Metal Porch Stairs Painting in Lakeview, Chicago | Windy City Painters Lakeview is one of Chicago's most architecturally diverse neighborhoods — vintage courtyard buildings, rooftop-deck condos, newly converted three-flats, and classic brick two-flats all line the same block. What they share is this: exposed metal. Back porch stairs, handrails, balconies, and exterior landings define the rear streetscape of nearly every building in the neighborhood. And in Chicago, exposed metal without proper protective coatings doesn't last. Windy City Painters recently completed a full metal porch stairs painting project in Lakeview that illustrates exactly what professional metal refinishing looks like — and why preparation is everything. The Problem: Years of Chicago Weather Had Done Their Damage The client's back porch stairs were structurally sound — the diamond-plate steel treads were solid underfoot and the handrails were stable. However, the original paint system had long since failed. Surface rust had spread across the treads and risers. The old coating was peeling at every seam, edge, and weld point. Meanwhile, the black handrails were chalky and beginning to show rust at the bases. Notably, this is a pattern Windy City Painters sees constantly in Lakeview. The neighborhood's diverse housing stock — ranging from pre-war courtyard buildings to 1990s condo conversions — often features original metal porch work that has never received a proper professional refinish. Homeowners and property managers patch-paint over rust for years, which ultimately accelerates the problem rather than solving it. The solution isn't more paint. It's a complete system: mechanical rust removal, chemical treatment, primer, and a durable topcoat engineered for exterior metal. The Windy City Painters Process for Metal Porch Stairs Painting Windy City Painters approaches every metal porch stairs painting project with the same disciplined sequence. Consequently, our finishes outlast the competition by years. Step 1 — Mechanical Preparation Our crew wire-brushes all loose rust, flaking paint, and surface contamination from every tread, riser, stringer, and handrail section. For heavier rust accumulation, we use grinding discs to cut down to clean, bare metal. This step is non-negotiable. Additionally, we pay particular attention to weld seams, bolt plates, and edge returns — the spots where moisture consistently hides and rust reliably starts. Step 2 — Chemical Rust Treatment After mechanical prep, we apply a rust-converting primer to any remaining rust residue. This chemically neutralizes active rust and converts it into a stable, paintable surface. Moreover, the converter bonds to the metal and creates an additional barrier against future oxidation. Step 3 — Rust-Inhibiting Primer Windy City Painters then applies a full coat of oil-based, rust-inhibiting primer to all prepared metal surfaces. This primer penetrates bare metal and creates the critical bond layer that everything else depends on. Skipping this step — or substituting a latex primer — is the single biggest reason DIY metal paint jobs fail within one season. Step 4 — Two Topcoats of Industrial Enamel We apply two full coats of oil-based industrial enamel in the client's chosen color. For this Lakeview project, the stairs received a deep red finish and the handrails received gloss black — a classic combination that reads beautifully against the surrounding brick. Each coat is allowed to cure fully before the next is applied. Furthermore, we back-roll every surface to eliminate lap marks and ensure consistent film build. Step 5 — Final Inspection and Cleanup Windy City Painters inspects every inch of the completed work before calling a project done. We remove all masking, clean up the work area completely, and walk the client through the finished result. In addition, we advise on a maintenance schedule to maximize the life of the coating system. Why Metal Porch Stairs Painting Matters for Lakeview Properties Metal porch stairs are among the most visible exterior features of Chicago residential buildings. Therefore, their condition directly affects curb appeal, property value, and — most importantly — structural safety. Rust that penetrates deeply enough will compromise the structural integrity of stairs and railings. Meanwhile, peeling paint signals to buyers, renters, and neighbors that a property is deferred. In contrast, freshly refinished metal porch stairs signal exactly the opposite. They say the property is maintained, the owner takes pride in the building, and the structure is safe. For Lakeview landlords and homeowners alike, metal porch stair refinishing delivers an exceptional return on investment. Professional Advice for Lakeview Homeowners Before starting a metal porch stairs painting project, Windy City Painters recommends the following: Don't paint over rust. Any rust left beneath a topcoat will continue to spread and will lift the new paint within months. Mechanical removal is essential. Choose oil-based products for exterior metal. Latex paints don't adhere to metal as reliably and lack the film hardness needed to withstand foot traffic and freeze-thaw cycles. Time your project right. Ideal conditions for metal painting are 50°F–90°F with low humidity. Chicago's spring and early fall are perfect windows. Don't skip the primer. A properly applied rust-inhibiting primer is what separates a seven-year finish from a one-year failure. Budget for full prep. Preparation typically represents 60–70% of the labor on a metal refinishing project. That's where the money is well spent. Windy City Painters: Lakeview's Trusted Metal Refinishing Contractor Windy City Painters has refined the process of exterior metal painting and refinishing across Chicago's North Side and Near West Side. We work in Lakeview regularly — on courtyard buildings, two-flats, coach houses, and commercial properties — and we understand the unique demands that Chicago's climate places on exterior metal. As a result, our coating systems are selected and applied for maximum longevity in this specific environment. See more of our work and request a free estimate at www.windypainters.com. Ready to transform your Lakeview home? Contact Windy City Painters for a free estimate — visit www.windypainters.com today. Proudly serving Wicker Park, West Town, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Lakeview, Ukrainian Village, River North, and all of Chicago.

