Why You Should Choose a Staircase Specialist

Alpine Group is a staircase specialist. This is an important differentiation to a general fabricator. As a specialist, all the problems that could and would occur in a staircase project are known about. It is this experience, specific knowledge and expertise that makes Alpine able to bring a dream to fruition and convert a concept into reality.

Creating and installing a staircase, especially one that is a show piece, requires a great many considerations for budget, design and installation. We have amassed knowledge and know-how over the years and consistently collaborate in design to work out best practices. We believe it is a benefit to build the structure of a building around a feature staircase, as opposed to squeezing it in as an extra consideration.

When planning a building, we advise not to make the mistake to generalise the staircase in the bracket of merely steelwork or architectural metalwork, as to make a truly beautiful, quality, standout staircase requires the kind of specialist knowledge that only a company dedicated to this niche can ensure. Make no mistake, a staircase is a specialist product.

Measured steps for confidence

Our proven methods are from an accumulative wealth of learnings. We understand potential pitfalls and how to work around them for each part of the process, which many general designers may not.

For architects who involve us at the early stages we can use our 3D modelling, flagging up regular pitfalls such as handrail gaps, headroom issues and loading points into an existing or new structure. We make sure the walls and floors are good enough for loading. We can decide whether to use a crane, which joints are visual, or where you can use one complete structure. Part of our job is to make the product as pleasing to the eye as possible and that takes design expertise.

With our 3D modelling and behind that, a wealth of experience within the drawing office, we quickly can identify these kinds of issues and possible restraints on design, which saves the embarrassment of having to explain to a client near a project’s end that the design does not work.

We highlight potential issues for an architect so they can work through problems with us. For example, design problems can be highlighted. We know of a situation where concrete stairs were designed too close to a wall so there was not enough room to put in the balustrades, as they would encroach into the staircase width zone. This would mean an inferior product. It’s an example of what can go wrong and this is certainly something we would never let happen in our planning.

With our 3D modelling and behind that, a wealth of experience within the drawing office, we quickly can identify these kinds of issues and possible restraints on design, which saves the embarrassment of having to explain to a client near a project’s end that the design does not work. We manage expectations early, as to what is achievable, which is valuable when planning. It always means we see what is coming, we work out the best solutions and we base our solutions on techniques we have used to great effect before.

Staircases built for delivery

When designs are complete it is time to go to work and with Alpine, we can facilitate a lot of this work offsite in our own warehouses. We can build your stair sections and the balustrades offsite. We simply deliver and install when it’s ready. This is in stark contrast to committing to doing a staircase in situ, which can be problematic, feel cluttered and it can hinder the work on the site. With in situ stair construction, you have a workforce doing constant measuring work on the stairs, drilling holes, and you’ve got leading edge protection and danger zones to consider. Access can be blocked for periods of time. You also need to accommodate and manage a lot of materials if you are doing it in situ. Our preferred method of offsite manufacture means we only take up the time and space on the building site or property for the early planning and final installation.

With early involvement in a building project, we can guarantee to add value by bringing best practices in the build and speed of installation and quality of finishes.

At Alpine we don’t just make staircases, we think around them, we see them in the context of their location and we ensure all our expertise and knowledge comes into play to make the finished product an object of beauty.

If you have a staircase project in mind, please do engage with us as our specialist knowledge will make all the difference to success and realising your vision. Contact us today.