Custom Stairs
CUSTOM STAIRS IN Johnstown, CO
Residential building codes based on the International Residential Code cap stair risers at 7 3/4 inches, require treads of at least 10 inches, and set handrail height between 34 and 38 inches. Rhoades Welding builds custom stairs in Johnstown, CO, that hit those numbers while fitting the look of your home, deck, shop, or commercial space, inside or out. We fabricate steel stringers, treads, landings, spiral stairs, and matching railings, measuring rise and run on site so every step lands at the same comfortable height. Owner-operated service means the welder who measures your opening is the one who installs the finished staircase.
A STAIRCASE SHOULD FEEL SOLID FROM THE VERY FIRST STEP.
Wobbly wood stairs, rotting deck steps, and cramped ladders into lofts are more than an annoyance. Uneven risers are a common trip hazard, and loose railings fail exactly when someone leans on them. Steel stairs stay rigid, keep their dimensions, and shrug off weather that warps timber within a few seasons.
We build each staircase for how it will actually be used, whether that is daily family traffic, work boots on a mezzanine, or customers entering a storefront, and we size the stringers and treads to match.
- Straight, L-shaped, and switchback stairs
- Spiral stairs for tight footprints
- Exterior deck and entry stairs
- Matching handrails and guardrails
CUSTOM STAIRS
STAIRS THAT MAKE A JOHNSTOWN HOME OR BUSINESS EASIER TO MOVE THROUGH.
A well-built staircase connects spaces people actually want to use: the basement family room, the loft office, the upper deck, or the shop mezzanine. We fabricate stringers from plate or channel, weld tread supports at precise intervals, and add landings where the layout calls for a turn. Treads can be checker plate, bar grating, or steel pans filled with wood, stone, or concrete to match your finishes inside or out.
DESIGNED FOR FRONT RANGE DECKS, BASEMENTS, AND SHOPS.
Many Johnstown homes feature walkout basements, raised decks, and detached garages with storage lofts, and each needs stairs sized to a different opening. Exterior steps face freeze and thaw cycles, so we plan drainage on treads and use finishes that resist rust. Commercial and multifamily stairs follow stricter rules for width, guards, and landings, and we build to the requirements your local building department enforces.
EVERY STAIR WE BUILD GETS WALKED BEFORE WE LEAVE.
Our owner has spent 6 years fabricating stairs, railings, and platforms across Northern Colorado, and one habit never changes: we climb every finished staircase, test every rail, and check every riser before calling the job done. That final walk catches the small things that make a stair feel off. You get clear answers throughout, a clean work area, and a staircase you trust from day one. Want a stair that feels right underfoot?
WHAT A CUSTOM STEEL STAIRCASE BRINGS YOU
Safer Everyday Climbing
Consistent riser heights and tread depths remove the stumbles that uneven steps cause. Sturdy railings at the right height give everyone, from kids to grandparents, something solid to hold onto.
A Design That Fits Your Space
Custom fabrication works around tight openings, odd angles, and unusual heights. You are not forcing a standard kit into a space it was never meant for and paying for the mismatch later.
Durability Outdoors
Steel stairs resist rot, insects, and warping, so decks and entries stay safe through Colorado snow, sun, and freeze and thaw cycles year after year. Your family and guests keep safe footing.
Modern, Open Style
Open risers, floating treads, and slim steel stringers give interiors a clean, contemporary look. Light passes through, and rooms feel larger than they would with a bulky enclosed staircase.
Less Maintenance Over Time
A protective coating keeps steel looking sharp with only occasional touch-ups. There are no boards to replace, nails to reset, or rotted stringers to sister every few years.
Better Resale Appeal
A striking, well-built staircase becomes a feature buyers remember. Solid steel stairs also pass home inspections without the safety notes that worn wood steps often collect during a sale.
WHAT WE BUILD
OUR CUSTOM STAIR WORK
Every opening, height, and style is different, so every stair we fabricate is too. These are the stair and railing projects Northern Colorado homeowners and businesses bring to us most often.
INTERIOR STAIRS
Interior Steel Staircases
Basements, lofts, and open living areas get steel stringers with wood, steel, or stone treads. We match the finish to your interior and weld clean joints that look good even when fully exposed.
EXTERIOR STAIRS
Deck & Entry Stairs
Raised decks, porches, and exterior doors need stairs that handle weather. We build galvanized or coated steel stairs with slip-resistant treads and landings sized for safe footing year-round, even in snow.
