FAQs
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:
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Basic metal kits:
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Two weeks from payment
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Basic oak kits:
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Four weeks from payment
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Oak stair kits with solid oak handrail:
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Six to eight weeks
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Victorian kits:
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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
Get Adobe 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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