Regal QuickStep® Aluminum Stair System

The QuickStep aluminum stair system delivers 4,400+ pound capacity per step and installs in half the time of traditional wood stringers. Built for contractors who need stairs that handle Montana snow loads without the maintenance headaches of pressure-treated lumber.

Load Capacity and Weather Performance

The system handles greater than 4,400 lbs per step at 36-inch spacing — critical when decks carry 100+ pounds per square foot of snow. High strength S-Glass fiber treads are flameproof and waterproof, eliminating the warping and cracking that destroys wood stairs after three Montana freeze-thaw cycles.

The aluminum stringers feature never-rust aluminum alloy construction with UV-protected powder-coat finish (RAILCOAT™) that resists the intense UV at Montana elevations. Wood stairs need restaining every two years at altitude. These don’t.

Pre-engineered dimensions of 7.5” rise and 10.5” run match standard deck heights while exceeding code with minimum 10 inches nose-to-nose tread run. The system supports configurations from 1 to 9 steps, with connector kits allowing runs up to 14 steps without intermediate landings.

Specification	Value
Weight Capacity	Greater than 4,400 lbs per step at 36” spacing
Rise per Step	7.5 inches (190 mm)
Run per Step	10.5 inches (267 mm)
Tread Dimensions	48” L x 11” D x 1.5” H
Maximum Stringer Spacing	36 inches (914 mm)
Available Steps	1 to 9 step sets; up to 14 with connectors
Finish Options	White, Textured Black, Yard Bronze
Tread Colors	Slate Gray, Natural Cedar

Installation Speed That Matters

QuickStep installs in approximately half the time of traditional cut-to-size wood stringers. Montana’s construction season runs late April through early October — every saved day counts.

The basic installation follows six steps: measure total rise and select appropriate stringers, mount top of stringers to deck framing with lag bolts, swing bottom into place and fasten to landing surface, insert S-Glass treads into undermount channels and secure from beneath, tuck riser covers into place with color-matched screws. For runs over 9 steps, use a Connector Kit to join two stringers together.

The undermount installation system hides fasteners, delivering a clean look without exposed screw heads collecting ice and debris. Required tools include drill/driver, socket set for lag and carriage bolts, level, tape measure, rubber mallet for PVC caps, saw with fine-tooth non-ferrous metal blade if trimming is needed, and bit extender to reach rear screw locations.

The pre-cut aluminum eliminates measuring errors that plague site-built stringers. No notching, no calculating rise and run, no discovering your bottom step is two inches shorter than the rest.

Beyond Code Compliance

The system meets or exceeds U.S. and Canadian building code specifications (IRC and IBC). Approved for up to 12 storey use in Multi-Family applications — overkill for residential decks but proof of serious engineering.

Compatible with composite, PVC, and wood decking brands including Trex and Azek as long as structural framing is adequate. The system integrates with Regal Railing Systems (aluminum and glass), Regal Inline Stair Posts, Regal CrystalRail system, and Regal Universal Stair Brackets.

S-Glass composite treads feature anti-slip grooved surface and dimensional stability — treads do not twist, expand, or shrink. Wood treads cup and split. Composite boards get slippery when wet. These S-Glass treads grip in rain and snow without the maintenance.

Stringer sets include one pair of aluminum stringers (left and right). Treads are sold individually or in sets with S114 self-drilling screws often included. Riser covers are sold individually with WCS-50 color-matched screws sold separately. Connector kit includes two 52.25” posts, adapter brackets, cross-brace, and base plate.

The aluminum construction handles Montana’s 200-degree annual temperature swing without the expansion issues that crack concrete stairs or the rot that kills wood stairs at the ground connection. Smart contractors switched to aluminum stairs years ago.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much snow weight can QuickStep stairs actually handle? The system supports greater than 4,400 lbs per step at 36-inch spacing. That translates to handling several feet of heavy, wet Montana spring snow without structural concerns. The aluminum stringers won’t bow under load like wood.

What’s included when ordering the complete system? Stringer sets come as pairs (left and right). S-Glass composite treads and aluminum riser covers are sold separately. Treads often include S114 self-drilling screws. Riser covers need WCS-50 color-matched screws sold separately. Connector kits for runs over 9 steps include posts, brackets, cross-brace, and base plate.

Do these stairs work with existing deck railings? Yes — compatible with Regal’s aluminum and glass railing systems, inline stair posts, CrystalRail system, and universal stair brackets. Also works with composite, PVC, and wood decking from major brands like Trex and Azek.

How long does the finish last at elevation? The RAILCOAT™ premium UV powder-coat finish resists peeling and fading. The finish meets AMA-2603 standards for powder-coat finishes and comes with 20-year limited structural warranty for residential use.

Can these handle the temperature swings near Great Falls? Absolutely. The high-strength aluminum alloy construction handles extreme temperature cycling better than any other stair material. Unlike concrete that cracks or wood that warps, aluminum expands and contracts predictably without structural damage.