Fire Resistant Steel Staircase Options for Multi-Story Buildings

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A fire resistant steel staircase is built from steel that is protected with fire-rated coatings, enclosures or detailing so it keeps its load-bearing capacity for the period required in the building's fire safety plan. For multi-story buildings, the choice depends on the required fire rating, the stair's position within the escape route, and how it connects to the rest of the structure.

Why fire resistance matters for steel stairs

Steel is non-combustible, but it loses strength quickly when exposed to high temperatures. In a fire, an unprotected steel stair can deform or collapse before occupants have finished escaping, which is why stairs in multi-story buildings are treated as part of the protected escape route.

Your fire engineer and the local authority set the required fire resistance period based on building height, occupancy and layout. Early decisions on this requirement affect the stair's cost, weight and appearance, so they should be settled before detailed design begins.

Main fire protection options

Several approaches are commonly used to give steel stairs the required fire resistance:

Intumescent coatings that swell under heat and insulate the steel
Fire-rated board or spray protection around structural members
Enclosing the stair in a fire-rated shaft with protected doors
Hot-dip galvanizing combined with a fire-rated system where required

Each option has different thickness, maintenance and appearance implications, so the best solution depends on the specific project.

Design details that affect performance

Fire performance is not only about the coating. Connections, landings and the way the stair meets walls and floor slabs all matter. Continuous load paths, properly detailed bolted or welded joints and clear separation from combustible finishes help the stair perform as intended.

Handrails, treads and any glass or wood infill should be checked against the fire strategy as well, because these elements can change how the escape route behaves.

Coordinating with the structural engineer and fire consultant

A steel staircase in a multi-story building should be designed together with the structural engineer and fire consultant from the start. Share the required fire rating, expected loads and architectural intent early so that protection methods can be built into the drawings rather than added later.

Clear written specifications for coatings, thicknesses and inspection requirements reduce disputes during installation and approval.

Planning steps for developers

A practical sequence helps keep the project on track:

Confirm the required fire resistance period with the authority
Choose the protection method and review its appearance
Agree on drawings, connections and coating specification
Plan site measurement and inspection of the finished protection

At Techno Kol Uzi, we work from photos and on-site measurement, then provide a written specification for approval before production in our Tel Aviv factory at 37 Rival Street.

Installation and maintenance

Fire protection must be applied correctly on site as well as in the factory. Coating thickness, surface preparation and curing conditions should be checked and documented. Damaged protection after handling or installation needs to be repaired to the specified standard.

Building owners should receive maintenance guidance so that the protection is not accidentally removed or covered during later works.

Frequently asked questions

Is structural steel naturally fire resistant?

Steel does not burn, but it loses strength at high temperatures, so it usually needs added protection to meet fire resistance requirements in multi-story buildings.

Can a steel staircase be fire rated without an enclosure?

Yes, in some cases the stair can be protected with coatings or boards on its members. Whether an enclosure is needed depends on the fire strategy and the building regulations.

Who decides the required fire rating for a stair?

The fire consultant and the local authority set the requirement based on the building's height, occupancy and escape design.

Does fire protection change the look of the staircase?

It can add thickness or change the surface finish, so it is best to discuss the appearance with the architect early in the design process.

Common mistakes to avoid

Developers often leave fire protection to the end of the design, which leads to costly changes. Choosing a stair style before confirming the fire rating can also force redesign later.

Our recommendation

Confirm the fire resistance period and the protection method before finalizing architectural drawings, and ask the fabricator for a written specification covering coating type, thickness and inspection.

Summary

Fire resistant steel stairs for multi-story buildings rely on proper protection methods, careful detailing and early coordination between the design team and the fabricator.

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