Stair Treads

Drexel Supply offers top-notch steel stair treads designed to provide both safety and durability for various industrial applications. Our steel stair treads are strong and durable, perfect for high-traffic areas where reliability is important. These treads come in different bar sizes to suit various load requirements and design preferences.

Key Features:

• Variety of Sizes: Available in 3/4″ x 3/16″, 1″ x 3/16″, 1-1/4″ x 3/16″, and 1-1/2″ x 3/16″ bar sizes.
• Length Options: Maximum lengths range from 2’-4” to 5’-6” depending on the bar size and type.
• Surface Options: Choose between plain or serrated surfaces for additional grip and safety.
• Durability: Designed to handle a concentrated load of 300 lb (133 kN) with deflection limitation of 1/240 of length.

Our steel stair treads are crafted with precision and care, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and performance. We offer various sizes and surface options for customization to meet the specific needs of a project. This applies to both new construction and retrofit projects.

Aluminum Stair Treads for Versatility and Lightweight Strength

Our aluminum stair treads offer an excellent alternative for environments where corrosion resistance and lighter weight are desired without compromising strength. Available in both standard bar and I-bar styles, these treads are perfect for commercial and industrial settings.

Key Features:

• Variety of Sizes: Available in 1″ x 3/16″, 1-1/4″ x 3/16″, and 1-1/2″ x 3/16″ bar sizes.
• Length Options: Maximum lengths range from 2’-4” to 4’-3” depending on the bar size and type.
• Surface Options: Plain and serrated surfaces are available to enhance safety.
• Corrosion Resistance: Ideal for environments exposed to moisture or chemicals.

Aluminum stair treads from Drexel Supply are engineered to provide a balance between strength and weight. Their corrosion resistance makes them suitable for outdoor installations or environments where exposure to water or chemicals is a concern. The different surface options ensure that these treads can provide the necessary traction to prevent slips and falls.

Mebac® Nosings for Enhanced Safety

To further enhance the safety of our stair treads, we offer Mebac® nosings. These nosings provide a slip-resistant surface that can be either bolted or welded to the tread, ensuring long-lasting safety in high-traffic areas.

Bolted Nosings:

• Steel or aluminum nosing with a coating surface.
• Encapsulated aluminum oxide grit for enhanced slip resistance.
• Available in standard 1-1/4” widths with options for special inquiries.

Integral Nosings:

• Slip-resistant surface bonded to a 1-1/4” wide steel angle nosing.
• Can be welded to the stair tread, offering a unified construction.

Mebac® nosings are an integral part of our stair tread solutions. They provide an additional layer of safety by increasing the traction on the tread surface, which is crucial in preventing accidents. Whether you choose bolted or integral nosings, you can be assured of their durability and effectiveness.

Customization and Installation

At Drexel Supply, we understand that each project may have unique requirements. Our team is ready to assist with custom orders and specific design needs to ensure that your stair treads meet all safety and functional specifications.

We offer:

• Custom Sizing: Tailored to fit specific dimensions and load requirements.
• Special Surface Treatments: Additional coatings or treatments for enhanced durability and slip resistance.
• Expert Consultation: Professional advice to help you choose the right products and solutions for your project.

Our customization services ensure that you get the exact stair treads you need for your specific application. Whether you need a unique size, a special surface treatment, or just some expert advice, we are here to help.

Installation Guidelines

Proper installation of stair treads is essential to ensure their longevity and effectiveness. Here are some general guidelines for installing our steel and aluminum stair treads:

1. Preparation: Ensure that the stair frame is clean and free from debris. Check for any structural issues that need to be addressed before installation.
2. Alignment: Properly align the stair treads with the stair frame to ensure even spacing and a uniform appearance.
3. Fastening: Use appropriate fasteners for the material and environment. For bolted nosings, ensure that the bolts are securely tightened.
4. Welding: For welded treads or integral nosings, ensure that the welds are strong and continuous. Use appropriate welding techniques to avoid weakening the material.
5. Inspection: After installation, inspect the treads to ensure they are securely fastened and level. Check for any sharp edges or protrusions that could cause injury.

By following these guidelines, you can make sure your stair treads are installed correctly and safely, giving good performance for years.

