Iron and Steel Stairs Key Terms

Learn some of the basic vocabulary used by contractors who install iron and steel stairs
By Laurie Edwards Stairs can be made of many materials, but one of the most long-lasting materials is metal. Stairs made of iron and steel are both functional and durable. When installing metal stairs, you'll be able to choose from a variety of options, including many types of treads, handrails, risers, and nosings.

Stairs can be fabricated in different ways, but poured-in-place construction is often used. For tighter spaces, you may want to consider a spiral staircase. Whatever option you choose, be aware that OSHA, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, has regulations that govern both interior and exterior stair construction and installation.

Stringers

Stringers are long, sloped pieces that support the stairway at each end. The four basic designs include plate, channel, tube, and box stringers. The channel design is often used in wider and heavier metal staircases.
Try:  Stairframe discusses the advantages of metal stringers and provide a link that shows how to install them.

Treads

Treads are the horizontal sections of each step that people stand on when they walk up a staircase. Treads come in a variety of patterns, formed either from one solid piece of metal or in an open weave style called grating.
Try:  McNICHOLS has a diagram with the dimensions of expanded grating treads, and SlipNOT shows a variety of tread designs.

Spiral staircases

Spiral staircases are usually installed in tight spaces where there is not enough room for a regular set of stairs. They are an economical alternative, but also offer a visually and aesthetically pleasing look with their open treads, which spiral upward.
Try:  Duvinage gives the basic specifications and describes the parts of spiral staircases.

Cast stair nosings

Cast stair nosings help prevent accidents by providing an abrasive surface that grips shoes as people walk. They are used in steel-pan cement-filled stairs as well as in poured or pre-cast concrete stairs.
Try:  American Safety Tread describes the types of cast stair nosings available and explains the advantages.

Poured-in-place stairs

Poured-in-place stairs consist of sheet steel formed into pans that are then filled with concrete.
Try:  Straight Steel Stair Construction has a video that details measuring, fabricating, and assembling straight steel poured-in-place stairs.

Occupational Safety & Health Administration Regulations (Standards)

When installing iron or steel stairs, contractors must meet the standards set by OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration). These regulations set safe design and construction standards for both interior and exterior fixed industrial stairs.
Try:  The regulations set by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration are recorded in the document "Fixed industrial stairs-1910.24."