Guangdong LiYou Steel Structure Engineering Co., Ltd. +8619147784007 liyousteelstructure@outlook.com
Views: 177 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-05-19 Origin: Site
Both steel frame and concrete stairs offer similar functionality and are widely used in both commercial and residential buildings. However, the practical aspects of casting a concrete staircase are very different from building a steel-frame one - creating concrete stairs involves making a form-work into which the concrete is poured. Steel staircases, on the other hand are constructed on-site and the construction takes much less time - especially when you consider the 28-day setting period of concrete.
Concrete staircases are most often cast during the actual construction process of the whole building. When renovating or making architectural changes (such as adding a floor), steel-frame stairs are more commonly chosen. They usually have a more modern and stylish look compared to a concrete staircase and are stronger. Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of both types of stairs:
Apart from their more modern look, steel-frame stairs have several structural advantages. Here are a few:
Strength - Most people would assume that concrete is stronger than steel, but in fact steel has an ultimate tensile strength of around 500 MPa, while concrete has between 2 and 5. This is a massive difference, especially when you consider that concrete is only around 4 times lighter (per volume) than steel. This explains why concrete staircases are a few inches thick, while the frame of a steel staircase is hollow and made out of only a several-millimetre thick steel. Concrete stairs almost always require a built-in steel armature to achieve the necessary strength.
Shorter construction time - Even if concrete didn't need a period of around 28 days to fully set, the actual construction time would still be shorter for a steel frame staircase. Just creating the form-work for concrete pouring may take longer than the whole construction process of steel-frame stairs.
Easily incorporated into modern architecture - There are countless design options to be chosen from when building a steel staircase. The actual threads (the part of the stairs which you step on) can be made from various materials, including wood and the finish can be any color you want. Concrete stairs are much more limited in that regard - the stairs are usually left bare-concrete and adding cladding is much more difficult.
Cheaper - Although concrete is one of the cheapest materials available, this advantage is negated by the fact that a concrete staircase takes much longer to complete and involves much more preparation. When you factor in the cost of the labor, steel-frame stairs almost always come out much cheaper.
More customizable - Adding cladding on the stair threads is much easier for steel-frame stairs than it is for a concrete staircase. Concrete stairs often aren't completely precise dimension-wise and the different threads have slightly different widths - this adds another layer of difficulty when trying to properly fit the cladding.
The main advantage of concrete is its great corrosion-resistance. However, this is rarely something that needs to be considered when it comes to indoor staircases. And when properly finished, steel frames can have just as good of a resistance to harsh environmental conditions. Stainless steel is naturally corrosion-resistant and requires no finish.
One advantage of concrete stairs is that the rough concrete surface is great at preventing slips and falls. However, not all concrete surfaces have this quality, which is made evident by the fact that special anti-slip paint exists specifically for concrete.
In almost all cases, steel-frame stairs are superior to concrete ones. The only reason to choose concrete is if it matches well with your interior design or in the case of fully-outdoor staircases exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
Our team is always ready to answer your questions and offer professional advice as a professional steel structure construction manufacturer. Contact us today at liyousteelstructure@outlook.com
Combining steel and concrete in stair construction offers the best of both worlds. Steel provides strength and durability, while concrete adds stability and fire resistance. This combination creates a structurally sound stair system that can support heavy loads while being aesthetically versatile. Steel's flexibility allows for creative design, and concrete's mass provides additional soundproofing and heat resistance, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications.
Yes, steel and concrete stairs are highly durable and can withstand significant foot traffic. Steel provides a solid framework, and concrete adds bulk and resistance to wear and tear. When designed properly, these stairs can handle heavy loads, making them ideal for high-traffic areas such as office buildings, warehouses, and industrial spaces. Adding non-slip treads or coatings can further improve safety, especially in environments where moisture or debris is present.
Both steel frame and concrete stairs can last for many decades, with proper maintenance. Concrete stairs are generally more durable over time and less prone to wear and tear, especially in terms of cracking. However, steel stairs are highly durable as well, and with proper protective coatings to prevent rust and corrosion, they can last for a very long time. The lifespan of each will depend on environmental factors, maintenance, and usage.
In most cases, steel frame stairs tend to be more expensive upfront than concrete stairs due to the cost of steel materials and the complexity of fabrication. However, steel stairs may be more cost-effective in terms of labor and construction time, as they are easier to fabricate off-site and install quickly. Concrete stairs, while sometimes more affordable in terms of material costs, may require more labor and time to construct, especially if they need to be poured in place or require additional support structures.
Both steel frame stairs and concrete stairs can be designed to meet safety standards, but concrete stairs are often considered safer in certain commercial applications due to their non-slip nature and fire-resistant properties. Concrete stairs can also provide better sound insulation, which is particularly beneficial in multi-story commercial buildings. However, steel frame stairs can be equally safe if designed with proper safety features like anti-slip treads and handrails. The choice depends on the specific requirements of the building, including load-bearing capacity, fire safety, and foot traffic.
Yes, steel frame stairs are highly customizable and can be adapted to suit modern building designs. Steel offers flexibility in terms of shape, allowing for unique features such as floating stairs, spiral designs, and open risers. Concrete stairs, while durable and sturdy, can also be customized but often have limitations in terms of design flexibility compared to steel. Steel stairs are typically chosen for their ability to create sleek, contemporary, and innovative designs.
Concrete stairs generally provide better sound insulation due to the solid, heavy nature of concrete. This makes them ideal for buildings where noise reduction is a priority, such as multi-story apartment complexes or commercial spaces. Steel frame stairs, while durable and strong, can amplify sound due to their metal structure. However, adding features like rubber coatings, non-slip treads, or incorporating materials like wood can help reduce noise in steel stairs.
Concrete stairs offer superior fire resistance, as concrete is naturally fire-resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures. This makes concrete an ideal choice for buildings that require enhanced fire safety, such as high-rise buildings, hospitals, or industrial facilities. Steel frame stairs can be made fire-resistant by applying fireproof coatings or treatments to the steel, but steel itself can lose its strength when exposed to high heat. The choice of material for fire safety depends on the building's fire-rating requirements and local building codes.
Steel frame stairs are typically quicker to install because the components can be prefabricated off-site and then assembled on-site. This can significantly reduce construction time compared to concrete stairs, which may need to be poured and set on-site. Concrete stairs, particularly those that are cast in place, require additional curing time before they can be safely used, which can extend the installation process.
Both steel and concrete have environmental impacts, but they are often considered more sustainable than other materials. Steel is 100% recyclable, and its production has become more energy-efficient over time. Concrete, while energy-intensive to produce, can also be sustainable if made with recycled aggregates and other environmentally friendly additives. The eco-friendliness of each material will depend on factors like sourcing, manufacturing processes, and disposal methods.
