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Click
here for Metal Spiral Stair Kit Troubleshooting Questions and Answers
Are there any special building code requirements to consider when
installing a spiral stair kit?
There is no simple answer to this question as different areas have
different building code requirements. Many areas follow BOCA codes or variations of the BOCA code. Other areas do not follow any
building code in regard to spiral stairs. We recommend that you contact
your local building inspector to find out what code applies to your
area and how that code is interpreted. The Iron Shop has spiral stair
kits to meet all building code requirements. Call us at 1-800-523-7427.
As the largest manufacturer of spiral stair kits, you can be certain
that we have a stair kit to meet your requirements.
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What measurements do I need to
order a spiral stair kit?
Depending on where you plan to install your spiral stair, there are
two critical measurements for ordering.
First, you need to measure finished-floor to finished-floor
height. For the base of the stair, that’s easy — for the
top of the stair, you can’t just measure to the ceiling height.
If you’ve already cut your well opening, simply measure to
the top of the opening, including finished floor. If you have not
yet cut your well opening, you must factor in the height of your
rafters, subfloor (usually 3/4" plywood) and the thickness of your
finished floor (wood, tile, carpeting, or other).
For standard, square “through-the-floor”
installations, the second measurement that you’ll need is your
proposed well opening. Your finished well opening must be 2" larger
overall than the diameter of the stair you plan to install. Remember,
this is a finished measurement, so please factor in the width of
any wood, drywall, or other finishing you plan to use to complete
your well opening.
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I plan to attach the spiral to a loft, are there any other
measurements needed for this application?
Obviously, for a loft application, you do not need a well opening
measurement. However, you should make sure that you have enough room
for the entire stair (diameter) at the location you plan to install
it. One easy way of doing this is by marking off an area on the floor
(with masking tape) with the same diameter as the stair.
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I plan on installing my spiral stair outside from a
deck. Are there any special considerations?
The Iron Shop spiral stair kits are ideal for decks and outdoor applications.
In most environments, our metal can be installed outdoors by replacing
our standard hardware with galvanized hardware. We recommend you order
galvanized hardware, or standard interior hardware will be shipped.
Also, the stair should receive two coats of rust-inhibitive, oil-based
enamel. For ocean, lake, and other waterfront environments, and for
any ocean-area setting, we have popular hot-dipped galvanized metal
and all-aluminum stair kits. Our Victorian One®
spiral stair kits are ideal for outdoor applications because of their
cast aluminum construction and stainless steel hardware. These attractive
stair kits are designed to withstand the rugged elements of salt,
sand, wind, and rain without rusting. Our oak spiral stair kits are
not suitable for outdoor use.
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Can I use a round well opening?
Yes. The same
2" rule applies as with the standard square opening. Also, you will
need to order a special round landing. Call The Iron Shop for details
on landing options.
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How long will delivery take and can I pick up my stair kit?
Most metal spiral stair kits can be picked up at any of our locations;
call first for availability. Or The Iron Shop can ship your spiral
stair kit directly to your door. Delivery times vary depending on
the type of spiral you order:
| Basic metal kits: |
Two weeks from payment |
| Basic oak kits: |
Four weeks from payment |
| Oak stair kits with solid oak
handrail: |
Six to eight weeks |
| Victorian kits: |
Eight to ten weeks |
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Are there any special spiral stair kit ordering considerations
I should make for children or pets?
For small children
and pets, The Iron Shop recommends that you order and install in-between
spindles. Our CODE stair kits come standard with in-between spindles,
which provide less than a 4" spacing between verticals. We also have
several recommendations for nonskid tread surfaces. In addition, you
may want to use a gate at the top of the stair. Of course, as with
any staircase (straight or spiral), you should never leave small children
unattended on or near it.
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How long does assembly take? And do I need a contractor to help
me install my spiral stair kit?
