Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What spacing do you need for benches with backs and /or stadium chair seats?
   • Thirty inches for backs and thirty-three for stadium chairs.
2. What is the difference between Gross Seating Capacity and Net Seating Capacity?
   • Gross seating is the total seating area (Total rows multiplied by seating area length, divided by 1.5 inches). Net seating is the gross seating, less the seating lost due to aisles and handicap spaces requirements. Net seating will vary based on Building Code requirements.
3. What information does Sturdisteel need to help with the design of our stadium?
   • The general information required to start design is venue type, seating capacity, Building code, site condition, future expansion and geographic location. Once generated, design drawings and specifications can be sent via e-mail or fax. Sturdisteel's drawings are in Auto Cad format and specifications are in Microsoft Word format.
4. Why is my aluminum discolored?
   • Sturdisteel Company designs, fabricates and installs grandstands, bleachers, and stadium seating in all 50 states and overseas. Aluminum extrusions are used for seats, riser boards and footboards in all of our designs. The seats and riser boards are usually specified to have an anodized finish, which provides a uniform satin protective film finish on the aluminum. The footboards are usually specified and provided with a mill finish, which is shinny when new and dulls with age and usage. This practice has been prevalent since aluminum extrusions were first introduced over 30 years ago.
     
     Our customers usually purchase mill finish because it is less expensive than anodized finish and it provides the customer the most economical product. Use of mill finish aluminum results in water stains and discoloration of some or all of the footboards, Aisles, walkways, and ramps where mill finished aluminum footboards are used are heavy traffic areas in the grandstand or bleacher. They are subject to foot traffic, mud and spilled beverages and food in addition to any water stains and discoloration encountered during construction. Over time the footboards used in these areas will darken and stain under weather and normal usage wear because they are not anodized. The used look and blend in color and stains are and have been standard industry practice for many years.
     
     The Aluminum Association of America literature provides a detailed explanation of the cause and result of water staining of mill finish aluminum. The important facts are:
     
     They are caused by entrapment of moisture between adjacent surfaces of closely packed material in transit or in storage at the job site during construction.
     
     Water stains are superficial and do not cause any change to the mechanical and structural properties of the metal.
     
     Condensation is the most probable cause of waler stains and cannot be avoided during transportation and material staging at an outdoor construction site.
     
     Sturdisteel considers that stained/discolored mill finish footboards are a normal and cost effective part of our grandstand design that meets all requirements in our standard specifications.
     Customers who want a more uniform protected appearance with better resistance to stain have the option to order all of the footboards anodized at an additional cost. Please contact your Sturdisteel Sales Representative regarding this option. If you choose to use mill finish footboards, expect that water stained boards will be installed.
5. What is the difference between interlocking deck and welded deck?
   • Both systems are means by which the planks are connected to reduce deflection or the "springboard effect" of, individual footboards. The spectator has the feel of waling on a solid plank. In addition, both systems reduce the amount of liquids which can get through creating a drier area underneath the stand.
     
     Interlocking as the word indicates, has a male/female locking system which connects the planks. This is achieved by the extrusion of the footboards and creates the rigid feeling of the walking surface.
     
     Welded decks are achieved by actually welding the seams of the footboards when they are side by side. This achieves the same rigidity, however, the moisture will flow to the butt joints (end to end placement of planks) which are typically not welded.
     
     Aluminum tends to expand and contract with severe changes in temperature and can break the welded seams over time. Although Sturdisteel offers both systems we recommend the interlocking system as a superior system.
6. Why use aluminum frames on bleachers?
   • Aluminum frames are requested on a variety of bleachers in lieu of galvanized steel. Aluminum frames can be beneficial for small units (70 seats or less) which will be moved from location to location frequently. The light weight of aluminum makes this easier.
     
     However, for bleachers which will not be moved galvanized steel frames make more sense. On any permanent grandstand, all structural members are galvanized steel. If steel is the choice of metal on the larger projects, why not on bleachers?
     
