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A couple in Maryland was renovating their outdoor living space. They desired to create a modern railing design in addition to a spiral staircase. This would provide ease of access from an outside elevated deck to their basement area. To maximize the deck space and add a unique aesthetic, we designed the deck railing to mount to the outside of the deck and fasten into the fascia area. The intent of the deck railing design was for a modern accent. So, we created a 3-rail railing design. It had a rectilinear opening directly below the deck railing caprail. The caprail was designed with 3 horizontal 1 ½” x  ½ “ bar channels, and 5/8 “ square solid aircraft-grade aluminum pickets. The deck railing posts were 1 ½ “square, which we welded directly to the aluminum railing sections.

The spiral stair design was another point of collaboration to get it correct. The goal was twofold. One, to enhance the modern design of the space, but also to have the location correct. Location was key to having the best flow into the basement area. To ensure the spiral stair pole and bottom step hit at the right spot and orientation, we created the spiral stair top landing at a specific angle and length.

The spiral stair tread and landing design were a concern for the slipperiness, impervious design, etc. If we utilized wood or deck material, it would solve the slippery issue and be in harmony with the deck surface. However, it would not provide an impervious surface. If we utilized solid metal, an anti-skid tape would have to be applied, and again, no impervious surface. If the spiral stair treads were laser-cut to a specific design with 60-70% open area, it would be their own special design statement, providing traction and an impervious surface. This route is ultimately what the client selected, and the modern spiral stair tread design process began. With dialogue back and forth, the client chose a rectilinear pattern.

The entire spiral staircase was powder-coated a matte black to finish it off, then a 4-man crew installed the project. With the level of accurate measuring we did beforehand, installation was a breeze. Now this Maryland home has a remarkable modern spiral stair and deck railing with a level of old-world craftsmanship that will provide safety, rigidity, and beauty for many years to come.

Do you want a custom spiral staircase and railing of your own? We are happy to help! Contact us to get started.

Need more inspiration? Check out our other work on Pinterest, Houzz, or our galleries!

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We love our front porch railings! They certainly add a lot of beauty to our home and they fit the period of our home. When elderly guests come to visit, it’s always good that they have something strong to hold onto, and they fit perfectly what we were looking for. Thanks to everyone on your team for their artistic work. We are very happy with our final products!

Indiana Cleint

Compass delivered absolutely amazing, high quality product. They are true masters.  I am also pleased with their timely communication and guidance, as we worked through the design and transaction process. 

I would definitely recommend them and work with them again.

Wisconsin Client

What an excellent experience we had with Compass Ironworks!! We have spent four years restoring and remodeling a Pre-Civil War home in North Alabama. We have learned a lot through the process and made more than a few mistakes. But choosing Compass Ironworks was not one of those. From the very first interaction, Amos and his team have been a pleasure to work with. Old homes are quirky! No right angles. No two measurements are precisely the same. So using a company in Pennsylvania was a risk. And we are SO GLAD we took that risk! Absolutely flawless!! The designs, the collaboration, the execution, the QUALITY, the timeline and the finished product were all first class!!! We will absolutely choose Compass again for our next project and recommend them to anyone who asks.

Alabama Designer

The railing is installed and is beautiful … a work of art, to be sure!

My expectations were high and certainly met. I was able to visit the shop and see the railing in progress. It was a thrill to see it then, and very exciting when it arrived at my home.

I have already recommended you to others!

Massachusetts Client
Front entrance metal gate