Miscellaneous metals is the catch-all category for essential metal components that don’t fall under heavy structural steel. These are the stairs you climb, the guardrails that keep you safe, the bollards that protect entryways, or the mezzanine that allows technicians to safely reach equipment.
At Macy Industries in Hooksett, New Hampshire, miscellaneous metals work is one of our specialties. Our team designs, fabricates, and installs custom metal solutions tailored to each project. Whether it’s a custom railing system, a mezzanine for equipment access, or architectural metal details that enhance a space, Macy brings the expertise to deliver from start to finish.
What Are Some Examples of Miscellaneous Metals?
Miscellaneous metals cover a wide range of components, often custom-designed for a particular building. Some of the most common examples include:
- Stairs, platforms, and catwalks
- Railings, handrails, and guardrails
- Ladders, ladder cages, and roof access systems
- Equipment supports, pipe racks, and custom brackets
- Mezzanines and grating systems
- Architectural metals such as decorative panels, trim, or stainless countertops
These parts are typically fabricated from steel, stainless steel, or aluminum, and while they may not carry the massive loads of structural beams, they require precision in fit, finish, and durability. That’s why general contractors and building owners turn to custom steel fabricators like Macy Industries for dependable results.
Why Are Precision and Finish so Important in Miscellaneous Metals?
Unlike structural steel hidden behind walls, many miscellaneous metals remain highly visible. For example, a stairway in a lobby, a balcony railing, or a stainless countertop at a car dealership are permanent features that people see and interact with daily.
That visibility changes everything about how we approach a project. On an industrial jobsite, we might fabricate galvanized steel stairs that prioritize function since they work in the background. In contrast, a grand staircase in a corporate office lobby is a centerpiece. As such, the quality of the welds, the finish of the railings, and the way everything aligns all matter a lot.
During the project quoting phase, we work to understand precisely what the architect is looking to achieve, since a high-end office build-out requires a different level of finish than a warehouse application. By clarifying those expectations upfront, we make sure the final product meets code requirements and the visual standards for the space.
Why Work with a Full-Service Miscellaneous Metals Fabricator?
Many metal shops offer fabrication alone, leaving architects or contractors to coordinate design approvals and installation separately. But at Macy Industries, we handle all of it.
For General Contractor Projects
For general contractors, this one-stop approach is not just appreciated, it’s expected. When they put out a miscellaneous metals package, they need the fabricator to deliver shop drawings, coordinate structural engineering approvals, handle fabrication, and manage installation. Every qualified miscellaneous metals fabricator competing for this work will do the same.
Miscellaneous metals fabricators typically enter these projects once the architectural package is well developed. By the time we receive a call or request for quote, the GC has already selected an engineer, reviewed preliminary drawings, and is ready for pricing. At that point, our team reviews the existing architectural plans and quasi-design package to develop an accurate bid.
From there, we take over the detailed work, such as producing shop drawings, coordinating with structural engineers for calculations and approvals, and planning fabrication and installation logistics. While we are not typically involved in the earliest design phases on GC projects, early communication about site conditions, access constraints, or unique challenges helps prevent issues down the line.
For Direct Customers
Our design, fabricate, install approach really stands out in the work we do with end customers such as businesses, schools, or homeowners who need miscellaneous metals for their property but do not have a general contractor managing the process.
In many cases, these customers come to us with a simple idea such as “we need stairs between our two floors,” or “we have a safety issue with equipment access.” They may not realize everything involved in turning that concept into an installed reality, which is where working with our New Hampshire-based team makes the difference.
For direct customers without a GC managing the project, the conversation can start much earlier, often with just a concept or an identified need. In those cases, we are involved from day one, helping shape the solution from the ground up.
We handle:
- Design development and engineering coordination
- Structural calculations and stamped drawings
- Permitting assistance when needed
- Fabrication in our Hooksett facility
- Delivery and professional installation
For these direct customers, our full-service approach means one phone call, one point of contact, and one company responsible for the entire project.
Case Study: Custom Stair System Solves Security Issue for Newburyport Consulting Firm
A recent project in Newburyport, MA highlights the impact of miscellaneous metals on a building’s functionality and aesthetics. A financial consulting firm operating on two floors had no internal stair connection between levels. Employees were forced to exit one floor, use an external entry, and re-enter on the other level. This workflow issue also created security concerns for a business handling sensitive information.
