In August we created a custom set of stairs with a central backbone for the treads to rest. The customer wanted stairs that were architectural in design but industrial in function. Casey came up with the “floating stringers” that are supported by only two 4″x4″ steel columns. The visual effect makes these sturdy stairs seem to defy gravity. The effect will be emphasized when the sheet rock is placed over the metal studs in the background. The customer also wanted a way to load furniture onto the upper landing without having to go over the railing. We created a removable section of the railing that swings up and out of the way by simply removing a few bolts. This makes for a wide loading dock on the second floor. For the finishing touch, the color of the stairs exactly match that of the client’s favorite team- Duke Blue.

Over the past week, we have been steadily working on two major projects and many smaller jobs have come in and out, filling the spaces in between. I’ve been painting the steel flowers for our Reno, NV client and have only a few more details left until it all gets put together.

We made a few copper suns to have on hand with two 24″ pieces already going to new homes.

The other big project- that is currently taking up most of our floor space- is the stainless steel tree arbor for Kiefer Landscaping in Durham, NC. Four metal trees will be holding up the roof and their bases will be on a stone wall. Last week the tree trunks and limbs were in fabrication stage and this week they are being welded into their basic formations.

In other news, ground broke today on our shop addition, which will give us more room to work and more space for equipment. Pictures to come!