Have you ever seen a set of stairs that look floating in mid-air? These stairs, known as “floating stairs,” are becoming increasingly popular due to their sleek and modern look.
Floating staircases have become more popular in recent years because of their elegance and creating the wow factor!
What Makes A Staircase Look Like Its Floating
A staircase that appears to float is a stair design achieved by having unsupported floating treads with open risers. This can be accomplished through the use of glass, or other see-through products.
Various staircases appear to float, each with a unique look, often with a stainless steel or glass railing. However, they all share the same basic principle: the treads appear suspended in midair, with open risers, giving the staircase a light and airy feel.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, floating staircases are easier to clean and maintain than traditional stairs and complete the design with a glass balustrade around the stair opening. As a result, they are a popular choice for both homes and businesses.
Unique Modern Floating Stairs
Floating stairs attach the steps to a wall or other structure using hidden brackets or screws. The steps of a floating staircase are usually made of wood or metal.
The key to making floating stairs appear to float is to ensure the supports are completely hidden from view.
What Are The Benefits Of A Floating Staircase
Since open-plan living has become increasingly popular in recent years, many homeowners are looking for ways to create more open spaces with clean lines.
One way to do this is by incorporating floating staircases and a glass railing with stainless steel fixings. Floating staircases are a popular choice for residential projects because they create the illusion of more space and can be customized to suit the home’s entrance foyer design.
In addition, floating staircases add a touch of luxury and can help make a home stand out from the rest with many design options.
If you’re considering floating staircases for your next new Home Project, consider the following benefits.
Ways To Create Floating Stairs
While many ways exist to create floating staircases, some methods are more popular. One of the most common ways to achieve the floating staircase look is by using glass treads.
Glass floating stairs are achieved by attaching glass panels to the risers and stringers using brackets or screws. The result is a sleek and modern staircase.
Spiral Staircases Create A Floating Look
One of the most popular ways to create floating stairs is with a spiral staircase.
Spiral staircases can suit awkward spaces and be customized to suit your specific needs.
However, because many safety codes relate to staircases set down by the International Code Council, spiral stairs could be as difficult to fit in a small space as a regular staircase.
Mono Stringer Floating Stairs With One Central Stringer
The treads are attached to a single central beam or string in the mono-stringer floating staircases.
Mono-stringer staircases are often used in contemporary and minimalist designs.
They can be made from various materials, including wood, glass, and steel.
Mono stringer staircases offer a sleek, modern look and can be customized to fit any space.
In addition, they are relatively easy to install and require minimal maintenance.
As a result, mono-stringer staircases are an excellent option for any home or office but are also popular in many residential house styles, such as Barnodminiums. If you’re interested in finding out more, visit Viewrail.
Steel Frame Cantilever Stairs
The most effective-looking floating stair that seems to defy gravity is cantilevered. There is a steel stringer that is connected to the wall under the drywall. This hidden steel stringer provides support for the floating stair. There are thin supports connected to the stringer. Each support is covered with stair treads such as oak or glass. The connection of the stair to the wall allows it to appear as if it is floating
This illusion is created by hiding the stringer and attaching the thick treads directly to the wall.
The result is a beautiful and unique straight staircase.
The drawing shown above would suit a masonry wall, whereas it’s likely that a steel post fixed into the foundation and hidden within the timber wall would work just as well, although it would be more expensive floating stairs.
They also add to the wow factor if you want to build a unique house plan.
Are Floating Stairs Safe?
Yes, floating stairs are safe; they are just as safe as any other type of staircase because they must meet minimum building codes.
The key is to ensure they are installed correctly and regularly inspected for any damage or wear and tear.
You need to check the Building Code in your area about stair railings, as this may vary.
Railing prevents a person from falling and assists the infirm or young to ascend and descend the stairs safely.
There may also be safety codes to prevent a child from climbing the stainless steel stair railing.
There are lots of images on the web with stairs without any form of barrier, but these may be for aesthetic purposes of the image only.
Alternative To A Floating Stair
If money isn’t a consideration, and you would like an alternative to a floating stair to create that wow factor, look at Helical Stairs.
These are very similar to floating stairs but with a few key differences.
Helical Stairs often have a central column that supports the treads.
This column can be made from various materials, including wood, metal, or glass.
Commercial buildings often use helical staircases because they offer a sleek and modern look. However, they can also be used in residential homes.
A helical staircase could be the perfect option if you’re looking for a unique and eye-catching staircase.
Maybe you can achieve this look with a second staircase to a small space like an attic or mezzanine.
Conclusion To Floating Staircase
Some of these stair designs can be ordered as a kit. Others, such as the cantilever-designed ones, will require a structural engineer to ensure the wall that the staircase is fixed to is adequate.
A steel fabricator can create the staircase for you, to be later finished with glass, stainless steel or oak finishes per your custom design to create your staircase vision.