Installing a stair
kit from The Iron Shop is a two-person job. For the typical do-it-yourselfer,
the stairs can be installed without the help of a contractor. However,
we do recommend that everyone (experienced or not) consult a qualified
contractor for cutting and framing the opening. The contractor will
help identify whether any additional structural support will be required,
and he or she can reroute pipes and electric lines.
For two do-it-yourselfers, the typical Metal and Victorian One stairs
can be assembled in about one full day. All Oak and CODE Metal
stair kits take slightly more time to assemble — we estimate
two days for complete assembly. For all stair kits from The Iron
Shop, all you will need are basic hand tools and an electric drill.
Before installing your spiral stair kit, we strongly recommend that
you read through the entire installation manual, and for the metal
kits and oak kits, watch our video. Then refer to it again during
setup. This will help you visualize the entire process and identify
potential difficulties up front. And if you are able to read through
the instructions during business hours, you can call The Iron Shop
during your read-through for assistance. This will prevent you from
running into a problem while installing your stair kit during the
weekend, and being forced to stop.
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I want to paint my spiral stairs. Should
I paint them before or after assembly? Should I use any special
paint or finish?
We recommend that
you paint your spiral stair after assembly. This will prevent scratches
that could occur when you are installing and positioning the treads.
For Metal and Victorian stairs, you should use an oil-based enamel
paint. Do not use a latex paint. Also, consider the application of
the stair when choosing your paint. For example, exterior stairs should
be painted with an oil-based enamel paint with rust-inhibiting additive.
Primed stairs should be painted after assembly. *Note - Galvanized stairs must weather before painting. Once weathered, contact your local paint store for the appropriate primer and paint for something that has been galvanized.
For oak kits, you must use at least two coats of polyurethane finish
within a week of installing your stair. This will protect the wood
from damage.
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What if something goes wrong?
By reading the
instructions before assembling the stairs, you should identify any
problems before you start installing. However, if you run into a problem,
simply call The Iron Shop at 1-800-523-7427. Our technicians can help
you with almost any problem that may arise during assembly. Our kits
are all quality-checked before shipping to ensure that you get all
of the right components. What’s more, all of our stair kits are
guaranteed for one year from the date of purchase.
Most importantly, The Iron Shop has been around since 1931 because
we stand behind our stairs. If you ever have a problem with your
spiral stair kit from The Iron Shop, EVER, call us and we will work
with you to remedy the problem. It’s why we’re the leading
manufacturer of spiral stair kits.
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What if I lose my installation Manual?
Our installation
manuals are available for downloading as PDFs which you can view on-screen
and print as a hard copy. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access
the manuals. If you do not have Acrobat Reader, a free copy is available
below.
The Iron Shop Metal Spiral Stair Kit Installation Manual
The
Iron Shop Metal Floating Straight Stair Kit Installation Manual
The Iron
Shop Oak Spiral Stair Kit Installation Manual
The Iron Shop Victorian One Spiral Stair Kit Installation Manual
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader
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What if my building department or inspector
asks for an ICBO number?
There are no Stair
Companies, to our knowledge that have ICBO numbers on
their staircases.
The Iron Shop, while building stairs for code in California for over
25
years, has the following available:
LA City Standard Plans for spirals:
Std Plan 111 City of Los Angeles for UBC Metal
Spirals 5'-0" Diam (Requires
LARGER finished opening and footing) to 7'-0" Dia
Std Plan 111 has also been adopted for City of San Diego California.
Std Plan 125 City of Los Angeles for UBC Oak
Spirals 5'-5" and 6'-0"
Diameters (Requires LARGER finished opening and footing)
Std Plan 139 for 5'-0" and 6'-0" Victorian
Spirals (Requires LARGER finished
opening and footing)
The Iron Shop is proud to be:
City of Los Angeles Licensed Steel Fabricator #1150
City of Los Angeles conducts random inspections on our fabrication
plant in
Broomall Pa.
County of San Bernardino Licensed Fabricator
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