The traditional stair has evolved into a floating stair with open risers and cantilevered treads that provide the illusion of floating.
When installing a floating staircase, keep these things in mind: structure, material, style, safety, and more.
The floating stairs have become a popular feature in urban bungalows and duplex apartments in recent years. A floating staircase is distinguished by the presence of open risers between the treads, which gives the staircase a floating appearance. A cantilever staircase is another name for this type of stairway. If you wish to create such a staircase in your home, here are some crucial points to consider.
Where should a floating staircase be installed?
A floating staircase is a terrific way to add light and openness to a room, and it’s best for a home with an open floor plan. The open risers give the interiors a light and airy feel, making them appear larger.
The floating staircase is best suited for modern decor since it creates a minimalist effect.
A floating staircase, unlike standard staircases, takes up very little room and is a great alternative for small homes. Engage the services of an architect to assist you in the creation of your stairwell.
Ensure the structural integrity and safety of the building
A structural engineer should always be consulted before designing a floating staircase. Because each thread is a separate piece, the structural engineer must account for a variety of load parameters in order to design an effective tread support system.
Each tread is pinned or bolted to the wall or to a hidden ‘stringer’ (a long structural part that supports the steps from below or at one end for a totally floating illusion) and welded together. Most floating stairs have a railing on at least one side, if not both sides, for added safety.
Styles of stairwell design
A straight flight, such as the one shown above, as well as L-shaped, U-shaped, and spiral stairs, are all options for floating staircases.
Select from a variety of materials.
Steel, various types of wood, and glass are typical materials for building a floating staircase.
Some homeowners choose stone for the treads, but the stone is a very heavy material that might put an excessive amount of strain on the load-bearing element, whether it’s the wall or a stringer.
Stick to the main proportions.
The vertical space between each riser should be at least 6 inches, and the tread depth should be at least 12 inches, just like typical stairs.
At 36 inches from each tread, the railing should be installed. Experiment with different lights. Incorporate concealed lighting beneath each tread to enhance the floating look of the floating staircase. Just look at how the diffused lighting creates a dramatic aspect for the floating staircase in this example.
Final thoughts
Installing mesh on the underside of your staircase, whether it’s a straight landing, half landing, or spiral landing, will make it seem safer and give it an industrial edge.
You won’t have entirely floating stairs or dull plain steps if you use metal mesh sheets for extra impact.
