Introduction

What is a steel stringer?

What are the benefits of a steel stringer?

The use of a steel stringer in the construction of a staircase offers several benefits:

• Sturdiness and durability: Steel is an extremely strong and durable material, making it an ideal choice for stair stringers. It can withstand heavy loads without deforming, ensuring the staircase's longevity.
• Stability: Steel stringers offer great stability to the staircase, which is essential for user safety. They minimize the risk of bending or warping, ensuring a stable tread surface.
• Versatile design: Steel can be shaped in a variety of ways to create a variety of staircase designs, whether modern, contemporary, industrial, or traditional. It offers great design flexibility.
• Easy care: Steel stringers are generally easy to maintain. Periodic cleaning and the application of a protective coating can suffice to keep them in good condition.
• Eco-responsibility: Steel is recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Recycled steel stringers help reduce the carbon footprint of construction.
• Weather resistance: Steel stringers are resistant to corrosion, especially if treated with protective coatings such as paint or galvanization. This makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor staircases.
• Quick installation: All stringers are specially designed to be easy for the contractor to install. All stringers are supplied with an installation drawing. Whether central or lateral, stringer installation is often faster than traditional staircase construction.

What are the different types of steel stringers?

What are the components of a stair stringer?

Stringer body: This is the main structure of the stringer, forming the base on which the stair treads rest. It is generally made of wood or metal, depending on the material chosen for the stringer.

Lower support: The lower support is the part of the stringer that rests on the floor or surface on which the staircase is installed. It can take various forms, such as adjustable metal feet, wooden plinths, or other fastening mechanisms.

Treads: The treads of the staircase rest on the body of the stringer. They are the surface on which you walk up or down the staircase. Treads can be made of wood, metal, glass, or other materials, and are attached to the stringer to ensure the staircase's stability.

Landing (or intermediate landing - if applicable): In the case of stairs with a landing, the stringer may have a horizontal section between two sections of steps. This landing provides space to rest or turn as you ascend or descend the staircase.

Risers: Risers are vertical panels located between the treads to close the space between them. Not all staircases have risers, but they can improve the aesthetics and safety of the staircase.

Handrail (if applicable): The handrail is a railing or bar attached to the stringer to provide extra support and help people climb up and down the stairs safely. It can be made of wood, metal, or other materials.

Finishes: Stair stringers can be finished with materials such as paint, stain, or varnish to enhance their appearance and protect them from wear and tear and the elements.

What types of steel are used in stringer production?

Mild steel (carbon steel)

Benefits: Mild steel is widely used due to its availability and affordability. It is strong enough for most staircase applications and can be easily welded and shaped to create custom designs.

Stainless Steel

Benefits: Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, making it an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor staircases. It is durable and offers a modern, elegant aesthetic. It's also easy to maintain and clean.

Corten steel (self-patinating steel)

Benefits: Corten steel is a self-smoothing steel that develops a protective rust layer on the surface, offering a rustic yet contemporary appearance. It is durable and weather-resistant.

Galvanized steel

Benefits: Galvanized steel is coated with zinc to protect it from corrosion. It is suitable for outdoor staircases and damp environments. It's also easy to maintain.

High-strength carbon steel

Benefits: High-strength carbon steel is stronger than conventional mild steel, making it an appropriate choice for applications requiring high load-bearing capacity, such as staircases in commercial or industrial buildings.

Textured effect Corten steel

Benefits: Corten steel can also be textured to add an extra aesthetic dimension to the staircase, creating a more interesting and unique surface.

Brushed or polished stainless steel

Benefits: Stainless steel can be finished with brushing or polishing for a smooth, shiny appearance, ideal for high-end and contemporary staircases.

How to create a unique staircase design from a steel stringer?

Now that you've chosen the stringer for your staircase, you can create a staircase with a unique look, with quality components and a clever combination of diverse materials (glass, steel, metal, wood, etc.). First, here's an overview of the main types of staircases, with examples.

