Functional Steel Objects

I used Staci Southwick of Functional Steel Objects for 2 projects on my home. When I realized an elderly gentleman was having trouble getting up and down the entry stairs of my rental property, I needed a railing to be built quickly and also needed it to look good with my 1906 Victorian house. I found Staci easy to work with and very understanding of my needs. She was able to create a railing that would improve the safety of my entryway and also looked great! She discussed with me the different options for painting and coating it. She installed the railings and I am so happy they look like they have always been on the house! I also used Staci to create a steel fireplace surround for my new gas fireplace/​heater. My house has a regular wall heater, and I wanted to install a more decorative heater that would also double as a fireplace. I purchased an insert, and she built the steel fireplace including hearth, and mantle to go around it. It looks absolutely great in my house and her design was perfect to go along with the look of the insert. She installed the fireplace and ensured that each detail was perfect! I absolutely love it and would recommend Staci for any project you have that involves metal!

In May, we ordered a simple, galvanized steel railing for an exterior stairway, and Staci Southwick produced an attractive design. However, the installation was unsatisfactory. The post holes for the vertical posts supporting the vertical railings were filled with concrete that did not match the existing concrete. The concrete was smeared around the holes, and there were gaps where the holes had not been completely filled. During installation, the welding process spewed sparks on our new fence, creating tiny burn holes. Staci had not thought to protect the surrounding area until we asked that she do so. In addition, she and her assistant left greasy fingerprints on our new gate.
Worst of all, the galvanizing, for which we paid extra and which should have been free of rust for decades, began to rust almost immediately because her assistant, in grinding off rough edges, had also ground off some of the galvanized coating on the steel. Her solution was to hand us a spray can of zinc paint to cover the rust, claiming that this solution was «permanent,» a claim that the paint manufacturer and the American Galvanizer’s Association do not make.
Her attitude was also a problem. In our dealings with her, she was combative, rude, and defensive. She complained that we had not given her a chance to repair the posthole and galvanizing damage. However, we had given her a chance to do a good job, and she failed. We did not trust her to do anything further, and she refused to reimburse us for the damage. A simple and heartfelt apology would have gone a long way toward mitigating our disappointment, but she’s also incapable of that.
She claims to have been in business for many years, but we are surprised, given how she treats her clients.

The home we purchased a couple of years ago dates back to the early 1980’s. It’s a split level which had a guard railing separating the living room from the dining room which was on the lower level. The railing was oak spindles and truly a relic. We decided to replace it with something more contemporary. Staci Southwick of Functional Steel Objects was recommended to us by a friend who had heard about an outdoor railing she had designed and built. We had Staci come out to the house and based on our furnishings, recommend what she thought would work. We were thrilled with what she came up with. It gives both rooms a very different feel. She was great to work with. Staci showed up when she said she would and delivered on budget and on time. When we re-​do our deck we will definitely talk to her about outdoor railings.

I love working with Staci! I have worked closely with her on stair rails, guard rails, custom table legs. I rely on the fact she loves to get into the details with you! Great creative, non-​uppity input.

Need a custom steel access door, interior/​exterior railings, or a ladder for your loft? Or how bout a cool looking accent table or chair made of solid polished metal?
If so, Staci Southwick at Functional Steel Objects is your answer. Staci and her partner in crime G have custom fabricated window bars for my new loft (I live in West Oaktown, you can never be too safe) and a killer powder-​coated stainless steel ladder for my loft complete with dual railings and polished Douglas Fir steps. This thing really is the shit! The SHIZ-​NIT as a matter of fact.
And both of my projects were completed in a timely, professional manner at reasonable prices considering the very high standard of workmanship and attention to detail.
Check out Staci’s website for examples of her work, and keep in mind that wood of any type/​size/​color/​finish can be added to a project to create another subtle dimension and help your new steel masterpiece blend into almost any space.