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.

External Staircases

External staircases are staircases that are built on the outside of buildings, usually on multi-storey apartment blocks or multi-level commercial or educational buildings. External stairs can be decorative and add to the aesthetic value of the building, be purely functional as an additional exit or entry point, or be used as an emergency fire escape.

However external fire escape staircases are not very common these days, and ones on older buildings (especially wooden fire escape staircases) are gradually being replaced. External emergency fire escape staircases are usually made from metal now. The reason why external staircases are used as emergency escapes is that occupants need an escape route that is free from fire and smoke, usually installed with fire rated doors and fire-resistant materials.

Other external staircases not used an emergency exit can be made with a variety of materials however, whether timber, steel or concrete, and can be designed in a variety of styles (curved, straight, etc).

Fire Safety

While an escape route such as an external staircase is one part of fire safety, other measures include ‘Emergency Break Glass Alarm’, emergency door release, and emergency EXIT signs. An Emergency Break Glass Alarm (BGA) activates the Emergency Warning Communications System to initiate an evacuation of the building. Unlike Fire BGAs, these do not contact the Fire Department.

During an evacuation fire doors should be closed to prevent fire and smoke travelling through the building, but if it needs to be used on  a regular basis electromagnetic door release mechanisms can be added so that the door can be held open until the fire alarm system activates and then they are closed automatically. In Australia it is the law to have all emergency exits marked with a green illuminated EXIT sign to lead people to safety. In corridors the EXIT sign may have arrows indicating which way the emergency door or stairs are.