Steel stairs, guardrails and handrails built to code the first time
Stairs and railings are inspected more closely than almost anything else we build, and they are the most common source of correction notices. Geometry, loading and graspability are not negotiable, so we build to them from the start.
Egress stairs
Exit stair towers carry code requirements that are precise and strictly enforced. Riser and tread dimensional uniformity, headroom, landing size, handrail height and extension, guardrail height and opening limits, and structural loading all have to be right, and a mistake in any one of them is expensive to correct once the stair is installed.
We fabricate stringers, treads, risers, landings, guardrail and handrail as an integrated assembly, dimensioned from field verified conditions on renovation work and from coordinated drawings on new construction. Pan treads for concrete fill, checker plate, grating and formed treads are all routine.
Monumental and feature stairs
A lobby or atrium stair is a piece of architecture that happens to be structural. Exposed stringers, floating treads, mitered connections, concealed fastening, glass railing interfaces and finish quality all become part of the work. Weld appearance and surface preparation matter as much as load capacity.
We fabricate these to the exposure and finish standard the architect specified, and we protect the finish through delivery and installation rather than treating touch up as an afterthought.
Guardrail and handrail systems
Guardrails must resist the concentrated and distributed loads the code prescribes, and handrails must meet graspability, height, extension and clearance requirements. Post attachment is where most railing failures originate, particularly on retrofit work where the substrate is existing concrete, existing steel or a wood framed condition that was never designed for it.
We design the attachment condition around what is actually there, coordinate with the engineer where the load path is uncertain, and install so the assembly passes inspection and stays tight for years.
What this scope covers
- Egress and exit stair towers
- Monumental, feature and floating stairs
- Pan, plate, grating and checker plate treads
- Industrial ships ladders and access stairs
- Guardrail systems for interior and exterior
- Code compliant handrails and extensions
- Glass and cable railing infill systems
- Stainless steel railing assemblies
- Roof access stairs and platforms
- Railing repair and code correction on existing buildings
Where it applies
- Commercial and office buildings
- Multi family and mixed use developments
- Schools, campuses and civic buildings
- Hotels, restaurants and venues
- Parking structures and podium decks
- Warehouses and industrial facilities
- Custom homes and hillside residences
- Existing buildings requiring code correction
Details worth confirming before you buy
| Item | How we handle it |
|---|---|
| Governing code | California Building Code chapters covering means of egress and structural loading |
| Guardrail loading | Concentrated and uniform loads applied at the top rail per code, with infill load requirements |
| Handrail requirements | Height range, graspable profile, clearance to wall and required extensions |
| Tread systems | Pan for concrete fill, checker plate, bar grating, formed plate or architectural infill |
| Finishes | Shop primer, powder coat, architectural paint systems, galvanizing or polished stainless |
| Submittals | Frequently a deferred submittal requiring separate approval, tracked as its own milestone |
Requirements vary by jurisdiction, occupancy and specification. We confirm the governing criteria with your design team rather than assuming.
About steel stairs and handrails
Can you replace a stair in an occupied building?
Yes. Stair replacement in occupied buildings requires temporary egress planning and coordination with the building department and the owner. We plan that sequence before mobilizing so the building stays compliant throughout.
Do you handle glass railing systems?
Yes. We fabricate the steel or stainless structure and coordinate the glass, gaskets and hardware. Glass guardrail carries specific code requirements for laminated construction and post failure retention that we build around.
Our railings failed inspection. Can you fix them?
Frequently, yes. Most correction notices involve height, opening dimension, load resistance or handrail graspability. We evaluate the existing condition, propose the least invasive compliant correction and perform the work.
Often bought together
ADA Upgrades and Compliance
Compliant handrails, guardrails, ramps and accessible route improvements for property owners addressing ADA requirements or correction notices.
View serviceMiscellaneous Metals and Mezzanines
Mezzanines, catwalks, equipment platforms, ladders, bollards, trench frames, lintels and every miscellaneous metal item nobody wants to own at buyout.
View serviceStainless Steel Fabrication
Stainless railing, guarding, food service framing and corrosion resistant assemblies for coastal, marine, commercial kitchen and hygienic environments.
View serviceGet steel stairs and handrails priced.
Send drawings, specifications and your bid date. Our estimators review every package personally and return a scoped written proposal.