Think of the Girardi modular sectional sofa as a statement-making piece that incorporates contemporary design and boundless flexibility. The Girardi sectional consists of 2 corners and 2 armless sections that you can rearrange in a snap to meet your decor needs: looking for a 4-seat sofa - done, looking for an L shaped right facing chaise sectional -done, left-facing - also done. Pair with the Girardi Modular Ottoman for even more flexibility. With such a streamlined, contemporary piece of design, it is hard to believe so much can be accomplished. Upholstered in luxe velvet and finished with sleek gold tone solid metal Y-legs, the Girardi epitomizes form meeting function.

A perfect blend of old world charm and modern luxury, this home is sure to be a neighborhood favorite. An open layout with inviting fireplaces make this the perfect place for entertaining and relaxing. Around the home you will find unique stone accents, wood and metal staircases, custom kitchen and bathrooms, and a rec room complete with bar and pool table. This craftsman style residence uses a mix of the Boston Blend Mosaic and Square & Rectangular thin stone veneer. It was used as a kitchen backsplash, interior wall accent, on multiple fireplaces, and stone archways. Great care was taken so the stones could be installed without a mortared joint. Corners were used along archways to create the illusion of full thickness stones and to allow for a more consistent and complete look. Scattered throughout, the mason cut custom large pieces of stone and wood to use as focal points. New England’s finest real stone veneer was the perfect choice to pair with the rustic décor. The variety of colors offered in our popular Boston Blend complement any design setting with an elegant touch. For more photos and video, please visit www.stoneyard.com/973

Our clients had a very clear vision for what they wanted in a new home and hired our team to help them bring that dream to life. Their goal was to create a contemporary oasis. The main level consists of a courtyard, spa, master suite, kitchen, dining room, living areas, wet bar, large mudroom with ample coat storage, a small outdoor pool off the spa as well as a focal point entry and views of the lake. The second level has four bedrooms, two of which are suites, a third bathroom, a library/common area, outdoor deck and views of the lake, indoor courtyard and live roof. The home also boasts a lower level complete with a movie theater, bathroom, ping-pong/pool area, and home gym. The interior and exterior of the home utilizes clean lines and warm materials. It was such a rewarding experience to help our clients to truly build their dream. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

A new custom residence in the Harrison Views neighborhood of Issaquah Highlands. The home incorporates high-performance envelope elements (a few of the strategies so far include alum-clad windows, rock wall house wrap insulation, green-roofs and provision for photovoltaic panels). The building site has a unique upper bench and lower bench with a steep slope between them. The siting of the house takes advantage of this topography, creating a linear datum line that not only serves as a retaining wall but also as an organizing element for the home’s circulation. The massing of the home is designed to maximize views, natural daylight and compliment the scale of the surrounding community. The living spaces are oriented to capture the panoramic views to the southwest and northwest, including Lake Washington and the Olympic mountain range as well as Seattle and Bellevue skylines. A series of green roofs and protected outdoor spaces will allow the homeowners to extend their living spaces year-round. With an emphasis on durability, the material palette will consist of a gray stained cedar siding, corten steel panels, cement board siding, T&G fir soffits, exposed wood beams, black fiberglass windows, board-formed concrete, glass railings and a standing seam metal roof. A careful site analysis was done early on to suss out the best views and determine how unbuilt adjacent lots might be developed. The total area is 3,425 SF of living space plus 575 SF for the garage. Photos by Benjamin Benschneider. Architecture by Studio Zerbey Architecture + Design. Cabinets by LEICHT SEATTLE.

