If you own a residential, commercial, or industrial property that has multiple floors, you require using staircases to ensure you get to the next level and back comfortably and safely as ever. While highlighting their good design is essential, the material you plan to use when constructing your stairs is also crucial to how effective it will be to your establishment.
Although plenty of homes and buildings depend on wooden and stone staircases, others also opt for concrete and steel stairs, especially if you own a commercial or industrial property. Keep reading below to learn more about concrete and steel stairs, including their similarities and differences, to help you decide what kind of material you need for your staircase.
A Closer Look at Concrete Stairs and Steel Stairs
The primary difference that sets concrete and steel stairs apart is the base material required to utilise them for a construction project. Concrete stairs comprise concrete, while steel stairs use steel. The materials come at different prices and offer advantages based on their use.
Steel stairs are considered lighter, more durable, and more flexible compared to concrete stairs. Steel is an alloy consisting of a combination of iron, carbon, and other essential materials. If you require outdoor steel stairs in Perth, you can expect your staircase to be galvanised with zinc coating to keep it from rusting over time.
On the other hand, concrete stairs consist of water, powdered cement, and aggregate, often made of rock, sand, or gravel. The cement serves as a binding agent that, when you mix it with water and aggregate and pour it on a surface, it will turn into hard concrete.
Many households, businesses, and industrial areas opt for steel staircases as indoor solutions, but they can also cater to outdoor uses, especially if galvanised or stainless steel is involved. If you want a spiral staircase for your residential home, commercial building, or industrial location, you can easily rely on steel as the perfect material to use for your stairs.
Meanwhile, concrete staircases go well for outdoor settings, but they can serve as the base of commercial and residential stairs incorporated with other materials. Straight stairs, L-shaped stairs, and more basic kinds of stairs usually involve a concrete material.
Choosing Between Concrete and Steel Stairs for Your Home
Although concrete and steel staircases do not require high maintenance because they’re sustainable and easy to clean, steel stairs provide more benefits than concrete stairs. While concrete is solid and long-lasting and can resist heavy loads and high impact, steel is more capable of withstanding similar situations.
If you prefer a modern and luxurious design for your staircase that can quickly adapt to your space, you are better off with steel than concrete stairs, which can tend to look plain and dull. The aesthetics and design of steel are better than concrete staircases, and they’re much easier and safer to cover and fix in place.
Another vital reason to choose steel stairs over concrete stairs is their affordability since concrete is a material that requires more time, effort, and labour to accomplish. If you want to remain within your budget, you can guarantee that concrete will be more expensive.
The only time you could select concrete over steel stairs is when you want your residential, commercial, or industrial property to highlight functionality rather than form. Concrete is fire-resistant, so it’s perfect for fire exit staircases. It also absorbs noise and heat, allowing you to sound-proof your area and minimises your heating expenses significantly.
Conclusion
Picking between concrete or steel staircases to complete your space all comes down to your preference, needs, budget, and priorities. Both kinds of stairs offer various benefits, and what you ultimately decide to get should meet your requirements. Whether you plan to install stairs for your home, workplace, or building, selecting between concrete and steel stairs becomes easier when you have a professional giving you sound advice.
Are you looking to hire custom staircase manufacturers in Perth for your home improvement project? Aussie Balustrading delivers steel and stainless steel stairs, wireless balustrading, glass pool fencing, and residential and commercial handrails. Get in touch with us today to receive a quote!