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Creating a versatile metal staircase

This post discusses the process, features and advantages of creating a versatile metal staircase. It provides a detailed step-by-step guide on how to design, build and install a metal staircase that is strong, durable and aesthetically pleasing. In addition to providing advice on choosing the right materials and tools, it outlines key features such as slip-resistant treads, adjustable fittings for easy stairs adjustments, and an easy-to-assemble design that will enable any DIY enthusiast to build a metal staircase that matches their home’s unique style.

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Sheet metal stairs are a good alternative to concrete construction. A metal frame consisting of two marches will cost about $ 800, while you can create it yourself for an existing opening – in this article, we will look at how to do this.

Creating a versatile metal staircase

Features of sheet metal stairs

In order to build a marching staircase from metal on your own, you should be able to cook (or be able to turn to a good welder for services), understand a little in the drawings, draw up diagrams, sketches for the design of a future structure. Before starting the direct process of implementing the idea, you need to pay attention to the following points:

  • whether a straight or swivel staircase will be appropriate in the existing opening – whether the dimensions of the room allow it, whether it will not block the entrances and exits (maybe it is better to give preference to a compact screw design, or choose a more voluminous rounded version);
  • assembly operations should be carried out only after the development of a complete project, calculation of the material – otherwise, it is possible to irrationally cut the metal, to weld the elements incorrectly, which will lead to new money spending or to a longer production process (alterations will be needed)
  • at what stage of repair (construction) the object is located – this will determine the choice of the type of welding in the room (electrode or argon), the possibility of additional work (fastening in the area of ​​the warm floor, dismantling of gypsum, removal of facings, etc.);
  • the presence of free space for creating a structure – it is better to cook the details of the stairs into a single structure not immediately on the spot, but in a separate room on a flat surface (or on the site, provided that this will not interfere with anyone, will not damage the existing decorations).

Design work

When all the nuances are taken into account, there are all conditions for cutting and welding the stairs, finances are highlighted, then you can proceed to the first stage of production. Consider creating a staircase for a two-story house. Structural design consists of the following steps:

Taking measurements

It is necessary to accurately measure the width of the openings at the location of the staircase, the height between the “dirty” floors and the difference between the “clean” floors, the thickness of the floors, the location of the entrances and exits to the building. It is also important to know the material from which the walls and ceilings are made in order to lay suitable fasteners.

Creating a versatile metal staircase Taking measurements in the house

Drawing up drawings

First of all, you need to calculate the number of steps in the house. To do this, divide the distance between the “clean” floors by 150 mm (the optimal size of the riser), round off the result. We choose the appropriate width of the staircase, based on the available opening (we will take a size of 1100 mm – so that the staircase fits exactly into the room). In the plan we draw the location of the steps (approaching the size of 300 mm). If it is impossible to correspond to the optimal values, we adjust them so that it is convenient to move up the stairs (referring to the formula 2h + s = 600). Also, do not forget about the platform, which should be at least as wide as the width of our stairs..

Creating a versatile metal staircase Determination of the number of steps and their heights

Creating a versatile metal staircase Building a staircase in plan

Knowing what the staircase will look like from above, you need to draw its images in the side views. To do this, it is necessary to connect the points of the previously determined step heights with the end of the treads.

Immediately depict the thickness of the steps (we are making a staircase from sheet metal 3 mm), after which it is necessary to draw the stringers. The size of their width should be at least 130 mm, it also depends on the width of the stairs (the more spans, the wider the structure, the more it should be reinforced). For us, this size will be 143 mm. We immediately divide the stringers into parts based on the size of the sheet (we will make a ladder from a sheet of 1250×2500 and 1000×2000 mm)

Creating a versatile metal staircase Side view of stairs

Focusing on the general views, we build the missing details. So, we indicate the location of the stringers relative to the walls. We retreat from the outer edge of the steps by 60 mm for possible trimming of the steps during installation (the walls in the house are not perfectly even, therefore we “insure ourselves”). We lay connecting pipes 30×30 mm between the stringers – so that the structure is more rigid.

Creating a versatile metal staircase Staircase project

You should also think about the attachment points of the structure. Our building is made of reinforced concrete, so we will use the M12 anchor. To make it possible to secure the ladder accurately, you will also need mortgage plates – we mark the places where we are going to install them.

If the building is made of a foam block or other material that is not strong for fastening, then through holes can be used in the walls, on both sides of which there are flanges connected by a hairpin and nuts.