     Today, many bleachers are anchored to concrete slab are not going to be moved, so the light weights of aluminum offers no benefit. Steel is also a stronger metal and will handle the usages over time better than aluminum. Sturdisteel recommends galvanized steel on all bleacher products.
7. I want color. Shouldn't I paint the seats?
   • Color is becoming increasingly more popular on today's bleacher and grandstands. The part of the stand which is visible to the spectator when looking at it is the vertical riser board not the seat. The riser board is anywhere from 6" to 13" high and does offer visible color to a stand. The seat is 1 1\2 " high and is not as visible when looking at it.
     
     In addition, people walk on the seats and will see a great amount of wear and tear on the color. Also, spectators tend to scratch or vandalize the colored seats making them an eyesore, rather than a benefit. Sturdisteel recommends coloring riser boards not seat boards.
8. I don't want the fencing and rails on my bleachers, what can I do?
   • This is a touchy area for both customer and bleacher manufacturer. The adage of the "customer is always right", may not be true in this situation. All bleacher manufacturers are required to comply with building codes, both local and national. Any portion of a bleacher over 30" in height above grade requires a protective guardrail system, so that no sphere greater than 4" may pass through. Any gap in the rail system or bleacher playground.
     
     Due to liability issues it is the prudent thing to furnish bleachers which meet code. Sturdisteel bleachers meet the building code requirements.
9. Is painted steel better than galvanized?
   • In today's grandstand specifications painted steel is becoming more popular due to the authentic value of color. Is this better than galvanized steel? In our opinion, no. Galvanized steel is a maintenance free coating which has been used for decades. It provides the most cost efficient means of protecting the steel from rust and corrosions.
     
     Galvanizing steel is a metallurgical bonding process which gives a longer life cycle of the stadium than painted steel. In addition, scratches on the painted steel require frequent touch ups while galvanized steel is abrasive and self healing. When specifying your grandstand we recommend galvanized steel.
10. Why can't shop drawings be submitted with bids? What are shop drawings?
    • Shop drawings are the items sent for approval prior to the beginning of the manufacturing process. They are a detailed listing and drawing of every part of the grandstand. This is a timely and costly process and is only done after the award of the project.
      
      To require shop drawings to be submitted with a bid is unrealistic and limits the competitive bid process. Typically what is submitted is a typical cross section and seating layout to show a schematic of what will be furnished. Shop drawings should never be required with a bid.
11. What does portable bleachers mean?
    • The biggest misnomer in our industry is the term "portable bleacher". This term connotes the image of easy movement of a bleacher. Can a bleacher be moved? Yes. Anything can be moved. Is it easy? Depends on the size. Three (3) row and five (5) row bleacher that are 21' or less can be easily moved with a mobile unit. This is a wheel and tongue unit which attaches to the bleacher allowing it to be pulled to a different location.
      
      Larger bleachers require much more time and work to be moved, and any bleacher over 140 seats probably requires total disassembly to move. Be careful when you hear the term "portable bleachers"!
12. My site is not leveled? What are my options?
    • Site conditions obviously affect the type of product you need for your seating requirements. Angle frame bleachers require a level site to be placed. This can be concrete slabs, concrete runners, asphalt, gravel, crushed stones, etc.
      
      If your site is sloped, then the custom designed permanent grandstand is your product. Individual concrete footings are used as the foundation. A severe slop can effect the cost of the project as the foundation becomes more expensive to install.
13. I want more knee space, what are my options?
    • Comfort is obviously a consideration in your project. Knee space is an important factor in this process. Knee space varies from a minimum of 24" per row to a maximum of 33" per row. In addition, building codes dictate tread depths based on the type of seat. Benches with backrests require a minimum of 30", and chairs require 33".
      
      Take these factors into consideration when purchasing your bleachers or grandstand.
14. Can't you make the aluminum softer?
    • Sorry, no can do. Aluminum is an extruded product and is hard by it's nature. Sturdisteel recommends you support your local booster club and buy their seat cushions.