Stairs & Staircases

External Stairs & Balustrading

There are different types of external stairs, from car park staircases to fire escape stairs. External staircases are quite common on multi-level apartment buildings, shopping malls, schools and universities. They can be decorative or just functional as an additional exit or entry point. Fire escape stairs, of course, are built to special specifications and serve as an exit in case of fire. Whatever the purpose, the materials used to build the staircase must be durable and capable of lasting through harsh weather conditions.

External balustrades serve both an important safety function and a key aesthetic purpose. External balustrades are used in pool fencing, external stairs, playground fencing, balconies/porches/verandas, ramps for the disabled and so on.

Stradbroke External Balustrades

Slattery & Acquroff, Australia’s oldest stair builder, can supply all types of timber staircases in a range of styles, as well as a large variety of balustrading and hand rails. Their signature design for external balustradesis the Stradbroke External balustrade. This balustrade design features timber and stainless steel, and is built to be sturdy and withstand outdoor weather conditions. This classy style makes a statement in your outdoor living space, whether on stairs or a balcony.

Stradbroke balustrading has a modern look with warm touches of timber that will suit any home, while the fine lines of the stainless steel balusters will complement your view and enhance your entertainment area or decking. The handrail is made of uniquely shaped timber with rounded edges- a perfect resting place for your favourite drink.

The Stradbroke system comprises of 16mm diameter stainless steel vertical rods, as well as 38mm diameter stainless steel staunchions in lieu of timber posts if a more contemporary style is wanted. So it can be installed with or without timber newel posts. This balustrade system is available in both supply only and supply & install pricing options.

Building Stairs

Although staircases do provide a means of getting from one floor to the next, and are therefore essential, there is more reason than simply practicality to install one. From classic to contemporary staircases, the challenge inherent to the architect and the resulting manifestation of ingenuity, skill and imagination creates a feature that will enhance your home. There is a plethora of styles of staircases, made possible also because of the range of materials that can be used, from glass, to wood, stone, reinforced concrete, steel and other metals such as wrought iron.

Some basic components of staircases include:

• treads- what you step on
• risers- the vertical face of the stair
• stringers- the structure holding the treads and risers up
• handrails – a safety and support feature for those climbing the stairs
• balusters- the pillars supporting the handrail
• newel post- the pillar at the beginning and end of the handrail

Staircases can be custom made or pre-built, and whichever is chosen it is imperative that all pieces are fastened together securely with construction adhesive and square-drive finish screws. This will prevent squeaky stairs later on as the materials may shrink and swell with changes in humidity.

Australian Stair Builders

Australia’s oldest stair builder, Slattery & Acquroff, was established in 1920. Originally a family business, today it employees over 85 employees and is Australia’s leading staircase specialist. The reason that they continue to flourish today is that they know how to deliver staircases that exceed customer expectations by paying attention to what is wanted.

With almost 90 years of experience, Slattery & Acquroff provide expertise, customer service and superior staircases. They offer a wide range of styles and materials to choose from. From feature stairs, classic staircases to modern or contemporary staircases, they are able to design and build the staircase you are after. The company also has a wide range of materials to choose from for balustrades and handrails, including timber, glass, stainless steel, wire and wrought iron.

Katoomba, NSW

Katoomba is a thriving tourist town in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, overlooking the Jamison Valley. One of the main attractions is a rock formation called The Three Sisters, named Meehni (922m), Wimlah (918m) and Gunnedoo (906m).

They are named after a legend, though it is uncertain whether it is an Indigenous legend or one made up by the tourist industry, that says that three sisters were turned into stone to protect them from three brothers from a rival tribe whom they had fallen in love with but were not allowed to marry. The upset brothers decided to try and capture the sisters, so a witchdoctor turned them to stone to protect them, but died before he could undo the spell again. Another great attraction of Katoomba is the Giant Stairway.

The Giant Stairway

The Giant Stairway of Katoomba was hewn out of the cliff face next to the Three Sisters, providing a spectacular descent into the Jamison Valley. It descends approximately 300 metres (or 1000 feet) via more than 800 steps (896 to be exact!). Of course the builders took advantage of natural ledges and projections, as well as installing metal stairs where necessary. It terminates at the base of the Scenic Railway, and provides incredible views over the valley. From the bottom visitors can choose to continue along the Federal Pass to the beautiful Katoomba Falls, furber Steps and Scenic World, or towards Leura Forest.

The Chief Ranger Jim McKay came up with the idea of the Giant Stairway in 1914, after already planning and building the Dardannells Pass. Initially hesitant due to the scope and cost of the project, the coucil approved the plans in 1916. However after only a quarter of the distance had been built, the project ground to a halt because of the expense of carving steps out of the sheer rock face. Eventually, building re-commenced in 1932 after lobbying by a local photographer.