Creating a versatile metal staircase Mounting points

Creating a versatile metal staircase Embedded elements

After that, we will detail the elements that will need to be used to create the stairs:

Creating a versatile metal staircase

Creating a versatile metal staircase

Creating a versatile metal staircase

Creating a versatile metal staircase

Creating a versatile metal staircase

Creating a versatile metal staircase

Creating a versatile metal staircase

Creating a versatile metal staircase

Calculation of the required amount of material and consumables

To determine the required number of sheets for the stairs, we will make a cutting, on the basis of which we will cut out the elements.

Creating a versatile metal staircase Cut sheets

We count the number of pipes, sheets for embedded parts, consumables, as a result we get:

  • sheet 3 mm 1250×2500 – 6 pieces.
  • sheet 3 mm 1000×2000 – 1 piece.
  • pipe 30×30 – 15 m
  • sheet 5 mm – 700×200 mm
  • anchor bolt М12 – 12 pcs..

Let’s immediately decide on the tools and materials that will be required for the production of the stairs:

  • marker
  • sharp knife
  • roulette
  • water level
  • metal ruler
  • plumb line
  • square
  • Bulgarian
  • cutting discs
  • welding machine
  • electrodes
  • perforator
  • drill for anchor М12
  • degreaser (alcohol)
  • metal primer
  • metal scraps, fittings
  • pipes, logs for props

Determining the project cost

Let’s calculate the prices for the necessary materials: about $ 600 will be released.

Let’s decide on the cost of the tool (let’s assume that we have a welding machine, grinder, perforator and measuring items): it will turn out to be approximately $ 200.

Manufacturing and installation of structures

Preparatory proceedings

Cutting parts from a sheet, cutting pipes. Based on previously prepared cutting schemes and drawings, we create elements for further assembly. On metal sheets we mark out the contours of the elements (with a marker, then draw silhouettes with a sharp knife), cut them out using a grinder with cutting discs. We cut the pipes into the necessary parts. We also cut out mortgages for fastening the stairs using a grinder, drill holes with a drill with a drill with a diameter of 13 mm.

Creating a versatile metal staircase

Welding of ladder parts. We set the braids on a flat surface parallel to each other, combining their starting points on one line. We lay the risers and treads on the stringers, grab the parts together. We control the dimensions, and then scald. We connect stringers with tubes 30×30.

Preparation of the structure for installation. We clean the irregularities from welding with a grinder and a circle. We degrease all parts and assemblies with alcohol, then we prime them, let them dry.

Installation work

Breaking off levels. We beat off the levels of “clean” floors at the facility. Transfer the floor level of the second floor to the second wall using a water level and a pencil. To fix the first part of the stairs, we mark the level of the heights of the steps.

Installation of the first mortgages. We fasten the flanges with the help of anchors to the ceiling of the second floor, to the wall. To do this, we drill holes for the anchor with a perforator, install the casing into the wall, tighten the plate with a bolt.

Fastening the first part of the staircase. We weld the ladder to the previously installed flanges (first with tacks), use pieces of pipes, trim sheets to connect different planes. We support the free edge of the staircase with a pipe (log). We check the horizontality, verticality of steps, heights. Then we finally scald all joints..

Installation of the following mortgages and stage-by-stage fastening of parts of the stairs. We consistently repeat the steps for each part of the staircase. Remember to control sizes and levels. After fixing all marches, we remove the supports, check the staircase for rigidity (you can walk on it, jump on it), if necessary, we strengthen it with additional mortgages.

The choice of facing material

The metal frame of the stairs can be a good basis for cladding with wood or stone. You can also leave the staircase without any finishing – this option is appropriate in industrial premises (or as a temporary option). It is better to cover the stairs after all the “dirty work” in the house – so that delicate materials do not damage.

Before finishing the structure, it is important to think about the fence, install the necessary mortgages, provide for the attachment points (you can do this after the cladding, but this will require increased accuracy).

To order parts made of stone or wood, you need to think over all the joints, draw up drawings. So, we will cover the side and lower parts of the stairs with 12 mm drywall, and we will cover the steps with a stone 35 mm thick (tread) and 20 mm (riser), these dimensions we pre-laid at the design stage (instead of stone, you can use various types of wood).

Creating a versatile metal staircase Facing the stairs with stone

A metal staircase is a reliable and durable construction that will cope with high loads. At the same time, it is really possible to create it on your own for the existing dimensions.

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Comments: 1
  1. Wyatt Palmer

    Does the process of creating a versatile metal staircase require specialized tools and expertise, or can it be done by someone who is relatively inexperienced in metal fabrication?

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