Timex Metals is a trusted Fin Tube Manufacturers in India, offering precision-engineered fin tubes for efficient heat transfer across demanding industrial applications. As a reliable Fin Tube Supplier, we provide durable solutions designed for thermal efficiency, corrosion resistance, and long service life. Our fin tubes are suitable for heat exchangers, boilers, condensers, air coolers, refineries, petrochemical plants, HVAC systems, and power generation equipment. As an experienced Fin Tube Supplier in India, we offer specialized products designed for diverse heat transfer requirements. Extruded Aluminium Fin Tubes provide excellent thermal conductivity and efficient heat dissipation for various applications. 'KL' Fin Tube solutions offer reliable fin bonding and enhanced heat transfer performance. These products are suitable for HVAC, refrigeration, process equipment, and industrial heat exchanger systems where consistent thermal performance and durability are essential. Our range also includes Integral Low Fin Tubes, designed with increased surface area to improve heat transfer efficiency while supporting compact equipment configurations. For international requirements, Fin Tube Supplier in Dubai can provide dependable sourcing solutions for industrial projects. Each product is manufactured with attention to material quality, dimensional accuracy, and performance requirements. We are also a leading Stainless Steel Electropolish Pipe Fitting Manufacturer in India.

Think of the Girardi modular sectional sofa as a statement-making piece that incorporates contemporary design and boundless flexibility. The Girardi sectional consists of 2 corners and 2 armless sections that you can rearrange in a snap to meet your decor needs: looking for a 4-seat sofa - done, looking for an L shaped right facing chaise sectional -done, left-facing - also done. Pair with the Girardi Modular Ottoman for even more flexibility. With such a streamlined, contemporary piece of design, it is hard to believe so much can be accomplished. Upholstered in luxe velvet and finished with sleek gold tone solid metal Y-legs, the Girardi epitomizes form meeting function.

A recessed flush-bolt latch secures the passive French door at the home office in this Scarborough renovation. The close-up shows the metal edge hardware, white panelled door and upper strike fitting, with the home office window and recessed ceiling light beyond. Part of Cedarstone Group Inc.’s 2024 whole-home renovation and second-storey addition in Scarborough, Toronto. This home office forms part of a whole-home renovation with a second-storey addition. The room combines coordinated interior doors, window detailing and wood flooring to create a flexible workspace within the renovated house. For homeowners researching a home office renovation in Scarborough or a full house remodel in Toronto, the project offers ideas for bringing workspace, daylight and consistent interior finishes into a larger renovation. Explore this project and Cedarstone Group Inc.’s renovation work at cedarstonereno.com.

A close view of the French door hinge shows its compact swing limiter in this Scarborough home office renovation. The metal limiter sits on the hinge pin above the hinge barrel, with padded contact points meeting the white door and frame. The detail focuses on the door-opening control hardware. Part of Cedarstone Group Inc.’s 2024 whole-home renovation and second-storey addition in Scarborough, Toronto. This home office forms part of a whole-home renovation with a second-storey addition. The room combines coordinated interior doors, window detailing and wood flooring to create a flexible workspace within the renovated house. For homeowners researching a home office renovation in Scarborough or a full house remodel in Toronto, the project offers ideas for bringing workspace, daylight and consistent interior finishes into a larger renovation. Explore this project and Cedarstone Group Inc.’s renovation work at cedarstonereno.com.

Modern art in public spaces Meet the Globe – an art object from glass commissioned from us by Marion SPA Hotel 4* located in the resort area of Bukovel in the Carpathians. A two-meter glass globe, which has already become a showpiece of the hotel, embellishes the terrace, inviting every guest to sink in the beauty. After all, we tend to appreciate art more when it transcends the brick boundaries of art-galleries and becomes a part of the landscape. The concept behind this art object is to reflect the cosmopolitan appeal of the hotel and to celebrate mountain-lovers from every corner of the globe who have come to enjoy the atmosphere of hospitality that Marion is renowned for. The construction of the globe designed in a joint effort of +object team and the chief architect of the hotel consists of 34 glass elements attached to a metal framework. The mirror surface of the sphere with the engraved map of the world reflects the clear skies and the surrounding beauty of the mountains. All this shiny elegance makes for a perfect picture, which is why hardly anyone leaves Marion without a selfie with the Globe.

Designed By: Robby & Lisa Griffin Photios By: Desired Photo
Wet bar - small contemporary single-wall light wood floor and brown floor wet bar idea in Houston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, marble countertops, brown backsplash and glass tile backsplash

Our clients were looking to build an income property for use as a short term rental in their backyard. In order to keep maximize the available space on a limited footprint, we designed the ADU around a spiral staircase leading up to the loft bedroom. The vaulted ceiling gives the small space a much larger appearance. To provide privacy for both the renters and the homeowners, the ADU was set apart from the house with its own private entrance. The design of the ADU was done with local Pacific Northwest aesthetics in mind, including green exterior paint and a mixture of woodgrain and metal fixtures for the interior. Durability was a major concern for the homeowners. In order to minimize potential damages from renters, we selected quartz countertops and waterproof flooring. We also used a high-quality interior paint that will stand the test of time and clean easily. The end result of this project was exactly what the client was hoping for, and the rental consistently receives 5-star reviews on Airbnb.

