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When a backyard has no ground-level access and the design calls for a three-story deck with a custom spiral staircase, ordinary installation methods simply won’t work. That was exactly the case on a recent Mosaic Outdoor Living project — one that required precision engineering, detailed planning, and a full crane lift to complete safely and successfully.
In this project spotlight, we’re taking you behind the scenes of a crane-installed spiral staircase built in three 1,000-pound sections and assembled on site — and sharing what homeowners and trade partners had to say about working with Mosaic Outdoor Living.
A Complex Outdoor Living Build With No Backyard Access
This custom outdoor living project featured a three-story deck system paired with a three-story spiral staircase — but there was a major logistical challenge: there was no backyard access for traditional delivery and installation.
According to Kyle Kaniho, Owner of Action Security Iron, the staircase fabricator and installation partner:
Each section weighed approximately 1,000 pounds, requiring engineered rigging, coordinated lift planning, and precise placement from above the home.
This level of complexity is where professional outdoor living design-build teams and experienced trade partners make the difference.
Why Engineered Plan Sets Matter in Custom Deck & Stair Projects
One of the standout themes from Mosaic Outdoor Living’s trade partners is the level of preparation and documentation provided before installation begins.
Kyle from Action Security Iron noted:
“Mosaic is wonderful to work with. Of all of our clients, nobody else sends us full plan sets. We get full engineered plan sets for these, and we’re proud to be part of their projects. They build some of the coolest stuff in town.”
For large-scale outdoor structures — especially elevated decks, structural stair systems, and custom ironwork — engineered plans are critical. They ensure:
- Accurate measurements
- Structural integrity
- Safer crane operations
- Cleaner on-site assembly
- Fewer costly surprises
- Better coordination between trades
This planning-first approach is a key reason Mosaic Outdoor Living can confidently execute high-end, technically demanding builds.
Preparing the Homeowner for a Major Crane Lift
Large outdoor construction projects can feel overwhelming for homeowners — especially when cranes, heavy steel components, and multi-day installations are involved. Clear communication is essential.
Homeowner Elizabeth Masson shared her experience:
She emphasized how preparation helped reduce stress ahead of the lift day:
“They let us know from day one that this is going to be a big day, because they really prepared us for this day.”
For complex outdoor living projects, client communication and expectation-setting are just as important as craftsmanship.
The Reality of High-Risk Precision Installations
Crane lifts and structural stair installs leave little room for error. Every strap, measurement, and alignment must be correct.
Mosaic Project Manager Alex DuFur explained the mindset required:
He also highlighted the technical risks involved in crane-based installations:
“Straps can break, things can hit houses, things can hit stucco columns. Measurements could be off. So much room for error. Just trying to stay as professional and in front of any potential issues is key on these types of operations.”
From rigging to final bolt-up, the install demanded tight coordination between the crane crew, iron specialists, and Mosaic’s project management team.
The Pressure Behind the Lift — And the Payoff
For the fabrication and install team, the stakes were high. A mistake at this stage can mean major financial loss and project delays. Kyle described the night before the lift: “I didn’t sleep much last night. If you get it right, it looks like you’re a genius. And if you get it wrong, it’s going to cost you tens of thousands of dollars.” He also noted the risks during the lift itself: “As we're hanging it from the crane, it could bang into the deck. It could fall. There’s all kinds of things that can happen. But none of that happened today.” The result: a flawless install and a statement-piece staircase that elevates the entire outdoor space.
A Spiral Staircase That Elevates the Entire Outdoor Living Space
The finished staircase didn’t just solve an access challenge — it became the visual and functional centerpiece of the deck system.
Elizabeth, the homeowner, summed up the final result:
“Originally, I was incredibly overwhelmed by it. It made me really excited, but also really nervous… The decking itself is beautiful, but this just really makes it — just puts it way over the top. It’s absolutely beautiful. I love it.”
Choosing the Right Outdoor Living Builder for Complex Projects
Not every contractor is equipped to handle multi-story decks, structural stair systems, and crane-assisted installations. Projects like this require:
Engineered designs
Advanced project management
Experienced specialty trade partners
Detailed safety planning
Clear homeowner communication
Precision execution
Mosaic Outdoor Living specializes in custom outdoor living spaces, elevated decks, luxury structures, and complex installs that demand more than standard construction methods.
If you’re planning a high-end outdoor project and want it done right — from design through installation — working with an experienced, planning-driven team makes all the difference.
