Compliance Guides

Do I need a building permit for a custom spiral staircase in the US?

In most US jurisdictions, yes — any structural staircase connecting floors requires a building permit. The permit process typically requires: architectural drawings showing the staircase location, structural drawings with load calculations, and the building official's plan review. We provide all structural documentation needed for the permit application. For residential projects, a local contractor or structural engineer typically submits the permit on your behalf using our drawings.

What does "IBC compliant" mean on a spiral staircase?

IBC (International Building Code) sets minimum geometric, structural, and safety requirements for stairs. An IBC-compliant spiral staircase meets the code's minimum standards for tread depth, riser height, width, guardrail height, and structural load capacity. Note: IRC Section 311.7.10 provides a specific exception for residential spiral staircases (minimum 26 in diameter; 7.5 in tread depth at the walking line). Commercial spiral staircases must comply with the full IBC requirements, which typically require a larger diameter.

Can you provide a PE-stamped drawing for my US project?

Yes. For an additional fee, we can provide structural drawings stamped and signed by a licensed US Professional Engineer (PE). The PE reviews our structural calculations and drawings, and if satisfied, applies their stamp — which most US building departments accept for permit approval. Lead time for PE review is typically 2–3 weeks after our drawings are finalised. Advise the US state at time of order so we engage a PE licensed in that state.

What cable spacing is required for IBC-compliant cable railing?

IBC requires that no sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter can pass through any opening in a guardrail. For horizontal cable railing, this means maximum 3-inch (76 mm) cable spacing. Additionally, cable tension must be maintained so cables cannot deflect enough to allow a 4-inch sphere to pass. Our cable railing systems are designed with 3-inch spacing and appropriate tensioner systems to maintain IBC-compliant tension.

Is CE marking required for a staircase imported to Germany?

If the staircase is a structural steel assembly (stringer, frame, or guardrail system) used in a commercial building or multi-family residential project in Germany, CE marking under EN 1090-1 is required. For a private single-family home, the requirement depends on the local Bauordnung. We can supply CE-marked structural assemblies with Declaration of Performance and all supporting documentation for German building permit applications.

What Execution Class (EXC) do I need for a residential floating staircase?

For a residential floating staircase in a private home, EXC2 is typically appropriate (moderate consequence of failure, urban environment). EXC2 requires welders qualified to EN ISO 9606-1 and WPS documentation. Our factory holds EXC2 certification as standard. For commercial buildings or public spaces, EXC3 may be required — confirm with your structural engineer.

Can you supply a Eurocode 3 structural calculation package?

Yes. We provide full Eurocode 3 (EN 1993-1-1) structural calculations for all bespoke staircase orders. Calculations include: section selection, bending moment and shear checks, deflection limits, connection design, and anchorage checks. Calculations are provided in metric units and EN notation — suitable for submission to EU building authorities or your structural engineer for review.

Does my staircase project in England require Building Control approval?

In England and Wales, most structural staircase works are notifiable under the Building Regulations. This includes: new staircases in new-build properties, staircases installed as part of a loft conversion, and replacement of staircases in commercial buildings. Minor repairs or like-for-like replacements in private homes may be exempt. A building control officer (from the local authority or an approved inspector) must inspect and approve the works. We provide all documentation needed for building control submission.

What is the difference between a handrail and a barrier/guardrail under UK regulations?

Approved Document K distinguishes between: (1) Handrails — provided to give support when climbing or descending stairs, height 900–1,000 mm; and (2) Barriers (guardrails) — provided to prevent people from falling to a lower level, height 1,100 mm minimum where drop exceeds 600 mm. A staircase balustrade functions as both: the top rail serves as the handrail and the infill panels or balusters form the barrier. Both functions must meet their respective height requirements simultaneously.

Are your staircases UKCA marked or CE marked?

As of 2025, CE-marked structural steel products continue to be accepted in Great Britain under the government's ongoing extension period. We supply CE-marked structural assemblies under EN 1090-1. When UKCA marking becomes mandatory for structural steel (subject to updated government guidance), we will supply UKCA-marked products with equivalent documentation. For Northern Ireland, CE marking continues to apply.

What building approval do I need for a spiral staircase in a new Australian home?

For a new residential building in Australia, all structural elements including staircases require a building permit from a registered building certifier or the local council. The certifier will check NCC Volume Two compliance (stair geometry, handrail height, balustrade infill). We supply a full compliance drawing package showing NCC dimensions, materials, and fixings. Your builder or building certifier submits this as part of the building approval documentation.

Does your glass pool fencing comply with Australian pool safety requirements?

Yes. We design pool fencing to AS 1926.1:2012, which requires: barrier height of 1,200 mm minimum; a non-climbable zone (no footholds within 900 mm high × 300 mm from top); self-closing, self-latching gate with latch on pool side; and no horizontal rails or footholds within the non-climbable zone. Our frameless glass pool fencing uses spigot posts that comply with the non-climbable zone requirements. We provide an AS 1926.1 compliance diagram with every pool fencing order for your pool certifier.

What is the maximum balustrade opening size in Australia?

The NCC requires that balustrade infill openings cannot allow a 125 mm sphere to pass through (for residential and commercial uses). This is larger than the US 4-inch (102 mm) requirement but is still stricter than many older buildings. Additionally, the NCC prohibits horizontal members below 1 m height that could act as footholds (climbable elements) — this means horizontal cable railing is generally not permitted in Australian residential balustrades above 1 m height under current NCC requirements. Vertical cables or glass panels are the compliant alternatives.

Do you have experience supplying to Australian builders and architects?

Yes. We regularly supply to Australian builders, architects, and project developers. We understand Australian material expectations (galvanized or stainless in coastal climates), documentation requirements (NCC, AS standards, pool certifier reports), and logistics (40 ft HC containers to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth ports). We can quote DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) to an Australian address including shipping and import duties.