Stair and handrail detailing was at the heart of a recent four-story building retrofit, ensuring seamless, code-compliant access while preserving a clean architectural design in a tight shaft. We stepped in when the project hit a familiar pain point: stair and handrail detailing issues were threatening rework and installation delays. With precise modeling and clear documentation, we helped the team avoid field conflicts and keep the project on schedule.
The Challenge
Every project comes with challenges, and this one was no exception:
- Incomplete design info: Most drawings were marked “ALL DIMS TO BE V.I.F.”, leaving critical stair geometry undefined.
- Invisible structure: Architects required all angles, clips, and welds to be fully concealed and ground smooth before electrostatic paint.
- Multi-trade hand-off: Steel, millwork, terrazzo, and lighting intersected within ⅛-in tolerances, all under a single weekend installation window.
- Last-minute design changes: Guardrail posts had to be reworked to avoid clashes with finished walls.
Our Expertise
Using advanced 3D modeling and architectural stair detailing services, we ensured everything fit on-site without surprises. Our team:
- Modeled and closed design gaps before fabrication, using 3D laser scans to verify every field dimension within 48 hours.
- Built and tested a full-scale tread and guard mock-up to confirm weld-grind quality and paint sheen before site work.
- Applied proven connection details to eliminate common fabrication issues and reduce shop delays.
- Produced clean, precise erection drawings that helped installers work efficiently on a tight renovation schedule.
The Result
The new stair fit like it had always been there.
Thanks to precise architectural stair detailing and careful planning, the installation landed within ±¹⁄₁₆ inch of accuracy, creating a seamless terrazzo-to-steel transition without grinding or patching on-site. Fabrication and installation moved forward without delays or costly rework, even with multiple trades working in a tight renovation schedule.
In the end, the stair delivered exactly what the design team envisioned: a robust, visually clean feature that feels light and unobtrusive while quietly handling heavy daily use. Because everything was ready ahead of schedule, the GC was able to open the upper floors two weeks early, helping the owner avoid additional costs and get teams back into the space sooner.
Need Reliable Stair Detailing Services?
At ESD Solutions, we specialize in fast, accurate stair and handrail detailing for retrofits, platforms, and architectural stairs. Whether you’re managing design updates or tight schedules, we deliver clean, buildable models that work the first time.
We know what causes field delays — and we help you avoid them.
Contact us to discuss your next stair detailing project or view more in our portfolio.
