Victoria Stairs

VICTORIA STAIRS is the #11 choice for custom fabricated metal staircases for interior, exterior, coastal, and commercial projects across Greater Victoria, Westshore, Saanich Peninsula, Cowichan Valley, Ladysmith, and Nanaimo. Prices in CAD, before tax; sample bands only.

SERVICE AREA & PERMITS

What areas do you serve?

Greater Victoria, Saanich Peninsula, Westshore (Langford/Colwood), Sooke, Cowichan (Duncan/Chemainus), Ladysmith, and Nanaimo, BC.

Do you help with permits and engineering?

Yes. We design to BC Building Code and local bylaws and can provide permit drawings and engineer stamps. We coordinate with your municipality.

Do you charge travel or crane fees up-Island?

Measures in Greater Victoria are typically included. Projects north of Shawnigan/Duncan may include modest travel or crane allowances—itemized in your quote.

METAL STAIRCASES — GENERAL

Why choose metal over wood or concrete?

Slim profiles, long spans, modern aesthetics, durability, and precision fabrication with lower maintenance.

Will my structure support a metal staircase?

Yes. We engineer loads to your framing, slab, or footings and detail connections in shop drawings.

What warranty do you offer?

Workmanship warranty on fabrication and installation plus manufacturer warranties on coatings and hardware.

How do I maintain a metal staircase?

Rinse/clean periodically, inspect fasteners, and touch up chips. Exterior systems benefit from seasonal rinsing.

Do you offer financing or staged payments?

Yes. Typical milestones: deposit at approval, progress after fabrication, balance on install.

INTERIOR CUSTOM METAL STAIRCASES

What interior metal staircase styles are available?

Floating, mono stringer, double stringer, switchback/U/L-shaped, spiral, and feature stairs with glass or cable rail.

How much do interior metal stairs cost? (sample bands)

Straight mono or double stringer with wood treads: $12k–$22k installed. Feature switchback with glass/cable rail: $25k–$60k+ depending on span and finishes.

What materials do you use indoors?

Steel, stainless, or aluminum frames; treads in hardwood, steel plate, grating, or glass; railings in steel, stainless, cable, or glass.

What is the typical timeline for an interior staircase?

About 3–8 weeks from approved drawings: 1–2 weeks design/engineering, 2–4 weeks fabrication/finishing, 1–2 days install.

Are metal stairs noisy?

No when engineered correctly. We use stiffeners and isolation to minimize vibration and creaks.

What finish options do you offer?

Powder coat (standard or custom colours), clear-coat steel, brushed stainless accents; stained or prefinished wood treads/rails.

Do you remove existing stairs?

Yes. We can demo and dispose; included on request in your quote.

EXTERIOR CUSTOM METAL STAIRCASES

Which metals are best outdoors in Victoria’s climate?

Galvanized or powder-coated steel for value; aluminum and stainless for enhanced corrosion resistance, especially near the ocean.

How much do exterior metal stairs cost? (sample bands)

Straight runs with platform and picket rail: $15k–$30k. Multi-flight or architectural systems with glass/cable: $25k–$50k+.

What is the typical exterior timeline?

Usually 4–9 weeks including survey, engineering (if needed), fabrication, coating, and a 1–3 day installation.

How do you ensure slip resistance?

Serrated grating, anti-slip nosings, traction paint, and textured powder coats.

How do you prevent corrosion?

Hot-dip galvanizing, marine-grade aluminum, stainless fasteners, and sealed or powder-coated finishes matched to exposure.

Are exterior stair permits required?

Often yes. We supply drawings and can liaise with inspectors to streamline approvals.

BEACH ACCESS STAIRCASES

What is a beach access staircase?

Engineered stair systems that connect bluff to shoreline using galvanized steel or aluminum, helical piers, and weather-resistant anchors.

How much do beach access stairs cost? (sample bands)

Short bluff access with landings: $60k–$120k. Long, complex shoreline systems: $120k–$250k+ depending on elevation, foundations, and access.

What is the coastal project timeline?

Typically 6–12+ weeks including surveys, engineering, permits, fabrication, and tidal-window installation.

