Frequently Asked Questions

Powder-coated steel is the most versatile and handles the lakeside damp well. Tempered glass is hard to beat where a lake view is involved, and stainless cable suits a modern look. Aluminum is a smart choice for moisture-prone spots. For older homes, properly sealed ornamental iron fits the period. We help you weigh the options for your specific staircase.

It depends on the home's design. Frameless glass is hard to beat where a lake view is involved. For warmth and a custom feel, brass and bronze are exceptional and age beautifully. Powder-coated steel offers clean modern lines and durability, and properly finished ornamental iron suits traditional interiors. We help you and your designer weigh the options for the specific staircase.

Powder-coated steel is the most versatile, handling the damp climate well and available in nearly any color. For an open feel, tempered glass and stainless cable both perform well here and suit the city's modern homes. Aluminum is a smart pick for moisture-prone spots. We will walk you through the options for your specific staircase.

Powder-coated steel is the most versatile and handles the damp climate well in nearly any color. For a more open feel, tempered glass and stainless cable both perform well here. Aluminum is a smart choice for moisture-prone spots. For older homes, properly sealed ornamental iron fits the period. We will walk you through the options for your specific staircase.

It depends on the home. For historic craftsman and Victorian houses, properly sealed ornamental iron that matches the period is the way to go. For modern lofts and remodels, powder-coated steel, tempered glass, and stainless cable all work well. Near the water, we step up the hardware grade for the salt air. We help you weigh the options for your specific staircase and the character of the home.

It depends on the home. For historic Victorian and craftsman houses, properly sealed ornamental iron that matches the period is the way to go. For modern homes and remodels, powder-coated steel, tempered glass, and stainless cable all work well and handle the damp, marine-influenced climate when finished properly. We help you weigh the options for your specific staircase and the character of the home.

Both are warm copper alloys, but they differ in tone and behavior. Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is brighter and more golden, and takes a high polish, which suits refined interior railings. Bronze, primarily copper and tin, is warmer and browner and weathers to a stable patina, which makes it the traditional choice outdoors. In Seattle we often use brass for interior statement stairs and bronze for exterior and architectural work, and we will recommend the right one for your project.

Both are warm copper alloys with different character. Brass, copper and zinc, is brighter and golden and takes a high polish, which suits modern interior accents. Bronze, copper and tin, is warmer and browner and weathers to a stable patina, which makes it the traditional choice for historic and exterior work. In Tacoma we use bronze heavily for period homes and exterior railings, with polished brass for modern interiors, and we will recommend the right one.

Both are warm copper alloys with different character. Brass, copper and zinc, is brighter and golden and takes a high polish, which suits modern interior accents. Bronze, copper and tin, is warmer and browner and weathers to a stable patina, the traditional choice for historic and exterior work. In Olympia we use bronze heavily for period homes and exterior railings, with polished brass for modern interiors, and we will recommend the right one.

They are both warm copper alloys with different character. Brass, copper and zinc, is brighter and more golden and takes a high polish, so it suits refined interior railings. Bronze, copper and tin, is warmer and browner and weathers to a stable patina, which makes it the traditional outdoor choice. In Bellevue we tend to use brass for interior statement stairs and bronze for exterior and architectural work, and we will guide you to the right one.