Determine the desired construction for iron and steel stairs

The trademarked construction types of iron and steel stairs are generally more durable and expensive than the non-trademarked methods. A manufacturer that specializes in commercial iron stairs should be able to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

I recommend: Find an extensive selection of iron and steel stairs of all construction types from a specialist such as American Stair, which has been building steel stairs for more than 50 years. American Steel Online sells a range of steel products including stairs and  provides a full range of services.

Ensure your commercial iron stairs meet the required safety regulations

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration provides safety regulations on many different items, including industrial stairs. All steel stairs contractors should be familiar with the relevant OSHA regulations. Be wary of doing business with one that isn't up-to-date on OSHA specs.

I recommend: Find the safety requirements for stairs in OSHA regulation 1910.24. Find stairs that far exceed OSHA recommendations at SlipNot.

Find a steel staircase supplier in your area

All building components must comply with local regulations. Stairs are potentially hazardous so the building codes concerning these structures tend to be especially lengthy. Local contractors already should be familiar with these codes.

I recommend: Find a local iron staircase contractor in an industrial directory such as MacRae's Blue Book. An introduction to the basic calculations required in designing a set of stairs to fit a given building code can be found at  Builder Bill.