Open-Riser Steel Staircases for Modern Office Lobbies

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An open-riser steel staircase in an office lobby uses treads without vertical risers, letting light and sightlines pass through for a lighter, more open feel. It is built from steel stringers and treads sized to your floor-to-floor height and the building's circulation needs. Techno Kol Uzi manufactures these structures to measure in our Tel Aviv factory after on-site measurement and approved drawings.

Why Open Risers Suit Office Lobbies

Open-riser stairs have become a common choice for reception areas because they make a double-height lobby feel airy and connected. Without solid risers, daylight from skylights or glass facades reaches the floors below, and visitors can see the space beyond the stair at a glance.

They also work well when the stair is a visual feature rather than just a means of access. A sculptural steel stair can anchor the lobby and give the designer a strong element to build the rest of the finishes around.

Key Design Decisions Before Drawing

Before the stair is drawn, several choices shape how it will look and perform:

Overall rise and available run, set by the floor-to-floor height and the footprint you can allocate.
Stringer type, whether closed side plates, open channel or a central spine.
Tread material and width, which affect both the look and the comfort of users.
Handrail and guard arrangement, especially where the stair sits near open edges.

Settling these early avoids redrawing once finishes and lighting are already committed.

Safety and Open-Riser Considerations

Open risers create a gap that must be considered carefully. Guards and handrails need to meet the requirements of Israeli standard SI 1142 for railings, and the spacing between balusters or infill should prevent a sphere from passing through. Exact dimensional values are confirmed with the project engineer for each building rather than assumed from general rules.

Nosings should be clearly visible, and lighting placed so that treads are easy to read, particularly during evening hours or when daylight changes.

Materials and Finishes for the Lobby

Steel is a strong match for a contemporary lobby because it allows slim sections and clean lines. Common finish options include hot-dip galvanizing for corrosion protection followed by powder coating in a colour chosen to match the interior palette. Treads can be steel plate, perforated steel, or be combined with timber or stone to add warmth.

Choosing finishes that suit the level of foot traffic and the building's cleaning routine helps keep the stair looking good over time.

From Inquiry to Installation

Our process starts with photos and a short inquiry from the designer or contractor. We then carry out an on-site measurement, prepare a drawing and written specification, and wait for your approval. Once approved, the stair is fabricated in our factory, finished, and installed on site.

Measuring on site before drawing is the step that prevents most problems, because lobby walls and slabs are rarely perfectly square.

Coordinating With Other Trades

An open-riser stair touches several other trades, so early coordination matters. Structural connections must be confirmed with the engineer, electrical and lighting positions should be fixed before installation, and floor finishes at the stair base need to be planned so the level transition is correct.

Sharing the steel drawings with the architect and interior designer at the specification stage makes it easier to keep the stair consistent with the rest of the lobby design.

Frequently asked questions

Are open-riser steel staircases allowed in office lobbies?

They can be, provided the design meets the applicable safety requirements for guards, handrails and openings. Your engineer and the building authority should confirm the details for your specific project.

What finish is best for a steel stair in a lobby?

Hot-dip galvanizing followed by powder coating is a common choice because it protects the steel and offers many colour options. The final finish depends on traffic levels and your interior palette.

How long does the process take from inquiry to installation?

The timeline depends on project size, approvals and site readiness. We confirm the schedule once measurements and the specification are complete.

Can the stair be made to a custom design?

Yes, our steel stairs and structures are made to measure, so the stringers, treads and handrails can follow your architectural drawings.

Common mistakes to avoid

A common mistake is measuring from early drawings instead of the finished slab, which leads to a stair that does not fit. Another is leaving guard and handrail details until late, when changes become costly.

Our recommendation

Measure on site and fix the floor-to-floor height before choosing the stair geometry, and involve the engineer early to confirm safety details for open edges.

Summary

Open-riser steel staircases bring light and openness to office lobbies when they are measured, designed and coordinated carefully from the start.

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