When setting up your concrete stairs in commercial settings, you can choose precast concrete stairs or cast in place. Precast concrete stairs are designed to fit the particular environment and come entirely constructed with minimal on-site assembly.
During the construction of the precast stairs, everything is done off-site and brought to the site for the installation and finalization of the stairs.
On the other hand, cast-in concrete staircases are done on the site itself. The concrete is poured directly into removable forms, compacted, and cured. Precast concrete staircases have several advantages and should be the go-to option when constructing commercial buildings. Here are some of these advantages:
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Superior Quality
A commercial setting is very busy and requires more durable, strong, and safe staircases. With hundreds of people using the concrete stairs daily, they’re easy to develop cracks or, worse still, break apart. Hence, quality can’t be compromised.
Precast concrete stairs are designed to last years and withstand extreme weather conditions and high traffic flow. First, they are created under optimal conditions, ensuring the mix is properly engineered and tested. Second, they are designed by considering the exact measurements and environment. Finally, the workers and equipment required to construct precast staircases are well-trained and tested. Hence, the stairs come in superior quality fit for a commercial setting.
Easy Installation
Cast-in concrete stairs require a lot of manual labor, as the process is done on-site. The stairs must be built from scratch, and the concrete must be poured slowly and cured. This time-consuming process can lead to costly delays in commercial settings. Additionally, the construction of the stairs depends on how fast or slow the building process is.
Precast stairs come already constructed and only require minimal assembly on-site. This easy installation helps save time, money, and energy, as the entire process, from design to customization, takes place off-site. Before finalizing everything, the installer must ensure the dimensions are correct and fit for the commercial setting.
Better Design And Finishes
Precast stairs come with a wide variety of staircase finishes and design options. There are almost limitless possibilities when constructing precast stairs, as they’re easy to customize. The colors, texture, shape, and other components can be easily modified, making it easier for the designer to create the exact look they want for their commercial setting.
For example, when constructing precast stairs, the color can be blended in with its surroundings in the commercial setting. The texture of the stairs can also be chosen to provide extra traction and slip resistance to always ensure safety. All these designs can be determined before the construction of the staircase starts without the worry that they will not be compatible with the overall building environment.
Building panel house interior with entryway and flight stairs. Precast concrete staircase. Flight of stairs. Flight of stairs are decorated building. Beautiful long staircase. Tile on floor.
Flexibility
Regardless of what materials you use in your commercial buildings, you can never be sure of their condition several years later. As time passes and building codes change, you may have to make changes or improve your stairs. Precast concrete is ideal, as it’s much easier and cost-effective to adjust precast stairs than cast-in-place stairs.
Precast stairs come with custom-designed pieces that can be easily rearranged or added. This makes it easier for designers and architects to make changes quickly in case of any updates. Additionally, the precast concrete stairs can be used with various materials. For example, you can integrate precast stairs with steel by reinforcing them to steel structures.
Can Be Reused Elsewhere
The reusable nature of precast stairs makes them easier to relocate and reconstruct if needed. This is especially beneficial in commercial settings, as there may be a need to move staircases from one location to another or expand them. The entire process can be done quickly without much hassle, which saves time and money.
Joints Are Not Required
When constructing stairs with cast-in-place concrete, joints must be constructed to hold the stairs together. This jointing process is optional for precast stairs, as they are already connected and held together by solid steel bars. This makes it easier for installers to avoid joints that can weaken the structure over time.
Conclusion
Precast concrete stairs in a commercial setting offer many advantages, from being easy to install and customize to providing flexibility, strength, and durability.
Additionally, with the help of experienced installers and custom designers, you can be sure that your precast stairs will last for years. Whether you are looking to upgrade an existing structure or planning a new construction project, precast concrete stairs are an excellent choice that will provide lasting benefits for years to come.
