If you are building a new home or remodeling, you will likely need a set of stairs.
If so, have you considered using metal ladders instead of wood?
Many modern and contemporary homes these days are starting to use metal stairs instead of wood. Metal stairs have three main benefits for the homeowner:
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Strength
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Tranquility
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Versatility
Metal stairs are much more superior than wooden ones! Most wood ladders use a 2×10 douglas spruce notched sidewall or stringer and the true strength is more like a 2×6 seated vertically. This is more than enough for most homes, but compared to metal it is inferior. A metal ladder can easily support the weight of the whole house! A truck can literally run over them and they won’t move. This makes them feel strong and secure because they are.
When it comes to wooden stairs, noise is a problem, especially if you live in a dry climate. Wood contracts and expands during different seasons and climates. In winter they shrink due to the low humidity and make a lot of noise when you walk on them. Having a glass of milk at midnight can wake up other people. This is unavoidable with wooden ladders because shims and wedges are used to support the expanding and contracting ladder rungs. In summer they can be quiet, but they creak a lot in winter. Metal ladders, on the other hand, are solidly welded and make almost no noise.
Metal stairs are very versatile and can come in a variety of finishes and accent materials, including wooden steps and handrail caps. The growing trend these days is to use a metal core for your stairs and then cover them with wood, stone, or glass. This creates a beautiful modern and contemporary look that can be adapted to any style of home. Not only do they look great, but their strength is superior to wooden stairs. For example, a 1.5 inch glass stair tread that is believed to support 1800 pounds. That’s enough strength to support an SUV climbing a set of glass stair treads. When a stair uses metal as a supporting structure, it also allows the designer or owner to choose any accent or combination of accents they want. For example, a home might use wooden stair treads and then add a marble handrail top for a highly custom look and feel that is not only beautiful but highly functional as well.
The biggest downside to adding metal stairs to your home is the cost! They are best suited for high-end households that are on a generous budget. The price can easily be 4 times the amount of a low-end wooden ladder.