FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions – Dio-Met Fabrications Ltd
Technical Compliance & Regulations
Q - Do your products conform to building regulations?
A - The majority of our products (staircases, balustrades, balconies) are designed to meet current UK Building Regulations (Parts K, B, and BS 6180). However, final responsibility for checking compliance against specific project requirements, required floor loadings, and the item's intended use lies with the customer and their Local Building Control Officer (BCO). All structural steelwork is UKCA certified where applicable, a legal requirement.
Q - Is my staircase, glass floor system or balustrade UKCA certified?
A - Yes, all structural steelwork supplied by Dio-Met Fabrications Ltd is UKCA certified, assuring the quality and compliance of the steel components used in your installation.
Q - Do you design General Access Stairs for commercial buildings?
A - Yes, we routinely fabricate General Access Stairs. We design to meet the stricter regulations under Approved Document K.
Q - Are stainless steel wire balustrades safe for my children?
A - Due to safety concerns (the ladder effect- failing under BS6180), we strongly advise against horizontal wire rope balustrades in domestic settings. We recommend glass or vertical bar infills for residential projects.
Q - Do i need planning permission for a walk-out balcony?
A - Almost certainly- always check with your local planning authority to gain clarification if in doubt.
Product Specifics & Popular Items
Q - Do you supply walk-on glass floors or wine cellar doors?
A - Yes, this is one of our most popular bespoke products. We supply hinged walk-on glass floor systems and wine cellar doors, available with manual operation (gas struts) or fully electric automated systems. They are designed for a minimum load capacity of 150kg/sqm and use toughened laminated glass. See our dedicated Hinged Glass Floor / Wine Cellar Door FAQ for full specifications.
Q - Do you supply glass covers for wells or basement voids
A - Yes, we custom fabricate walk-on glass covers for wells, sumps, and basement voids. These are built using 25 to 33mm thick safety glass set in a steel frame. We can design for light display or access, and the system can be fabricated in any shape or size. Contact us directly for bespoke pricing on glass well covers.
Q - What kind of decking/floor can I use with your steel balcony kits?
A - Our framework is designed to accept composite decking as our standard preferred product. We can also integrate options like walk-on structural glass flooring or steel grating as part of the custom kit design.
Q - What grade stainless steel do you use?
A - We generally use G316 Marine Grade for external items and G304 for internal polished to 320 grit for a high quality finish. Please check the specific product page for your chosen item to confirm the material grade.
Ordering, Service & Logistics
Q- What areas do Dio-Met service?
A - Dio-Met Fabrications Ltd provides UKCA-certified metalwork nationwide. We dispatch products across the entire UK every week from our Sheffield workshops. International delivery is available by custom request.
Q - Do you install the products?
A - Yes, we offer a full installation service across the UK for most of our structural products (staircases, large balconies). For smaller projects, we offer the DIY kit option for self-installation.
Q - Do you have a showroom?
A - While we do not operate a traditional public showroom, you are more than welcome to visit and see where the magic happens. Our products can often be viewed at our Sheffield workshop and what is available to view will vary depending on our current orders going through production. If you wish to see any specific product, please contact us first so we can advise.
Q - How long will it take to manufacture my item?
A - Manufacturing times for bespoke items are generally 3-4 weeks from drawing sign-off. A firm individual lead time will always be provided on your quotation.
Q - How do you deliver glass balustrades or heavier items?
A - We use specialized pallet couriers to transport steelwork and protected glass across the UK. All pallet deliveries are strictly kerbside only. For larger jobs including staircases, walkout balconies or bigger wine cellar doors, these would be delivered by flatbed vehicle and customer required to provide offloading provisions.
Q - What payment methods do you accept?
A - We accept all major credit/debit cards, BACS transfer, PayPal, and cash at our Sheffield premises. Items cannot be paid for on delivery.
Q - What information do you require to provide a quotation?
A - Please provide photos, sketches, and dimensions. For bespoke work, also specify the intended use (domestic or commercial) as this affects design compliance.
Q - Can i cancel my order?
A - We can cancel standard products upon request. However, bespoke products cannot be cancelled once manufacturing has begun as they have no re-sale value. Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions.
Q - How are your prices so much cheaper than your competitors?
A - Our pricing advantage comes from our volume and efficiency. Working with major building contractors gives us excellent buying power for raw materials, and we pass these savings on to you.
