Tips to Build Curved Steel Stairs

Building Codes

• Even though you are installing your steel spiral staircase inside your home, you should still check with the local zoning board to make sure that you are doing a legal remodeling project. Because of the specialized nature of the support system and design of a metal spiral staircase, many municipalities have laws governing the design and installation of these kinds of stairs. Draw up your plans and take them to town hall before you start putting your stairs together.

Diameter

• If your spiral staircase will be in a high-traffic area, then you will need a wider diameter to accommodate the traffic, according to Tim Carter, writing on the Ask the Builder website. The wider the diameter of the staircase, the easier the stairs and the support system can distribute and handle the weight.

Basic Design

• The simplest design of a metal spiral staircase is one with a center support pole that all of the stair treads are welded to, according to the Ask the Builder website. Other kinds of support systems include posts from the treads to the floor and overhead support systems that anchor to the ceiling. To keep things simple, you should go with the central support pole design.

Painting

• Metal can rust over time, especially if you put your metal spiral staircase in a high-traffic area where it may be exposed to wet shoes or open doors that lead to outdoor elements. Do not assume that your indoor staircase is safe from rust. When you paint your staircase, put at least one layer or rust protection down to prevent rust.