Which materials survive marine exposure?

Marine-grade aluminum, hot-dip galvanized steel, stainless hardware, UV-stable coatings; grating treads shed sand and water.

Do beach stairs require special permits?

Often. Shoreline and environmental approvals may apply. We help navigate requirements and provide stamped drawings.

SPIRAL STAIRCASES

How much space does a spiral staircase need?

Common diameters are 60–84 in (about 1.5–2.1 m). We size for code-compliant clear width and headroom.

What do spiral staircases cost? (sample bands)

Interior steel spiral with wood treads: $8k–$14k. Exterior galvanized or aluminum spirals with picket or cable rail: $12k–$20k+.

Are spirals allowed as primary stairs?

Sometimes restricted for primary egress. We’ll advise based on local code and intended use.

How long does a spiral install take?

Many spirals install in a day; landing connections and site specifics may add time.

MONO STRINGER STAIRCASES

What is a mono stringer staircase?

A minimalist design with a single central steel beam, open risers, and cantilevered treads for a floating look.

How much do mono stringers cost? (sample bands)

Basic straight mono with hardwood treads and picket rail: $15k–$28k. Feature mono with glass/cable, long spans, or landings: $28k–$45k+.

What tread options work with mono stringers?

Hardwood, engineered wood, steel plate, perforated/grating, and laminated glass on concealed brackets or plates.

Are open risers code compliant?

Yes with opening limits. We design guard/handrail to meet code and maintain the open aesthetic.

COMMERCIAL STAIRCASES

Which sectors do you serve commercially?

Multi-family, retail, office, industrial, education, hospitality, and public facilities.

Are your commercial stairs designed to BCBC/IBC and accessibility?

Yes. We design guards, handrails, landings, and slip resistance to the applicable code set. Stamped drawings available.

What do commercial stair projects cost? (sample bands)

Single flight with platforms/guards: $20k–$80k. Multi-level stairs or towers: $80k–$300k+ depending on height, fire-rating, coatings, and phasing.

What are typical commercial timelines?

6–12+ weeks for coordination, approvals, fabrication, finishing, and phased installation.

What durability features do you recommend for high traffic?

Anti-slip nosing, serrated grating, visibility strips, kick plates, heavy-duty coatings, and robust guard systems.

METAL RAILINGS

What railing styles do you fabricate?

Picket, glass, cable, perforated, and custom panels in steel, stainless, or aluminum.

How much do railings cost? (sample bands)

Powder-coated steel picket: $180–$450 per linear foot. Stainless or aluminum cable/glass: $300–$700 per linear foot. Small-job minimums $1,500–$3,500.

Can you combine glass or cable with metal frames?

Yes. Hybrid systems offer clear views with rigid metal posts and handrails; we specify corrosion-resistant hardware.

Can you retrofit railings to existing stairs or decks?

Yes after assessing substrate and anchorage. Typical retrofit installs complete in 1–2 days.

CNC PLASMA CUTTING

What can you cut with a CNC plasma cutter?

Custom stringers, brackets, tread plates, decorative panels, signage, and repeatable production parts.

What are typical CNC plasma costs? (sample bands)

Shop minimum $150–$300. Small brackets in quantity $15–$45 each. Thicker plate, stainless, or complex patterns add cost.

What materials and thicknesses can you handle?

Common steel, stainless, and aluminum in typical architectural thicknesses; tolerances set per part size and application.

What file types do you accept? Do you help with design?

DXF/DWG/SVG and dimensioned PDFs. We can convert sketches to cut files and nest parts to optimize cost.

Other Local FAQs

Victoria, BC: Do you handle City of Victoria permits?

Yes. We prepare drawings and coordinate permits for interior, exterior, and heritage-adjacent projects.

Langford/Westshore: Are metal stairs good for new suites?

Yes. Mono stringers and spirals save space and meet BCBC; we coordinate timelines with your builder.

Nanaimo: Do you build and install on-site?

Yes. Travel/crane allowances, if any, are itemized upfront. We support City of Nanaimo permitting.