Burnaby homes and buildings often have split levels, hillside lots, and busy entry areas where stairs get used every day. A well built staircase should feel solid, look neat, and fit the space without awkward turns or tight steps. ICE BLUE STEEL LTD., based in Port Coquitlam, builds and installs metal work across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, including staircases, railings, gates, fencing, steel structures, and canopies. If you want to start at the main site, visit the Home page. For more background on the company, the About page is also helpful.
This post is all about staircases in Burnaby, where they fit best, what pricing depends on, and what the install steps usually look like.
If you want to see the staircase service page, check Staircases Vancouver. For a full view of metal work options, the main Services page is a good place to browse.
Why a custom staircase matters in Burnaby
Stairs are not like a fence or a gate where you only see them sometimes. You walk them daily. If they are too steep, too narrow, or shaky, you feel it right away. On the other hand, a good staircase makes the space feel safer and calmer.
Many Burnaby properties also have:
-
Sloped lots that need outdoor stairs
-
Basement suites with separate entries
-
Multi level decks and patios
-
Older stair layouts that do not match current use
A custom staircase can fit those realities, instead of forcing a “close enough” solution.
Real world staircase use cases in Burnaby
Staircases show up in lots of places, not only inside the home.
Front entry stairs
Front entry stairs are one of the most common projects.
They often connect:
-
The sidewalk to the front landing
-
A driveway to a front door
-
A pathway to a porch
Burnaby entry stairs also tend to get a lot of rain, so grip, drainage, and clean step edges matter. Many homeowners also pair entry stairs with matching handrails, like the ones shown on Custom Handrails Vancouver.
Backyard and deck stairs
Backyard stairs can connect:
-
Decks down to lawns
-
Raised patios to a garden path
-
Upper decks to lower patios
If the deck has an open view, homeowners sometimes pair stairs with a railing style like Cable Railings or Glass Railings so the whole space stays bright.
Basement suite and side entry stairs
Burnaby has many suites and side entries. These stairs get heavy daily use, and they often sit in tight side yards.
Common needs:
-
A compact layout that still feels safe
-
A sturdy handrail that fits the narrow space
-
A stair surface that is easy to clean
Commercial stairs
Commercial sites can need stairs for:
-
Small storefront steps
-
Office stair runs
-
Warehouse platforms and mezzanines
-
Exterior stairs to staff doors
In commercial spaces, the goal is usually durability and a clean, practical layout.
If the staircase needs a stronger frame or ties into a bigger build, it may overlap with metal framing work like Steel Structures Vancouver.
Staircase types and styles
A staircase can be built in a few different ways. The right one depends on space, look, and how the stairs will be used.
Straight run stairs
This is the simplest layout, one run from top to bottom.
Good points:
-
Clean look
-
Often cost friendly
-
Easy to walk and carry stuff up and down
Stairs with a landing
A landing is a flat platform between runs.
Good points:
-
Breaks up long runs
-
Can make stairs feel easier to use
-
Helps fit the stairs into tighter spaces
L shape stairs
These stairs turn once, usually at a landing.
Good points:
-
Good for corner spaces
-
Helps fit stairs around walls and doors
Spiral or tight turn stairs
These are less common for everyday entry stairs, but they can work for certain interior layouts or limited spaces. They need careful planning so the steps feel comfortable.
Materials used in custom staircases
Stairs are a mix of structure and finish. Many custom staircases have a strong metal frame and a surface choice that fits the look of the space.
Steel frame staircases
A steel frame can be slim and strong. It works well for:
-
Outdoor stairs
-
Deck stairs
-
Commercial stairs
-
Modern interior stairs with open lines
Steel frames can also pair nicely with other metal work around the property, like gates from the Gates section or fencing like Fence Vancouver.
Tread options
Treads can be chosen based on look and slip resistance.
Common choices include:
-
Metal tread plates
-
Wood treads on a metal frame
-
Composite or treated wood for outdoor steps
-
Grated treads for drainage in some commercial settings
Railings and guards
A staircase usually needs a rail or guard, depending on height and layout.
Popular railing matches:
-
Clean metal rails, including Stainless Steel Railings
-
Open view lines with Glass Railings
-
Light modern lines with Cable Railings
-
A more tailored look with Custom Railings Vancouver
What affects pricing for staircases in Burnaby
Staircase pricing depends on the frame, the layout, and the finish choices. Here are the biggest factors that change the number.
Layout and size
-
Total height from bottom to top
-
Number of steps and risers
-
Straight run vs landings and turns
-
Stair width
Structure and fabrication time
-
Simple stringers vs heavier frames
-
Number of welded joints
-
If the stairs need extra bracing
Tread and surface choice
-
Metal tread type
-
Wood or composite treads
-
Slip resistant options for outdoor stairs
Railings and handrails
-
Basic handrail vs full guardrail
-
Railing style, like glass, cable, or picket
-
Number of corners and transitions
Site conditions
-
Indoor vs outdoor access
-
Concrete condition for anchors
-
Tight side yards, slopes, and landscaping
-
Work around existing walls or decks
Finish and coating
-
Paint or powder coat
-
Color matching
-
Extra prep for smoother finishing
If you want pricing for your staircase in Burnaby, the Contacts page is the best place to start. Photos and rough measurements help a lot.
What the install process looks like
Here is what a typical staircase project looks like, in plain steps.
-
Site visit and measurements
The space is measured, the rise and run are checked, and the layout is confirmed. -
Layout planning
The stair shape is set, the landing position is planned if needed, and railing style is chosen. -
Shop fabrication
The frame is built, then treads and railing parts are prepped. -
Finish work
Coatings are applied, and parts are prepared for install. -
On site installation
The stair frame is anchored, leveled, and tightened. Treads and rails are installed. -
Final checks and cleanup
The team checks solid feel, step comfort, and clean finishing, then tidies the area.
If the staircase is part of a bigger exterior upgrade, it can also be planned alongside a canopy, like Canopy Vancouver, so the entry is covered and safer in wet seasons.
Common questions
1) Can you build outdoor stairs for a sloped yard?
Yes. Many Burnaby yards need stairs because of slope. Layout planning and strong anchoring matter.
2) Are metal stairs noisy?
They can be if not built and anchored well, but many metal stairs feel solid and quiet with the right setup and tread choice.
3) How long does a staircase install take?
Many installs take a few days, depending on layout, rails, and site access.
4) Do I need a handrail on my stairs?
Often yes, especially for outdoor stairs and entry steps. Layout and height usually decide what is needed.
5) Can stairs match my railings or fence?
Yes. Matching finishes and lines is common. For fencing, Fence Vancouver can be a style reference.
6) What tread is best for wet weather?
Slip resistance matters. Many people choose treads that handle rain well and are easy to clean.
7) Can you replace an old staircase without changing the whole deck?
Often yes, depending on condition and layout. A site visit helps confirm.
8) What do you need from me for a quote?
Photos, rough height, stair width, and whether it is indoor or outdoor. Any sketches also help.
If you want a staircase that feels solid and fits your space in Burnaby, reach out to ICE BLUE STEEL LTD. through the Contacts page. Send a couple photos and rough measurements, and you will get clear next steps.
If you want more reading, visit the Blog for more posts on stairs, railings, gates, fences, and metal work across the Lower Mainland.