• Straight staircase: Click here
• Quarter-turn staircase (L-shaped staircase): Click here
• Half-turn staircase (U-shaped staircase): Click here
• Curved staircse: Click here
• Spiral staircase: Click here
• Multi-level staircase: Click here

What are the main components of a staircase?

To create a style that's out of the ordinary, you need staircase components that, when combined, will harmonize and meet your styling needs.

 

What are the elements to consider before buying a steel stair stringer?

When buying a staircase stringer, there are many things to consider when choosing the right model for your project. Here are the main elements to consider:

• Stringer type: Choose whether you need a central or lateral stringer, single or double, depending on the style of staircase you want to design.
• Steel type: Choose the stringer material according to your aesthetic preferences, the durability required and the environment where the staircase will be installed (indoor or outdoor). Common options include mild steel, stainless steel, Corten steel, galvanized steel, etc.
• Load Capacity: Make sure the stringer you choose can safely support the intended load of the staircase. This will depend on the size of the treads, the number of steps and the intended use of the staircase.
• Dimensions: Carefully measure the height and width of the staircase to ensure that the stringer will fit perfectly. Prestige Metal can customize your stair stringer to meet your specific needs.
• Finishing and aesthetics: Select the aesthetic finish of the stringer according to the style of the staircase and the overall aesthetics of the room or environment. Finishing options can include painting, brushing, polishing, powder coating and more. You'll find a wide variety of finishes and colors at Prestige Metal, to meet your customers' expectations.
• Cost and budget: Set a realistic budget for the purchase of the stringer and take into account the total cost of the staircase, including other necessary components such as treads and railings.
• Safety and construction standards: Make sure that the stringer complies with the safety standards in force in your area, to guarantee the safety of staircase users. Also, if you're a building contractor, it's important that the stair stringer also complies with the construction standards established in your region.
• Customization options: Prestige Metal offers a multitude of customization options, including dimensions, color and finish. Based on your customers' needs, our advisors can customize the stringer to meet specific design requirements.

By taking these elements into account when purchasing a stair stringer, you'll be able to help your customer make an informed choice that meets your needs and preferences for your staircase project.

How do I order steel stringers from Prestige Metal?

The process of ordering a stair stringer from Prestige can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the project, the specific materials required and the customer's preferences.

However, here is an overview of how to order stringers from Prestige Metal:

• Needs assessment: First, the contractor needs to assess the project's requirements. This includes determining the size, shape and style of the stair stringer required, as well as technical specifications such as exact dimensions.
• Material selection: Depending on project requirements and customer preferences, the contractor will select the appropriate materials for the stair stringer.
• Meeting with a specialized advisor: If you need further information or advice before ordering your stringer, we invite you to meet with an advisor. He or she has all the latest information on stringer manufacturing, as well as on manufacturing and construction standards in Canada and the United States.
• Preparing the quotation: Once we have received your request for a quotation, the Prestige Metal team will prepare a detailed quotation for the stair stringer, including the cost of materials, labor, fabrication costs and all other expenses associated with the project. The quotation should also include a projected schedule for manufacturing and shipping the stringer.
• Submitting the quote to the customer: Once the estimate has been prepared, the contractor will submit it to the customer for review and approval. The customer may request modifications or adjustments to the specifications if necessary. Only after final approval of the quotation by the customer will the manufacturing process begin.
• Stringer manufacturing: Our technicians then proceed to manufacture the stair stringer to the agreed specifications. You can rest assured that all our stringers will be custom-made to your specifications, while complying with the regulations and standards in force in Canada and the United States. Our stringers are meticulously crafted to be easy to install and to meet customer requirements.
• Customer delivery: Once the stair stringer has been manufactured, it can be delivered to the project site or installed by the contractor, as agreed in the contract.

What are the regulations and standards for stair stringers in Canada and the United States?