This renovation updates the home with a warm, modern material palette while retaining architectural character throughout. Natural wood, dark accents, warm metal finishes, neutral wall colors, and textured surfaces are repeated from room to room for consistency. The design also emphasizes existing volume and natural light, using exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, skylights, large windows, and open sightlines as key architectural features. Custom storage was incorporated throughout the home to improve function without adding visual clutter.

Luxurious "cube" of the historic building Habitat 67, our mandate consisted in designing both kitchen and bathroom and propose a design linked with the new owners taste. Afterward, our mission was stretched in the research and the specification of furnitures and accessories to finalize the layout of this apartment. Regarding the kitchen, we decided to go with a black matte finish cupboard doors which offers a wonderful constast with the orange counter top. It brings dynamism, youth and style in the entire space. In the same way, stainless steel appliances bring shine and light to this space. Furthermore, we can find different orange touches everywhere in this apartment, such as in the two armchairs, the bathroom furniture or with the Foscarini Lamp, ''Fly''. Sculptural, it shines brightly in the dining room and is highlighted by a black metal furniture and slate floor. A new fire place was also placed on a wall so that it could be seen from both the dining and the living room. Guillaume Gorini | Studio Point de vue

This renovation updates the home with a warm, modern material palette while retaining architectural character throughout. Natural wood, dark accents, warm metal finishes, neutral wall colors, and textured surfaces are repeated from room to room for consistency. The design also emphasizes existing volume and natural light, using exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, skylights, large windows, and open sightlines as key architectural features. Custom storage was incorporated throughout the home to improve function without adding visual clutter.

Luxurious "cube" of the historic building Habitat 67, our mandate consisted in designing both kitchen and bathroom and propose a design linked with the new owners taste. Afterward, our mission was stretched in the research and the specification of furnitures and accessories to finalize the layout of this apartment. Regarding the kitchen, we decided to go with a black matte finish cupboard doors which offers a wonderful constast with the orange counter top. It brings dynamism, youth and style in the entire space. In the same way, stainless steel appliances bring shine and light to this space. Furthermore, we can find different orange touches everywhere in this apartment, such as in the two armchairs, the bathroom furniture or with the Foscarini Lamp, ''Fly''. Sculptural, it shines brightly in the dining room and is highlighted by a black metal furniture and slate floor. A new fire place was also placed on a wall so that it could be seen from both the dining and the living room. Photo credit: Guillaume Gorini | Studio Point de vue

Modern art in public spaces Meet the Globe – an art object from glass commissioned from us by Marion SPA Hotel 4* located in the resort area of Bukovel in the Carpathians. A two-meter glass globe, which has already become a showpiece of the hotel, embellishes the terrace, inviting every guest to sink in the beauty. After all, we tend to appreciate art more when it transcends the brick boundaries of art-galleries and becomes a part of the landscape. The concept behind this art object is to reflect the cosmopolitan appeal of the hotel and to celebrate mountain-lovers from every corner of the globe who have come to enjoy the atmosphere of hospitality that Marion is renowned for. The construction of the globe designed in a joint effort of +object team and the chief architect of the hotel consists of 34 glass elements attached to a metal framework. The mirror surface of the sphere with the engraved map of the world reflects the clear skies and the surrounding beauty of the mountains. All this shiny elegance makes for a perfect picture, which is why hardly anyone leaves Marion without a selfie with the Globe.

This renovation updates the home with a warm, modern material palette while retaining architectural character throughout. Natural wood, dark accents, warm metal finishes, neutral wall colors, and textured surfaces are repeated from room to room for consistency. The design also emphasizes existing volume and natural light, using exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, skylights, large windows, and open sightlines as key architectural features. Custom storage was incorporated throughout the home to improve function without adding visual clutter.

Los Altos Hillside Home is a ground-up residence in Los Altos, California, designed around clarity, restraint, and a strong connection to the landscape. Built into a steep hillside, the home steps with the terrain to minimize disruption while maximizing views, outdoor space, and access to the surrounding landscape. A single horizontal roofline unifies the composition, while large-format glazing wraps the perimeter and blurs the boundary between indoors and out. Private decks, shaded patios, and direct garden access extend the living spaces into the hillside. Throughout the home, a restrained palette of warm wood, dark metal, and smooth plaster creates a consistent architectural language, with deep overhangs, aligned ceilings and soffits, and integrated built-ins reinforcing the sense of calm and precision.