Metal garden staircase dilemma

johnleh

2 years ago

Hi everyone

The wooden staircase down to my garden is rotting. *sobs* Here it is:

I want to replace it with a metal staircase, perhaps a bit more funky like this style:

But I keep receiving conflicting advice on finish: some say that it must be (hot-dipped?) galvanised before installation to ensure longevity, more expensive. Others claim that galvanising is a potential waste of money as onsite cuts will compromise it, and that if I repaint the staircase (presumably with the right sort of weather-protective paint) every three years or so it will last for donkeys years.

So a gamble either way it seems.. Who is right? Any guidance greatly appreciated.

It is also hard to find a recommended supplier of this kind of thing around London. It seems the best idea is to go direct to a fabrication company, but I have had quotes ranging from £4k to £12k and several seem worryingly vague. Can anyone recommend an outfit who do this sort of thing?

Many thanks for any help with this.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

PRO
Eastwell Ironworks Ltd
2 years ago
Hi Johnleh, just to try and explain a couple of points re;- protection of mild steel. Basically, Galvanising is dipping the components into a vat/ bath of hot molten zinc,( hence the hot dipped galvanised term. ) This coats the metalwork with a shiny/ mottled silvery finish, because this is zinc it will not corrode/ rust as unprotected mild steel would. This process is used quite commonly to give mild steel a longevity of life with a very minimal amount of maintainence. It can also be powder coated or painted on top to give another colour finish if desired. Galvanising is usally recommended in higher corrosive enviroments, such as coastal areas. If the metalwork is inland and in a less corrosive enviroment, powder coating ( this is where the metalwork is sprayed with a powder and statically sticks to the work prior to being "baked" in an oven. ) or traditional prime and paint can be used. Painted metalwork however would normally require more regular maintainence and can become awkward in the hard to get places. I hope this makes sense and sorry I did try to keep it brief !!!.........Regards, Leigh.
johnleh thanked Eastwell Ironworks Ltd
johnleh
Original Author
2 years ago
Many thanks Leigh - very helpful. I am tempted towards not galvanising now; I don’t mind a bit of hard-to-get-to-maintenance! Do you know anyone decent who can fit these in London? Cheers, Johnny
Related Discussions
Help with HUGE living room dilemma please!
Q
Comments (41)
I think that the fire place is beautiful as it is and does not need any make up!! The sideboard on the right is no so big at all and if painted with different colour than grey and distressed could become a much lighter piece with its own character. I would take the top off the left one and again shabby chick it, filling the doors with ornaments to make it more interesting. It is amazing what a transformation you can achieve with a bit of chalk paint! I am using chalk paint for my oversized wooden clocks and it can give an amazing look to a piece for wood: Giant Shabby Chic Wooden Wall Clock Contemporary Large Wooden Wall Clock Rustic Oversized Handmade Wall Clock Give it try before you get rid of them:) Anna
...See More
1930’s kitchen design dilemma.
Q
Comments (11)
Thank you Kia. My neighbour recently had an extension done an she did exactly what you suggested, putting the w/c and utility where the kitchen currently is. However, she extended a little bit to the side and 4m to the rear so it was ideal really. We love the open plan feel. I've got two little boys and it's so frustrating not being able to cook and see him in the dinning room at the same time. :-( I like the idea of having the kitchen door open and blocking the dinning room door instead but we are open to any idea really. Hope you don't mind me asking but hw much you extended to the back? would you mind sharing some photos? Thanks a lot! :-)
...See More
Kitchen, diner, family room layout dilemma
Q
Comments (5)
Thank you for your suggestions. We’ve got an architect coming round tomorrow so hopefully he’ll be able to tell us which walls are possible to take out. That’s a good idea to dig out the ground and maybe put glass doors along the back. I’d really like to be able to step straight outside without steps and it would let a lot more light in. The downside is the loss of wall space to fit kitchen units. Both rooms have large chimney breasts so i think it will either have to be a bespoke kitchen which is fitted around them or take out the chimney breasts. Not sure which one would be in our budget. I was also thinking a large island unit, but then that would block the view of the glass doors from the dining and sitting area.
...See More
Ground Floor - Living/ Kitchen space dilemma
Q
Comments (7)
Personally I would make economies such as talking nicely to the fire regs people so that the stairs can stay, keeping the WC in its same position. I would turn the existing kitchen into a study as an extra room is bound to add value. I would then put a washing machine at the back of the garage (rather than building a room for it specially). I would then consider the cost of the bifolds and the likely steel needed and decide whether a cheaper glazing option would allow you to build a modest extra extension to make it easier to accommodate everything in the one room. You might end up saving £6/7k by having French doors rather than the bifolds and this would go a long way towards the likely £12k of extension.
...See More
PRO
Eastwell Ironworks Ltd
2 years ago
It is something we could quote for you, what part of London and could you give me any more details please as to your requirements. E- mail is eastwellironworks@btconnect.com. Cheers, Leigh.
johnleh thanked Eastwell Ironworks Ltd
johnleh
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks Leigh, I'll email you details and a couple more pics. Cheers, John
PRO
Angell Welding & Fabrications
2 years ago
Hi John, we're a fabrication company based in South London, but quite regularly do metal garden staircases in a range on finishes. Quotes will vary depending on the look finish you're going for, and a survey would need to be carried out but we'd also be happy to quote or send you samples of our previous work etc.
Please feel free to email me if this is of interest with any more information, rough sizes and pictures/sketches to info@angellwelding.co.uk
Thanks,
Ian
johnleh thanked Angell Welding & Fabrications

More Discussions

what’s happening with bathrooms?? all grey and metro tiles

Terrace house layout

Help with a tricky open space layout

Hunting for light blue-grey paint

Flat roof lantern/windows opening

United Kingdom

Tailor my experience using cookies

By continuing to browse this site or use this app, I agree the Houzz group may use cookies and similar technologies to improve its products and services, serve me relevant content and to personalise my experience. Learn more.

Metal garden staircase dilemma

Comments (5)

Eastwell Ironworks Ltd

johnlehOriginal Author

Related Discussions

Eastwell Ironworks Ltd

johnlehOriginal Author

Angell Welding & Fabrications

johnleh
Original Author

johnleh
Original Author