements. Once we agree on a stair layout that fits your space and usage needs, we get to the nuts and bolts of planning these new stairs for your property. To get the flow, accessibility, and safety right, we dive deep into the following:
Tread Material and Style
The flat part of a staircase you step on is called the tread, and it endures the most wear while shaping your experience. The tread material affects the durability, safety, and maintenance of your staircase project, but no matter the choice, we design it with consistent riser height and depth to meet Tucson’s building codes.
Widely used tread options include Diamond Plate Treads, which work well under heavy-duty conditions in warehouses and loading docks, and Pan Treads with Concrete Fill for stairs at apartment buildings that demand fire resistance and noise reduction.
Stringer Design
Stringers support the treads and connect each level, serving as the backbone of every staircase. More importantly, stringers carry the weight of the people climbing and descending the stairs. For most Tucson buildings, the double stringer design is a top pick because it’s commonly used for fire escape stairs in commercial buildings and industrial settings. While this design has a simple look, it’s the strongest and most adaptable for wide stairways and heavy foot traffic.
Whenever structural integrity and modern aesthetics are required, we can work on egress stairs with I-beam stringers or mono (central) stringers. The I-beam stringer design uses two heavy I-beams along each side of the stairs to ensure longevity. Still, it looks attractive in an industrial-modern style. With mono stringers, we can also take on projects that need a “floating stair” look, especially in lobbies, showrooms, and even luxury homes.
Tucson Steel Stair Installers You Can Trust
At Top Stairs and Railings, we know steel like the back of our hands. That’s why we make metal stairs custom to any property. We don’t use pre-fabricated systems or kits, so you can choose exactly how your stairs will look and function. Beyond the stringer type, tread style, and finishing, we can provide matching railings and do the installation work, allowing your custom stairs to integrate seamlessly with existing structures.
Our team of stair installers is also equipped to handle other concerns regarding repairs or replacements. If you need steel stairs for your property, call our stair contractors at
[phone number] or fill out the contact form today.
