Commercial Stairs & Handrails

Best for: Most interior commercial stair and railing systems, projects intended to be primed, painted, or powder coated.
Why choose it: Highly versatile, cost-effective, and ideal for custom fabrication, welded connections, and field coordination.
What it’s used for: Stair stringers, landing frames, guardrails, handrails, posts, brackets, miscellaneous supports.
Note: Requires a protective finish—especially in wet, exterior, or high-traffic conditions. Common Grades used in stair and Rail Fabrications:‍ ‍ ASTM A36 - plate, angles, bars, brackets ASTM A992 - wide-flange beams and primary structural members ASTM A53 - pipe handrails and posts ASTM A500 (Grades B/C) - HSS posts and rail framing ASTM A588 - weathering steel (exterior architectural applications)

Best for: High-visibility architectural areas, corrosive or coastal environments, frequently cleaned locations, and long-term durability.
Why choose it: Clean appearance, excellent corrosion resistance, and minimal maintenance over time.
Common finishes: Brushed/satin, mill, or polished as specified. Common grades used for stairs and railings: 304 / 304L - interior and general-purpose architectural applications 316 / 316L - exterior, coastal, or high-corrosion environments ASTM A554 - stainless steel tubing for handrails and guardrails

Best for: Exterior stairs, guardrails, and handrails where corrosion resistance and lighter weight are beneficial.
Why choose it: Naturally corrosion resistant; well-suited for architectural railing systems and often paired with powder coating for uniform color and durability. Common alloys used for stair and rail systems: 6061-T6 - structural components, stringers, heavy framing 6063-T5 / T6 - architectural railings, posts, and extrusions 5052-H32 - sheet and plate components

• Bar Grating Treads – Durable and drainage-friendly; common in industrial and service applications

• Pan-Filled Treads – Used when a solid walking surface is required; typically specified with concrete or epoxy fill

• Plate / Checkered Plate Treads – Solid steel or aluminum tread plate, often paired with anti-slip treatments

• Slip-Resistant and Safety Tread Options - Abrasive nosings, serrated edges, or retrofit safety tread systems for enhanced traction

• Retrofit and Specialty Solutions – Designed for existing stairs or unique project requirements

• Straight-run stairs

• Switchback stairs with landings

• Crossover Stairs - Industrial stair systems crossing over equipment, piping, or conveyors

• Curved / Helical Stairs - Architectural feature stairs for high-visibility or statement spaces

• Alternating Tread Stairs (ATS) - Code-approved, space-saving stair systems for limited-access and maintenance applications

• Handrails - Graspable rail designed for support, typically mounted at 34”-38” above stair nosings

• Guardrails - Fall-protection systems at open edges and landings, typically 36”-42” high depending on application

• Integrated Systems - Many projects require guardrails with integrated handrails to meet both safety and code requirements

• Round Pipe Rail - Common, durable, and comfortable for grasping; widely used in commercial and industrial settings

• Square / Rectangular Rail - Clean, modern architectural appearance

• Flat Bar or Custom Cap Rail - Minimal profiles or custom detailing where specified

• Wall - Mounted Rails - Corridor and stairwell applications; round or shaped profiles to meet graspability requirements

Best For - Cost-effective guardrails where visibility through the rail is desired.

• Vertical Picket Layouts

• Spacing designed to meet code requirements

• Suitable for stairs, landings, and elevated walking surfaces

Best For - Schools, public spaces, industrial facilities, and areas requiring tighter infill for safety or code compliance.

• Wire Mesh / Expanded Metal - Durable, secure infill with visibility and airflow

• Perforated Metal Panels - Clean, uniform appearance with customizable patterns

• Solid Plate Panels - Maximum containment with a solid architectural look

• Cable Rail Systems - Open, modern appearance commonly used in commercial and architectural applications

• Glass Panel Railings - High-visibility architectural systems using laminated or tempered glass

Custom infill panels and specialty rail details are available based on project requirements, architectural intent, and governing specifications.

What it is - A temporary protective primer applied after fabrication to reduce surface rust during handling, shipping, and installation. Surface preparation levels are commonly referenced per SSPC standards. Important To Note - Shop primer is not intended as a final finish unless specifically noted in the project specifications.
Best For - Interior work or projects where final paint or coating is applied in the field or at a later stage.

What It Is - Applied coating systems using industrial and architectural liquid paints, including epoxy and polyurethane systems, based on project requirements. Used For:

• Final Finished Coats

• Multi-coat systems (primer + intermediate + topcoat)

• Applications requiring specific film thickness, durability, or chemical resistance

What It Is - Zinc-coated corrosion protection applied through the hot-dip galvanizing process in accordance with ASTM A123 (fabricated steel) and ASTM A153 (hardware).
Best For - Exterior stairs and rails, harsh environments, and long-term corrosion resistance. Appearance Note - Hot-dip galvanizing provides excellent protection but results in a non-uniform, industrial appearance and is not intended for tight architectural finish expectations.

What It Is - A baked-on coating system used for consistent color, durability, and a refined architectural finish. Key Considerations:

• Color selections are typically based on RAL standard colors

• Specialty or custom colors may be limited

• Metallic powders often require a clear coat for uniform appearance and durability

What It Is - No applied coating; appearance reflects the base metal condition. Typically Used for:

• Stainless Steel

• Aluminum

• Temporary conditions prior to final finishing

Note - For carbon steel, leaving material uncoated will result in oxidation over time.

Available Finishes Include:

• Longitudinal satin finishes

• Circumferential satin finishes

• Polished finishes when specified

Final Process - Stainless components may be passivated after fabrication to remove surface contaminants and enhance corrosion resistance.