Steel Stair Tread Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your stair treads in optimal condition. Here are some tips to help you maintain your steel and aluminum stair treads:

• Cleaning: Regularly clean the treads to remove dirt, debris, and any substances that could reduce traction.
• Inspection: Periodically inspect the treads for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. Address any issues promptly to prevent accidents.
• Surface Treatment: If the treads have a surface coating, check for signs of wear and reapply as necessary to maintain slip resistance.
• Fastener Check: Ensure that all fasteners remain tight and secure. Loose fasteners can lead to instability and potential accidents.

Extend the life of your stair treads by following maintenance tips to keep them safe and secure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stair Treads

What are metal stair treads used for?
Metal stair treads create strong, durable walking surfaces for commercial and industrial stairways. They are commonly used in manufacturing facilities, warehouses, processing plants, platforms, mezzanines, outdoor access structures, and other high-traffic areas where reliable footing is important.

What is the difference between steel and aluminum stair treads?
Steel stair treads provide excellent strength and durability for demanding applications and frequent foot traffic. Aluminum stair treads are lighter and naturally resistant to corrosion, making them a practical option for outdoor stairways, moisture-prone locations, and certain environments where chemical exposure may be a concern. The right material depends on the application, surrounding conditions, load requirements, and project specifications.

Are stair treads available with plain or serrated surfaces?
Yes. Drexel Supply offers stair treads with plain and serrated surface options. Plain surfaces may be suitable for controlled indoor environments, while serrated stair treads provide additional traction in areas where water, dirt, oil, or other materials could create slippery conditions.

What are Mebac® nosings?
Mebac® nosings are slip-resistant components installed along the leading edge of a stair tread. They use an aluminum oxide grit surface to provide additional traction where people place their feet when ascending or descending stairs. Depending on the project, Mebac nosings may be bolted to the tread or incorporated as an integral welded component.

Can stair treads be customized?
Yes. Stair treads can be fabricated to accommodate project-specific dimensions, bar sizes, surface preferences, load requirements, and nosing options. Custom stair treads may be used for new construction, equipment access structures, replacement projects, and stairway retrofits. Drexel Supply can help evaluate the available options based on your drawings and specifications.

What bar sizes are available for stair treads?
Available bar sizes vary depending on whether the tread is manufactured from steel or aluminum. Drexel Supply offers several bearing bar sizes for different span, strength, and design requirements. Selecting the correct bar size requires considering the tread width, anticipated load, support spacing, and overall stair design.

Are metal stair treads suitable for outdoor use?
Metal stair treads can be used for many outdoor stairway applications. Aluminum provides strong corrosion resistance, while steel stair treads may be manufactured with protective finishes or surface treatments suited to the environment. Serrated surfaces and slip-resistant nosings can also improve traction in locations exposed to rain, snow, mud, or debris.

How much weight can a stair tread support?
Load capacity depends on the tread material, bar size, width, span, support conditions, and fabrication method. Drexel Supply’s listed stair tread configurations are designed around specific concentrated-load and deflection requirements. Project drawings and applicable building or safety requirements should always be reviewed before selecting a tread.

Can stair treads be used for replacement and retrofit projects?
Yes. Custom metal stair treads can be fabricated to replace worn, corroded, damaged, or outdated treads in an existing stair system. Accurate field measurements are important for retrofit work because tread width, depth, mounting locations, and support conditions must match the existing structure.

What information is needed to request a stair tread quote?
To request an accurate quote, provide the required material, tread width and depth, bearing bar size, surface type, nosing preference, quantity, finish, and intended application. Drawings, photos, load requirements, and installation details can also help the Drexel Supply team identify the appropriate stair tread solution for your project.

Where can I order steel or aluminum stair treads?
Drexel Supply provides steel and aluminum stair treads for commercial, industrial, and construction applications. Contact our team to discuss standard options, custom fabrication, replacement treads, slip-resistant surfaces, and project-specific requirements.

Contact Us

For more information about our steel stair treads, welded steel stair treads, and aluminum stair treads, or to request a quote, please contact Drexel Supply today. Our experts are here to help you find the perfect solution for your stairway safety needs.