Macy designed, fabricated, and installed a new internal stair system with painted steel stringers, multiple landings, cable railings, and handrails throughout. The two-day installation allowed for seamless movement between floors while maintaining the business’s sophisticated aesthetic.
Case Study: Emergency Mezzanine Installation Prevents Workplace Injuries
In another example, a local aerospace company faced a safety issue with their brazing process. Workers had to lean over a large salt pot to clean it, using step ladders and shovels. The setup had already led to injuries.
Macy was brought in to solve the problem on an accelerated timeline. Our team designed and fabricated a custom mezzanine system that provided safe, ergonomic access around the equipment. The mezzanine addressed the immediate safety hazard, improved operational efficiency, and delivered a clean finished appearance, all while keeping the client’s production schedule on track.
Building Codes and Safety Requirements
Every railing, stair, and platform must meet building codes before a certificate of occupancy is issued. Macy’s experience ensures compliance with standards such as:
- Stair dimensions: Tread depth 11–12 inches; riser height 7–8 inches, with steps kept within 1/16 inch of each other to reduce trip hazards.
- Guardrail requirements: 42-inch minimum height to prevent falls.
- Picket spacing: Openings no larger than four inches to protect against entrapment.
In addition, OSHA requirements shape the design of machine guards, mezzanines, and custom safety platforms. Macy keeps up with evolving standards so customers do not face costly rework or inspection delays.
Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf: Why Fabrication Matters
Some miscellaneous metals, such as pre-fabricated stairs, stock bollards, and decorative railing systems can be ordered online. It’s not uncommon for architects to browse catalogs and glean inspiration for the design of these products, only to modify them just enough that an off-the-shelf option no longer fits the project.
Even when a catalog product seems like a match, there are trade-offs to consider:
- Fit issues: Field conditions rarely match catalog dimensions exactly. Custom fabrication accounts for actual site measurements and conditions.
- Quality and construction: Online parts typically ship in pieces with bolted connections that require hardware and assembly. Custom fabrication delivers welded, solid components built as single assemblies.
- Accountability: When a pre-made part does not fit or needs adjustment, the GC or customer owns the problem. With custom fabrication, Macy remains responsible through final installation.
For general contractors and building owners who need precision, durability, and support throughout the process, custom fabrication eliminates the risk of “close enough” solutions that create problems in the field.
Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf Metals
| Factor | Off-the-Shelf Metals | Custom-Fabricated Metals |
|---|---|---|
| Fit & Dimensions | Standard sizes, may not match site conditions | Measured and built for exact conditions |
| Quality & Construction | Bolted and assembled in the field | Welded solid and built as one piece |
| Appearance | Basic finishes | High-quality welds and architectural grade finishes |
| Accountability | GC or customer responsible for fixes | Fabricator oversees and takes responsibility for the entire process (design through installation) |
What Are the Latest Trends in Commercial Metal Fabrication?
Material preferences and design approaches are evolving alongside broader architectural trends. Based on recent projects, Macy’s team is seeing several notable shifts.
Cable rail systems continue to gain popularity in both commercial and office settings. These modern, minimal systems appeal to architects for their clean sightlines and contemporary aesthetic, allowing visibility while maintaining required safety standards.
Stainless steel specifications have increased significantly post-COVID, moving well beyond traditional applications. In automotive dealerships, for example, stainless used to be limited to parts counters in service areas. Recent projects show stainless specified throughout customer-facing spaces, with a recent Hyundai dealership project including 15 separate stainless steel countertops. The material offers durability, easy cleaning, and an upscale appearance that appeals to facility managers and architects alike.
Architectural applications are also expanding. Projects increasingly call for metals that combine structural function with aesthetic impact. These include decorative panels, custom trim work, and featured metalwork.
These trends reflect evolving priorities around maintenance, longevity, and visual appeal. As building owners consider lifecycle costs rather than just initial investment, durable materials like stainless steel show their value despite higher upfront costs.
Working with Macy Industries
From custom railings and mezzanines to architectural details and safety platforms, Macy Industries has the people, processes, and equipment to bring projects to life.
Miscellaneous metals may be a catch-all category, but these products make a major impact on how buildings look and function. Macy Industries specializes in turning these essential details into high-quality, long-lasting solutions for general contractors, architects, and private clients throughout New England.
Ready to discuss your project? Contact Macy Industries to learn more about our design, fabrication, and installation services for miscellaneous metals.