What to Look for in Good Mezzanine Stairs

If you’re investing in mezzanine stairs in Australia, there’s more at stake than just picking something that “looks good” or fits the budget so let’s have a look at what to look for in good mezzanine stairs in Australia. These stairs aren’t just about convenience—they must be safe, compliant, and built to last. Otherwise, you’re flirting with costly fines, accidents, or both.

Let’s cut through the marketing jargon and get straight to what really matters. Here’s what you need to know before buying mezzanine stairs.

Where do I buy Mezzanine Stairs?

1. a)      Businesses like Car Covers and Shelter will supply custom-designed stairs and balustrades with the design of your mezzanine on request. These are all made with Australian high tensile steel and are Australian Standards compliant Buying a small mezzanine you may find that the cost of custom-designed stairs is almost as expensive as the mezzanine kit itself. If the public will have access to your mezzanine, custom-designed mezzanine stairs are highly recommended, regardless of the cost. 

2. b)    Mezzanine Ladder Stairs

3. Australian Standards compliant mezzanine access ladders can be a much less expensive option than custom-made stairs. These ladders are made with safety rails and a top platform for easy

   mezzanine access. They are easily fitted with special brackets and can fold inwards to avoid taking up warehouse space.

    

   c)     Mezzanine Step Thru Ladder

         Mezzanine steps can also be a low cost access for a mezzanine. These have wheels with an                 automatic safety lock and usually a safety bar on the top platform. The Step Thru Ladder                   allows easy access to a mezzanine. They come in many sizes, and you must buy one that                     allows a small step down to the platform from the mezzanine.

Mezzanine Floor Stairs, Safety and Compliance: Non-Negotiable

Australian Standards aren’t suggestions—they’re the minimum rules designed to keep users safe and

1. AS 1657: Covers industrial platforms, walkways, stairways, and ladders.
2. AS 1428: Focuses on design for access and mobility, ensuring the stairs work for everyone.

Fall Protection

1. Stairs must have continuous handrails and balustrades running from the ground floor all the way up to the mezzanine.
2. Balustrade height is necessary—minimum one meter above the walking surface to prevent falls.
3. The balustrading must be tight enough to stop a 125 mm sphere from passing through. This isn’t arbitrary; it’s about stopping small children or tools from slipping through and causing accidents.

Slip Resistance and Tactile Indicators, What to Look for in Good Mezzanine Stairs

1. Treads must be slip-resistant to reduce trip hazards—this isn’t just about gravel in the warehouse; even smooth floors get slick.
2. If your stairs pass through areas with less than 2 meters of clearance, tactile indicators must be installed at the top and bottom to warn users about low headroom.

Design and Accessibility: Dimensions That Make Sense

Forget wild guesswork. The stairs must be comfortable and safe to use every day. Here’s what the Standards require:

1. Maximum tread height (riser) is 190 mm. Anything taller feels like a climb, and you risk tripping.
2. Flights should have no more than eighteen risers to avoid exhausting people or creating hazards.
3. The combined rise and run (tread + riser) should add up to between 600 mm and 650 mm (that’s 60-65 cm) when doubled—this formula helps shape stairs that flow naturally underfoot.
4. Minimum stair width is 740 mm (74 cm). Narrower than that and you’re inviting accidents or awkward traffic jams.

Materials Matter - What to Look for in Good Mezzanine Stairs

If you don’t want to replace your stairs every few years, stick with industrial-grade materials. Here’s the straight talk:

1. Steel or aluminium is the gold standard for durability, especially in high-traffic or heavy-use areas.
2. Wood options are out there, but if you choose them, they better be reinforced and built tough. Otherwise, they’re a lawsuit waiting to happen.
3. Beware of cheap materials marketed as “cost-effective.” Over time, they cost you more in maintenance, downtime, or worse, injuries.

 

Extra Factors to Keep on Your Radar

1. Purpose: If your mezzanine stairs are for public access, you might need council approval. 
   
2. Space: Straight stairs are simple but take up a lot of room. Quarter or half-turn stairs save space but can cost more and may be less straightforward to use. Make sure your choice fits both your area and your workflow.
3. Fire Compliance: Depending on your building, your stairs might need to meet fire safety regulations, which usually requires assessment by a qualified fire engineer.

 

Quick Checklist Before You Buy:

1. Complies with AS 1657 and AS 1428 (double-check specs)
2. Continuous handrails and balustrades, min 1m height
3. Balustrade gaps less than 125 mm
4. Handrail height 865–1000 mm, uninterrupted along stairway
5. Slip-resistant treads installed.
6. Tactile warning indicators if clearance below 2m
7. Maximum riser height 190 mm, no more than eighteen risers
8. Rise + run formula between 60–65 cm.
9. Stair width at least 74 cm
10. Industrial-grade materials (steel or aluminium preferred)
11. Fire compliance checked if applicable.
12. Council approval obtained for public access

 

What to Look for in Good Mezzanine Stairs Summary

Good mezzanine stairs aren’t about cutting corners or snagging the cheapest deal. They’re about ticking all the safety boxes, being comfortable to use, and lasting for years without constant repairs or headaches.

If a supplier avoids talking specifics or can’t prove compliance, keep looking. You deserve stairs that work for you, not ones that’ll cost you more down the line.

If you want more practical advice on mezzanine stairs or need help navigating the standards maze, contact Car Covers and Shelter to discuss and supply the best option for you.