Timing of Installation

Getting Started: Initial Information and Consultations

Stair Skeleton Fabrication and Installation Timeline

A staircase installation is typically carried out in two phases: the installation of the stair skeleton and the installation of finishing materials.

To secure the skeleton to the house structure, flanges, brackets, and bolts may be used. For a minimalistic look, all connecting hardware should be concealed. To achieve this, the stair skeleton should be installed before other finishing materials, particularly in areas where the skeleton touches floors or walls. The hardware should be sunk behind the structure to allow finishing materials, like flooring, to run over it seamlessly.

The stair skeleton can also serve as a construction staircase. Stair finishing materials, such as wood and glass, should be installed as late as possible, typically at the end of the construction process.

Phase 1

From drawing to skeleton install
by mrail
by client
Inquiry
  • provide architectural plans
1
Inquiry
  • provide architectural plans
Quote

1-3 DAYS

  • review and provide client an estimate
2
Quote

1-3 DAYS

  • review and provide client an estimate
Deposit 40%
3
Deposit 40%
Site Condition

additional notes for builder:

  • notify mrail when stair openings are ready for working measurements
  • provide info regarding thickness of future finishing materials in the stair area
  • confirm floor to floor height measurements, as we only allow 1/4" of discrepancy, in order to maintain the same for each riser.
  • plan ahead for mrail’s hidden glass hardware (if any), as they are side mounted to rough structure
4
Site Condition

additional notes for builder:

  • notify mrail when stair openings are ready for working measurements
  • provide info regarding thickness of future finishing materials in the stair area
  • confirm floor to floor height measurements, as we only allow 1/4" of discrepancy, in order to maintain the same for each riser.
  • plan ahead for mrail’s hidden glass hardware (if any), as they are side mounted to rough structure
Shop Drawing

1-3 WEEKS

  • site measurement
  • AutoCAD drafting
5
Shop Drawing

1-3 WEEKS

  • site measurement
  • AutoCAD drafting
Shop Drawing Approval
  • review all details
  • select stringer color (if visible)

additional notes for builder:

  • once the shop drawing is approved, no changes to the staircase area are permitted without mrail's consent
  • build additional support as per shop drawing, for example:
    • create inner wall bearing connection between walls with double 2x6” header (jack studs fastened to wall studs)
    • add blocking for glass hardware or handrail wall brackets
6
Shop Drawing Approval
  • review all details
  • select stringer color (if visible)

additional notes for builder:

  • once the shop drawing is approved, no changes to the staircase area are permitted without mrail's consent
  • build additional support as per shop drawing, for example:
    • create inner wall bearing connection between walls with double 2x6” header (jack studs fastened to wall studs)
    • add blocking for glass hardware or handrail wall brackets
Skeleton Production

4-7 WEEKS

7
Skeleton Production

4-7 WEEKS

2nd Payment 30%
  • schedule skeleton installation
8
2nd Payment 30%
  • schedule skeleton installation
Site Preparation

additional notes for builder:

  • enclose the house (roof and windows are installed)
  • ensure that no finishing materials are installed in stair area
  • remove temporary staircase prior to skeleton install
  • the stair skeleton can be adapted (by others) for construction use, for example, installation of temporary guards (can be fastened to the threaded holes for glass hardware)
9
Site Preparation

additional notes for builder:

  • enclose the house (roof and windows are installed)
  • ensure that no finishing materials are installed in stair area
  • remove temporary staircase prior to skeleton install
  • the stair skeleton can be adapted (by others) for construction use, for example, installation of temporary guards (can be fastened to the threaded holes for glass hardware)
Skeleton Installation

1-3 DAYS

10
Skeleton Installation

1-3 DAYS

Wood Samples
  • provide 2-3 flooring samples or select from our collection

additional notes for builder:

  • if wood finish matching is required, consult mrail before floor purchase, as some finishes cannot be replicated in shop condition
  • wood finish matching is free of charge, unless the requested finish requires special techniques (e.g. solid paint, antique, glazing…)
  • mrail will do our due diligence to match the wood finish, but cannot guarantee a 100% match
11
Wood Samples
  • provide 2-3 flooring samples or select from our collection

additional notes for builder:

  • if wood finish matching is required, consult mrail before floor purchase, as some finishes cannot be replicated in shop condition
  • wood finish matching is free of charge, unless the requested finish requires special techniques (e.g. solid paint, antique, glazing…)
  • mrail will do our due diligence to match the wood finish, but cannot guarantee a 100% match

Phase 2

From skeleton install to completion
by mrail
by client
Site Condition

additional notes for the builder

  • notify mrail 6-10 weeks before occupancy date
  • walls are finished in staircase area
  • flooring and fascia depends on scenario A or B (see below)
  • A Hidden Gallery Glass Hardware
    • floor, nosing, and fascia are finished after gallery glass
    B Visible Gallery Glass Hardware
    • floor, nosing, and fascia are finished before gallery glass
12
Site Condition

additional notes for the builder

  • notify mrail 6-10 weeks before occupancy date
  • walls are finished in staircase area
  • flooring and fascia depends on scenario A or B (see below)
  • A Hidden Gallery Glass Hardware
    • floor, nosing, and fascia are finished after gallery glass
    B Visible Gallery Glass Hardware
    • floor, nosing, and fascia are finished before gallery glass
Finalize Drawing

1-2 WEEKS

  • site re-measure from wall finishes
13
Finalize Drawing

1-2 WEEKS

  • site re-measure from wall finishes
Final Approval
  • review all changes (if any)
  • visit the wood shop to review matched sample (or mail the approved wood piece back for quality check during wood staining process)
14
Final Approval
  • review all changes (if any)
  • visit the wood shop to review matched sample (or mail the approved wood piece back for quality check during wood staining process)
Material Production

4-6 WEEKS

  • order all materials (ie. glass, wood, handrail, and hardware)
15
Material Production

4-6 WEEKS

  • order all materials (ie. glass, wood, handrail, and hardware)
3rd Payment 30%
  • schedule final installation
16
3rd Payment 30%
  • schedule final installation
Site Preparation

additional notes for the builder

  • ensure moisture control is on and interior air quality is adequate for wood installation
  • all finishes have been done as per approved drawing
  • on the day of wood installation, stairs cannot be used
17
Site Preparation

additional notes for the builder

  • ensure moisture control is on and interior air quality is adequate for wood installation
  • all finishes have been done as per approved drawing
  • on the day of wood installation, stairs cannot be used
Final Installation

1-2 WEEKS

18
Final Installation

1-2 WEEKS

Project Completion
19
Project Completion

! NOTE: This timeline provides a general guideline.