Glass Staircases | Stair Builders | Staircase Designs

Glass staircases provide a look of exclusivity and design elegance to any setting. It could be in a commercial or industrial building, or perhaps a modern home interior, the sleek look and clean lines of glass steps create a look that gets a lot of attention.

Glass steps are generally combined with other materials like stainless steel to create elegant walkways that are incredibly eye-catching.

These types of stairs also include a special type of protective solution. The solution ensures they remain non-slip, durable and safe. Furthermore, these types of steps also feature a diffused surface. They provide privacy from any prying eyes below the stairs.

Glass stairs are convenient because it allows the most creative freedom. The staircase can literally be produced in any style. The transparent nature of glass makes it possible to incorporate a picture or logo in the steps or on landings. Many commercial buildings prefer to have glass stairs due to its modern look. LED lighting can also be included to illuminate the steps; it reinforces the unique character of every design. The versatility of the LED lighting can transform your glass to suit your mood or special event. The following colors are very popular in glass stairs: True White, Cold White, Red, Blue, Amber, Fuschia, Cyan, Blue and Green.

A top of the line stair tread brings pleasure to anyone walking up stairs. The many textures offered for glass stairs bring an organic touch and allow for a perfectly anti-skid surface. Here is a list of some popular textures:

Natura – Beautiful and organic in feel due to a gentle flow in the patterns

Craco – Crackled glass, providing a soft texture with sporadic lines resembling a natural crackling effect

Brossa – Sweeping brush strokes creating a soft directional pattern

Vaga – Wave like pattern, often resembling the sea, and most popular for ocean side homes

Terra – Resembling an earth like pattern

Herma – Very textures, cracks and chunks everywhere

Pauma – Small indentations create an unusual pattern for unique spaces

Dropa – Like freshly fallen raindrops creating a water like pattern

Minima – Minimalist, clean and crisp, virtually textureless

Granula – As popular as the Natura and similar, it has a standard flow in pattern

The glass staircase is a natural architectural centerpiece and often makes the first impression as one enters a home or business. They are well known for its luxurious design with unique flexibility. Many people consider it to be stylish and bold. Contact one of our glass staircase builders today!

Spiral Staircases | Stair Builders

Spiral Staircases

Spiral stairs typically wind around a central pole. They generally have a handrail on the outer side and have a central pole within the inside. They are considered to be an architectural work of art. Spiral staircases are steep and compact and they make a great stairway in either a home or office that doesn’t have much space.

Spiral staircase designs have been used in buildings for centuries, and it’s considered to be the best way of creating a two-story home with limited floor space. A traditional flight of stairs requires more room to construct; and a spiral staircase is compact due to space constrictions.

Since there isn’t much room, a spiral staircase should not be used in an area where you plan to move heavy objects regularly. Spiral staircases should be seen as a second stairway or a staircase that is used to get from one level to another.

It’s important to be cautious when walking up and down a narrow spiral staircase. It can be dangerous for anyone because the steps are so close together, it can be also be seen as a potential safety hazard if a person loses balance.

However, not all spiral staircases are made to be narrow and steep. Spiral staircases can also be made for the convenience of elderly people and smaller children. Depending on how you get it constructed, it can be perfectly safe.

Today, spiral staircases are primarily used for practical and visual purposes. They give you more floor space, they are also more aesthetically appealing, and they make efficient use of areas in homes and offices. Like many other staircases, a spiral staircase can be customized, it just depends on what your goal is. Contact one of our professional stair builders for any questions you may have!

View fullsize

Wood Stairs | Stair Builder | Staircase Designs

Hardwood Stairs | Wood Stairs

Hardwood stairs provide great climbing comfort. Tall steps can make climbing hard and shallow steps can be dangerous. Building stairs require a careful plan to ensure safety. Depending on the measurements, this can be a tricky situation.
There are three parts to a staircase, they are known as the stringers, treads and risers. Stringers are the sloped boards that support the other components and carry the overall weight of people walking on the stairs. Treads are formed on the top surface of each step. Risers are installed directly under the front lip of each tread. Without risers, stringers are believed to crack or break much sooner.

Once you’ve got your stair plan figured out, you have to find out what type of wood is most suitable for your staircase. Oak is generally the most common type of hardwood used for staircases, this is because it can be stained to match with other colors. There are also a variety of other popular wood alternatives. For example, poplar, ash, birch, maple and alder are considered to lighten the area. Other types of wood such as, mahogany, cherry, jatoba and walnut are perfect examples of dark woods that add a variety of richness.

After selecting the wood, we then look at stains. Look at the color of the wood first. Is it red, gray, blonde or yellow? Use a stain with that shade as your base and lesser amounts of a secondary stain until you reach the desired tone. Don’t mix more than three wood tones at a time, and always be sure to mix enough to complete the entire wood stairs project. Stains are used to give inexpensive wood an expensive looking appearance. In order to do this, you must use wood with a similar grain. Therefore, if you want a less expensive wood to achieve a cherry appearance, you must use a wood like maple. This is because both types of wood have a tight grained pattern. Similarly, poplar is often used as a cheaper alternative for white oak wood.

Stains are applied with clean rags, cheese cloth, brushes and other different types of applicators. If you’re using a brush, use a high-quality one because it will carry more finish and it won’t leave bristles in your stain.