SPIRAL STAIRS
Spiral Staircases
When floor space is limited, a spiral stair reaches a loft or upper deck in a compact footprint. We fabricate the center column, treads, and rail as one unified, rigid assembly.
RAILINGS
Handrails & Guardrails
Stairs are only as safe as their rails. We build handrails at code height, guards with tight baluster spacing, and cable or picket infill that complements your staircase and home.
COMMERCIAL STAIRS
Commercial & Egress Stairs
Storefronts, offices, and multifamily buildings need stairs that meet stricter width and guard rules. We fabricate and install egress stairs, landings, and rails built to pass commercial inspection the first time.
INDUSTRIAL ACCESS
Mezzanine & Platform Stairs
Shops and warehouses need safe access to mezzanines, equipment platforms, and storage lofts. We weld steep industrial stairs and ship ladders with grating treads and sturdy rails for work boots.
THE WORD ON OUR WORK
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY.
When customers review their new stairs, they tend to mention how solid the finished staircase feels and how cleanly it fits the space. Their comments reflect the care we put into measuring, fabricating, and installing every step and rail, from the first measurement to the final walkthrough.
Common qUESTIONs
frequently asked
questions.
A new staircase raises questions about codes, materials, style, and installation. These are the answers we give most often to homeowners and business owners across Northern Colorado before a project begins.
How long do welded steel stairs last?
Properly fabricated and coated steel stairs can last 20 to 30 years or more, depending on exposure and use. Interior stairs often last far longer, since they avoid moisture, road salt, and constant freeze and thaw cycles.
What tread materials can go on steel stairs?
Common options include checker plate, bar grating, perforated steel, hardwood, and pans filled with concrete or stone. Exterior stairs favor slip-resistant, drainable treads, while interior stairs often pair steel stringers with warm wood.
Are open-riser stairs allowed in homes?
Often, yes, but most residential codes limit the gap between treads so a 4-inch sphere cannot pass through. Adding a riser bar or narrowing the opening keeps a modern open design both stylish and compliant.
How much space does a spiral staircase need?
Spiral stairs commonly fit in a footprint of roughly 4 to 6 feet in diameter, though exact size depends on the code path and use. They work best for lofts and secondary access rather than primary stairways.
Can you build stairs to match an existing railing?
Yes. We measure the existing rail profile, baluster spacing, and finish, then fabricate new stairs and rails that blend in. Photos and a site visit make matching colors and details much more accurate.
Do exterior steel stairs get slippery in winter?
Smooth steel can, which is why exterior stairs use grating, checker plate, or textured coatings. Grating also lets snow and water fall through, reducing ice buildup on each tread during Colorado winters.
Does Rhoades Welding install stairs on existing decks?
Yes. Rhoades Welding can add steel stairs to existing decks around Johnstown, CO, checking the deck framing first, then attaching stringers securely and setting the bottom landing on a solid footing.
What sets Rhoades Welding apart for custom staircases?
Homeowners in Johnstown, CO, choose Rhoades Welding because the owner measures, fabricates, and installs every staircase personally. That direct, 6-year track record of stairs and railings means fewer mistakes and a better fit.
HOW WE WORK
FROM EMPTY OPENING TO FINISHED STAIRCASE, HERE IS HOW.
STEP 01
WE MEASURE THE OPENING
We record total rise, available run, headroom, and landing space at your site. Those numbers determine how many steps fit comfortably and whether a straight, turning, or spiral stair makes the most sense.
STEP 02
WE PICK THE STYLE TOGETHER
We review tread materials, railing styles, and finishes with you, using photos and samples. The goal is a staircase that matches your home or business rather than looking like an afterthought added at the end.
STEP 03
WE CONFIRM THE CODE PATH
Riser height, tread depth, width, headroom, and guard requirements are checked against local rules before any fabrication begins. That step keeps your staircase from failing inspection after the steel is already fabricated and installed.
STEP 04
WE BUILD IT IN THE SHOP
Stringers, treads, and rails are cut, fit, and welded in the shop to tight tolerances. Parts are test-fit for alignment, then finished with primer, paint, or a durable coating before delivery to your site.
STEP 05
WE INSTALL ON SITE
We anchor the stringers, set the treads, and weld or bolt the rails in place. Every riser is checked for consistency, and every connection is tightened so the finished stair feels rock-solid under every footstep.
STEP 06
WE WALK IT WITH YOU
Before we leave, we climb the finished staircase with you, test the rails, and clean up the work area. You get simple care instructions to keep the coating and finish looking good for years.