Stairs for Public Places

Stairs for public places serve intensive daily use by a variety of users, from employees and customers to people with limited mobility. Such stairs are therefore designed with higher safety standards, greater load capacity and an appropriate handrail system. Metal is a more suitable material for public stairs than wood: it is more durable, easier to clean and fully compliant with fire safety requirements. BHS manufactures stairs for public places across Europe.

Types of stairs for public buildings

Main entrance stairs – representative, wide stairs for the main entrances of hotels, offices and shopping centres, with secure handrail elements and anti-slip coatings. Evacuation stairs – stairs designed in accordance with fire safety requirements for emergency situations. Usually open or semi-open structures that allow rapid evacuation. Indoor stairs – elegant stairs for office and hotel interiors between floors, with a clear design concept and compliance with SIA and VID inspections. Outdoor stairs – stairs protected by hot-dip galvanising or powder coating, located outside at entrances, on terraces or in outdoor event areas. Stairs with ramps – combined stair and access ramp systems to ensure accessibility for wheelchair users. BHS designs all these types of stairs.

Safety and regulatory requirements

Stairs in public places must comply with LBN 201 requirements for stair width (min. 100–120 cm), handrail height (min. 90 cm, often 100–110 cm), tread thickness and anti-slip coating. In public buildings, stairs must be accessible to people with limited mobility or combined with lifts. Fire safety requirements determine the materials and protection to be used in evacuation stairs. The spacing between handrail supports – max. 10 cm – is a mandatory safety requirement. BHS ensures compliance with regulatory standards. The BHS team provides advice on all requirements from the initial project stage.

Materials and finishes

Stainless steel – a premium choice for high-end public stairs in hotels and office centres. Withstands intensive use, easy to clean and aesthetically appealing. Powder-coated carbon steel – offers a wide range of finishes and is more economical than stainless steel. Suitable for buildings with various concepts. Galvanised steel – for outdoor stairs exposed to weather conditions. Anti-corrosion treatment ensures durability. Anti-slip coatings – rubber, abrasive or perforated coatings for treads that provide additional safety and compliance with regulations. BHS helps select materials based on the class of the site and the load.

HoReCa and business scenarios

Hotel lobby stairs made of stainless steel with glass handrail panels and LED lighting elements become a key interior feature, creating a first impression for guests. A restaurant with a second floor uses spiral or straight stairs as a design element to separate the private VIP area from the main hall. An office centre with a large number of employees uses wide, safe stairs with anti-slip coatings on each floor, ensuring quick movement between levels.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum stair width in public buildings? LBN 201 sets the minimum stair width in public buildings at 100–120 cm, depending on the number of visitors and the class of the site. For large public sites with high footfall, 150 cm or more. BHS designers provide advice on requirements for specific sites.

Is approval required for the project? Stair projects for public buildings often require coordination with the building authority, fire safety inspection or other institutions, depending on the site. The BHS team helps coordinate the necessary approval procedures.

Why choose BHS?

BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.

Delivery

We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.