Building a Contemporary Steel Staircase

When it comes to home projects, there is nothing quite like a staircase to have some fun and add some flair to your living space. While stairs serve a specific functional purpose, many homeowners today use them as more than just a way to get up and down from one level to another. Many people are also moving past just the traditional wood or carpeted stairway to find creative ways to use steel in their homes. Here are six ways you can use steel to build a contemporary staircase in your home.

Open Staircase
Steel from Wasatch Steel is an extremely durable material, and makes a great surface for stairs. Many people today are building steel stairs in an “open” format, meaning that they are set in the middle of the room and have only the horizontal portion of each stair, leaving space between. This interesting architectural design can help to open up your space, allowing light in so you to use the area under the stairs rather than having it closed off and dark.

Floating Stairs
There are a few different ways to create a floating staircase with steel. One popular option is to have each stair affixed to the wall, but not connected to one another with any underlying structure. This gives the appearance of stairs that are “floating” in the air. Another creative option is to have steel cables that are attached to the ceiling with each stair suspended in the air but not actually connected to one another. Some architectural designs will combine these ideas, with stairs connected to a wall on one side and also suspended with steel cables on the opposite side.

Blackened Steel
If you want to go beyond just the traditional silver metal look, you can also build blackened steel stairs with materials from Wasatch Steel. This look can be achieved with some type of paint or powder coating, and can give your home and your stairs a very dramatic look. When the look of stainless steel is not quite right for your home, blackened steel stairs can open a whole new world of design possibilities.

Spiral Staircase
A spiral staircase is a great way to add fun and flair to a small space. If you have multiple levels in your home but no room to build a long traditional staircase, spiral stairs are the way to go. Steel spiral staircases are chic and modern, giving you and effortless minimalist look. Plus you can use powder coating to get any color of spiral staircase that matches your decor.

Steel Rails & Balusters
Whether you plan to use steel for the stair surface or not, you can also add a modern vibe by using steel stair rails and balusters. There are endless possibilities when you start at the steel supermarket, whether you plan to do vertical or horizontal rails, a mesh look, thin or thick cables, square or round, a special design, or even beams and other large pieces for an industrial appeal. The selection at Wasatch Steel can get your imagination started.

Steel and Glass
Another trend in modern staircase design is the combination of steel and glass, using steel for the stair surface and then adding glass instead of traditional rails, spindles, or balusters. You can use different colored or tinted glass for additional flair, and create a masterpiece with your staircase.

There are so many ways to build an amazing and contemporary staircase with steel. Start your project at Wasatch Steel for the best selection.

What is Galvanized Steel?

When you need steel, there are many different options that you can choose from, and getting the right one is a matter of knowing what the benefits are of each different type. One such type of steel that you may come across at Wasatch Steel is galvanized steel, and here’s a brief overview of what it is and why you might use it in your steel projects.

What Does Galvanized Mean?
The process of galvanizing steel means to apply a coat of zinc oxide, which serves the purpose of preventing it from corroding or rusting. The name comes from the man who discovered this process, Italian Luigi Galvani.

Galvanization Methods
Hot-dipped galvanization, one of the most popular methods, is a process that involves submerging steel in zinc that has been melted, which allows them to bond permanently through a chemical reaction. It’s more than just a coating or a cover on the steel, it’s a permanent part of the new galvanized steel. On the outer layer you find zinc, the innermost layer is pure steel, and the layers in between are a mix of the two.

Other galvanization methods include continuous sheet galvanizing, where steel is run through molten zinc to create a very thin layer of protection; painting or spraying on the zinc, which doesn’t have as strong a bond; or electrogalvanizing, which uses electricity to bond the two metals. To find out what kind of protection the galvanized steel has when shopping at Wasatch Steel, you will often see a measurement of the zinc’s weight per surface area, so you know how thick it is coated on the steel.

Why Choose Galvanized Steel?
The main reason that many people use galvanized steel is for its durability and resistance to rusting. Iron, which makes up a significant portion of many types of steel, reacts when it is exposed to oxygen and moisture by disintegrating. A layer of zinc on the outside keeps the oxygen and moisture from getting to the steel as quickly as it would without the coating. The patina that it creates on the outside of the steel offers another layer of protection that makes it resistant to scratching, particularly hard, and gives it a shiny satin finish, which is why many people like the look of galvanized steel.

Where is Galvanized Steel Used?
Because it is so versatile and durable, galvanized steel is extremely popular and can be found in many different places throughout the world. Steel-framed houses and commercial buildings are often made with galvanized steel, metal roofing, vehicle parts, marine applications, and more. Like all steel, galvanized steel can be recycled and reused indefinitely without losing its strength, which makes it a popular choice for being “green” as well, and helps to keep the costs low.

While not all steel at Wasatch Steel is galvanized, you can find a wide selection at the steel supermarket to meet your needs. Come talk to use today about what you plan to do in your next project and we can help you find the right galvanized or non-galvanized steel to meet your needs.