The final color of your stain is determined by four factors. It depends on the color you select, the nature of the wood, and how absorbant it is, as well as how long the stain is left on. A stain should be left on from a few seconds to a maximum of 15 minutes. There are over 100 stain colors to choose from, it’s best to try stain on a piece of sample wood. Always test the color on a hidden section of the wood you are currently using.

Contact professional stair builder team if you have any questions!

Handrail Options | Stair Builder | Contractor

Handrail Options

What we commonly refer to as a railing actually refers to a combination of components and in most cases, handrails (the smooth surface you hold on to), balusters (the vertical members that help support the handrail as well as restrict the size of the openings within the balustrade), and newels (the posts usually located at the beginning and end of a flight of stairs as well as at other key structural points). Each component comes with a wide variety of options. The most important thing about the grip is the actual handrail. Here’s what you need to know about handrail options:

They provide a sturdy surface to grip, as well as a solid barrier between stairs and the lower floor. Hand railings make a stairway safe and easy to use. They are also central to a stairway’s architectural impact.

When building a deck handrail there are several options to choose from. For example, you can build the railing out of wood, metal, vinyl or composite. Wood is the cheapest option and you can use redwood, cedar or treated wood. Wood railings can be made in limitless designs and are always a good choice if you are willing to keep a good stain on them. However, vinyl railings come in only a few colors and styles but they are also conveniently maintenance free. Composite materials are also becoming very popular for hand railings because they are available in many colors and styles to choose from. With that being said, metal railings are the most durable and cost the most. A good option is to combine metal with composites or wood. Many people are happy with this option because it gives a unique look that allows you to have an open feel.

Beach City Stairs will assist you in selecting the styles and materials best suited for your next project.

Handrail Installation Instructions: How to Install a Hand Rail in 10 steps

How to install a Handrail

You will need the following things:

-Handrail
-Stud finder
-Masking Tape
-Mounting brackets
-Hand tools such as hammer, screwdriver, drill and tape measure
-Helper for assistance

Step 1:
Find and mark the spot at the top of the stairs where you want the handrail to begin. Then walk down to the bottom of the stairs and mark on the wall where you want the handrail to end. The handrail is usually installed 36 inches above the step, so make your mark on the wall at the 36" height location.

Handrails are generally available in lengths of 10, 12, 14, or 16 feet long and are priced either by the foot or by the length, depending on the type of handrail and where you buy it. Use a tape measure to check the length between the marked top spot and the marked bottom spot. The railing must extend past the mounting brackets, so definitely make sure you account for this extra length.

Step 2:
You will be using at least 3 mounting brackets, and even more if the railing is over 48 inches long. One bracket at the top, one bracket at the bottom and additional brackets placed in the middle, no more than 48" apart. When you purchase the handrailing, you can have it cut to length at the store so make sure you bring your exact measurements with you.

Step 3:
Find the stud nearest the top of the stairs and place a 1" wide piece of masking tape where the wall stud is. Run the tape up and down, to give you a true indication of where the wall stud is. Use the tape to mark where every vertical wall stud is located to give you a better idea of where you can place the brackets to hold the handrail. Wall studs are usually 16 inches apart. Mark each stud so you have a selection of places to mount the brackets.

Step 4:
Unless you are doing corners or end-caps on your handrail, you can have the handrail cut to length at the store. However, if you are doing corners, you will need extra inches so you can do a 45 degree miter cut at home; measure the wood and cut accordingly. Ultimately, it is your preference as to how you want the end of the railing to look.

Step 5:
If you are using a wooden railing, it is easier to paint it or stain it before you mount it on the wall. If you are using a metal railing, you may want to buff it out before installing it on the wall. It is best to prep the handrail, no matter what material you are going to use, before you mount it to the wall.

Step 6:
To make sure your railing will be installed straight, it is a good idea to cut a piece of wood to the height of your railing and use the wood to mark the same height on the wall at each stud. You can also use a chalk line to indicate where the railing will be installed. Either way, just make sure you are at an equal height from the steps for the entire length of the railing.

Step 7:
Use a power drill or electric screwdriver to mount the brackets to the wall studs, using the hardware included with the brackets. Read any directions that come with the bracket as they could be helpful. You could use a screwdriver to attach the brackets to the wall stud but as you are going to run the screws through the wall and into the 2-by-4 wall stud, a power drill will make it a whole lot easier.

Step 8:
You may need someone to help you hold the rail in place while you attach the rail to the brackets. The rail is lighter to hold than the rail and attached brackets, that is why we attached the brackets to wall first, and then attached the rail to the brackets. Loosely screw into the railing with the bracket hardware at all bracket locations. Once you have the railing in place, check your alignment and if everything looks great, tighten each screw to secure the railing to the bracket.

Step 9:
Check the railing for splinters, sharp edges or any other problems. If you have small children, you may want to add plastic end caps to prevent injuries.

Step 10:
Children have been known to bump their little heads on the ends of the handrail so make sure the edges are smooth and rounded. You can use 90-second epoxy to install plastic end caps if necessary.

It’s always a good idea to consult a professional such as Beach City Stairs before taking on a project like this. Handrail Installations like these require you to be very exact with measurements and can be very frustrating to do.