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Metal staircases specialists - what you need to know

When space is tight, a metal staircase is the ideal solution for your loft conversion. Robust, smart and compact, it’ll provide access to your new bedroom, office or mezzanine floor without demanding the same space as a traditional stairway.

Metal staircases can either be prefabricated and assembled by a professional or made to measure – crafted and installed by a steelwork expert. Either way, they’ll usually be constructed from steel and possibly feature glass steps or panelling as a design feature.

You’ll often find metal staircases used externally to provide an entrance to a separate dwelling (like a flat), to access a balcony directly, or to act as a fire escape. But these metal structures can also be used internally. As well as saving space, they can provide a striking design feature.

Cost of metal staircase installation

If you’re buying a pre-fabricated metal staircase, you should expect to pay anywhere from £500 up to £2,000 for more intricate designs. It can then take between 2-3 days to install the staircase, which will come to around £500-£1,000 for labour.

The cost of a bespoke metal staircase will depend on its size, design and the materials used. Expect to pay £750 or more for a custom-fabricated steel staircase.

Metal staircases: out of the box versus bespoke

One of the main considerations when it comes to metal staircases is structural integrity. Your staircase needs to be engineered to handle the load bearing requirements expected of it – and principally this will mean holding the weight of a number of people as they clamber up and down.

Structural considerations won’t usually be a concern if you’re purchasing an “out of the box” product, as this will have been calculated when the staircase was manufactured. But if you’re having a bespoke metal staircase created, it’s worth ensuring the steelwork expert you enlist has fully considered the load bearing requirements.

Design options for metal staircases

Generally metal staircases will either be a standard straight structure, or a spiral design if space is at a premium. With the layout of your staircase decided on, you can then add design flourishes. If you’re having your staircase custom built, you can also ask your steelwork expert to craft specific design features. These might include a chrome or aluminium balustrade, glass panels, and even glass or wooden steps.

The qualifications your metal staircase installer needs

Whether you opt for a bespoke crafted metal staircase or an out-of-the-box solution, the professional you use must have experience installing it. With load bearing and safety considerations to address, this isn’t the sort of job even a general builder with plenty of broader experience can tackle by following instructions – your pro needs to know what they’re doing.

Make sure whoever you select for the job – be that a steelworker or a loft conversion specialist – has plenty of experience working with metal staircases. Ask for examples of previous work they’ve completed too.

Planning permission for metal staircases

When installed inside your home, you shouldn’t need planning permission for a metal staircase. Given it’ll usually be fitted as part of a loft conversion (which is typically classified as a permitted development), you’re free to install a metal staircase wherever and however you choose.

If you plan to fit the staircase externally, the situation is slightly different. Planning permission definitions can be slightly vague, so it’s advisable to tread carefully and seek advice from your local planning authority before proceeding. Things may prove to be more complicated if you have neighbours nearby, or if your staircase will stand near a road or public footpath.

Insurance for metal staircase installation

Ensure your professional holds public liability insurance, which will protect them, you and your home should any damage be caused while your metal staircase is being fitted. Ask about a warranty too, which will cover you should any problems occur post-installation of the staircase.

Questions you should ask your metal staircase installer /p>

• Can they show you examples of previous metal staircases they’ve installed?
• What type of staircase would they recommend, and why?
• Will they provide a warranty on their work?
• Can they add specialist design features if required?