MS Railings and Staircases
Mild Steel, Powder Coated or Galvanised
MS railing means mild steel railing, and an MS staircase is one built on a mild steel structure. Mild steel, often called MS or lokhand in the trade, is the workhorse of Indian staircases and railings. It is strong, stiff and economical, and it welds cleanly, which is why most of the staircases we build have a mild steel structure whatever their treads and railings are made of.
We fabricate MS railings and MS staircases in our workshop in Malad, Mumbai, finish them for the conditions they will live in, and install them across India.
MS Staircases and MS Railings
- MS staircases in straight, L-shaped and U-shaped flights, with a landing where the layout needs one.
- MS spiral staircases for mezzanines, lofts and terraces. See spiral staircases.
- External MS staircases for terraces, rooftops and upper-floor access, galvanised for the weather.
- MS baluster railings in slim square or round bars, the most cost-effective and adaptable railing system.
- MS handrails for staircases, landings and ramps.
- MS structures with other treads, including hardwood, stone and laminated glass on a steel frame.
The Finish Is the Protection
Mild steel will rust if it is left bare, so its finish is not decoration. It is the thing that keeps the steel sound, and the right one depends entirely on where the staircase or railing will be.
- Powder coating for interiors. A tough, even finish in any colour, with matte black the most requested.
- Hot-dip galvanising for terraces, rooftops and anywhere exposed. The zinc bonds to the steel and protects it even where it is scratched.
- Galvanised then powder coated where an outdoor staircase or railing also needs a colour.
Paint alone is the false economy of outdoor steelwork: it looks the same on installation day and very different after two monsoons. Terrace and external staircases covers outdoor finishing in detail.
Mild Steel or Stainless Steel
MS costs less, can be any colour, and is the stronger choice for a staircase structure. It depends on its coating, so that coating has to be kept intact. Stainless steel costs more and needs no coating at all, which is why it is often chosen for railings in coastal and exposed positions. If the abbreviations themselves are the question, we explain what MS and SS actually mean.
A common and sensible combination is an MS staircase with a stainless steel railing. SS railings covers the stainless side.
The Dimensions We Build To
- Handrail height between 34 and 38 inches.
- Baluster gaps a small child cannot pass through, including at landings.
- The same rise on every step of a staircase.
- Treads that keep their grip when wet on external stairs, such as perforated or chequer plate.
How an Order Works
- Send the floor-to-floor height or the railing length, and a few photographs of the space.
- We quote against those measurements, covering fabrication, finish, transport and installation.
- The shop drawing is part of the contract and its cost is already in the quotation.
- Once the quotation is agreed, we survey the site, anywhere in India.
- The steelwork is welded and finished in our workshop and installed by our own team.
Most work is completed in 2 to 4 weeks from drawing approval. Larger or more intricate builds can take longer, and we confirm the timeline before fabrication begins.
Common Questions
Is MS the same as iron?
Mild steel is a low-carbon steel, and it is what most people mean when they say iron or lokhand railing today. It is stronger and more consistent than old cast or wrought iron, and far easier to weld.
Will an MS railing rust?
Only where its coating is broken. Keep the powder coat intact indoors, choose galvanising outdoors, and deal with any chip before the monsoon. Rust at the base of balusters explains where it starts and how to treat it.
Can an MS staircase be used outdoors?
Yes, when it is galvanised and detailed so water drains away from every joint. That is how we build terrace and external staircases.
Can you replace an old MS railing?
Yes. A new railing on a sound staircase is common work for us and often the simplest way to make a staircase safer.
What does MS work cost?
It depends on the height or length, the design, the finish and any treads or infill, so we quote against your measurements rather than publish a figure. What sets the price explains what moves the number.
Send Your Measurements
A floor height or railing length and a photograph are enough for us to recommend a design and a finish. Send your measurements, or see railings and balustrades and custom staircase solutions.