Prestige Metal is always on the lookout for new construction regulations and standards concerning staircase components (balusters, steel stringers, newel posts, steel cable guardrail systems, etc.).

Although our team does not install staircase components, we rigorously comply with the standards prescribed by the National Building Code (Canada) and the International Building Code (ICB and ICC), so that architects, general contractors, renovation companies and designers can meet their customers' needs.

 

As an example, here's an overview of the standards and requirements set by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) for the various components of an interior steel staircase.

• Escape height (distance between steps and ceiling): 1.95 m (76 ¾ in.)
• Riser height: between 14.6 and 20 cm (5 ¾ in. and 8 in.), the standard being 19 cm (7.5 in.)
• Stair nosing: minimum 2.5 cm (1 in.)
• Depth of each step (tread): minimum 23.5 cm (9 ¼ in.)
• Tread of one step: depth from 21.6 to 29.2 cm (8.5 to 11.5 in.), but usually between 25.4 and 30.5 cm (10 to 12 in.)
• Stair width: minimum 86.4 (34 in.)
• Distance between stringers (support pieces): maximum 120 cm (47 ¼ in.)

Association lists - Staircase construction

To offer products of the highest quality and to adequately meet construction and stringer manufacturing standards, Prestige Metal must work closely with construction-related associations in Quebec, Canada and internationally. Our team is fully licensed to design and manufacture steel stringers. For more information on our licenses and accreditations, please consult the list below.

• Régie du bâtiment du Québec: https://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/
• National Building Code (Canada): https://nrc.canada.ca
• International Building Code: https://www.iccsafe.org
• USA Builing Code by State: https://www.buildingsguide.com
• ACC (Canadian Construction Association): https://www.cca-acc.com

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about stair stringers

Why choose Prestige Metal to manufacture steel stair stringers?

With its commitment to aesthetics, meticulous choice of materials and attention to detail, Prestige Metal has been satisfying the most demanding customers since 1997. Made up of designers, craftsmen and technicians, the Prestige Metal team forms a solid, close-knit unit.

Every day, they pool their skills and creativity to design, imagine and manufacture balusters, newel posts, modules, and stair accessories of exceptional quality, while respecting budget constraints and shipping deadlines.

Doing business with Prestige Metal, specialists in the design and manufacture of stringers, offers many benefits when choosing and acquiring this essential component for staircase construction.

Here are a few reasons why you should work with Prestige Metal:

• Technical expertise: Manufacturers specializing in steel stringers have in-depth expertise in the design, manufacture and installation of these elements. Their experience enables them to design sturdy steel stringers that comply with safety and quality standards.
• Customization: We can tailor-make steel stringers to meet your specific requirements. They can be adapted in size, shape, style, and finish to match the design of your staircase and space.
• Material quality: We always ensure that we use the highest quality materials, guaranteeing the durability and strength of these components. We can also advise you on the choice of materials to suit your intended application and aesthetic requirements.
• Standards compliance: Since we deal with building contractors, renovation companies, designers, and architects, we must have a thorough knowledge of the construction and safety standards in force in Canada and even the United States. We make sure that our stair stringers comply with these standards to ensure user safety.
• Custom fabrication: Our team can produce custom steel stringers to suit specific dimensions, load requirements and unique designs.
• Competitive cost: Although custom-made steel stringers may seem more expensive at first glance, a Prestige Metal can help you find cost-effective solutions while maintaining quality and durability.
• Quick installation: All stringers are specially designed to be easy for the contractor to install. All Prestige Metal stringers come with an installation plan. Whether central or lateral, stringer installation is often faster than traditional staircase construction.

Please note that we do not install staircases. We are proud to offer our products throughout Canada and even the United States, through specialized distributors and retailers. Many architects, general building contractors, renovation companies and interior designers have used our products in their construction and design projects and have come away completely satisfied.

Any questions?

If you'd like to find out more about our stair stringer manufacturing process, our stair components or simply request a quote, we invite you to contact us. Our team will be delighted to advise you!