This high-end staircase is an excellent example of a complex design built with industrial grade materials. The stair stringers are blackened I-beams supporting solid walnut treads. The strength of the steel allows for the stringers to be smaller than if made of wood and gives the stairs a floating appearance. A composite of mild steel flat bar was used for the guardrail with 3/16 stainless cables and a walnut handrail. TIG welding was used throughout and the completed project was chemically blackened before being hand burnished and waxed.
MIG welding is semi-automatic and used for most exterior work, where as manual TIG welding is more appropriate for precision interior jobs where the appearance of the finished weld is critical. The blackened/waxed finish is a good choice for interior work because it highlights the visual texture of the steel, is easily repaired, and will improve with age.
