Workshop vs. On-Site Fabrication — Preparation steps
Category: Preparation steps
Comparison of industrial prefabrication and on-site craftsmanship.
Two basic fabrication philosophies are distinguished in stair construction. In workshop fabrication, all components – stringers, treads, wreath pieces, railings – are precision-prefabricated in the workshop on CNC processing centres and then delivered to the site ready for installation. The on-site installation effort is minimal, surfaces are finished dust-free in climate-controlled rooms, and building moisture cannot harm the components. On-site fabrication, by contrast, fits the staircase directly on the building and allows corrections when the layout or floor-to-floor height is not perfect. Modern wooden staircases are today almost always produced following the workshop model; pure on-site fabrication persists only in renovation projects on existing structures or in traditional carpentry.
Related terms
Related terms: Site Measurement, Custom Manufacturing, CAD-CAM in Stair Construction, Construction Protection, Stair Tolerances.