Floating staircases are beautiful elements of modern architectural design. They give the illusion that the steps are unsupported, making them look very airy and open. The achievement of developing floating staircases has allowed them to be one of the most popular design choices for contemporary homes or commercial spaces that aim to invoke a more open space with an airy feel. This blog article outlines the functionality of floating staircases, what the various types are, the design considerations, installation, and the benefits and challenges of floating stairs.
What is a Floating Staircase?
A floating staircase, also known as “cantilevered staircase”, is when the treads of the staircase can be made to look like they are just “floating.” They appear to have no visible support structure underneath. This is because all the treads are independently supported on a wall or concealed support structure and there are no risers. Floating staircases can be made of a variety of traditional or modern materials, including wood, metal, glass and concrete. You can select from an array of artistic options with floating stairs. Floating staircases are associated with cleaner lines and a more open concept, leading to their popularity in modern homes.
How Do Floating Staircases Work?
Floating staircases function through their structural plan & design that combines the treads of the staircase, with a load-bearing system that is concealed. The support system (generally an inclined beam) is usually hidden within the wall or is part of a central support system that provides strength to hold the stairs in place. With floating stairs that are cantilevered, each tread is fixed to a support embedded inside the wall, so that there is a distribution of weight along the supporting element. The floating appearance is due to the lack of visible support. Alternatively, there are other designs such as stringers or mono stringers, that usually conceal their support under the staircase.
Types of Floating Staircases
Cantilevered Staircase
A cantilevered floating staircase is the most frequently used floating staircase, with treads fixed on one side to the wall or other supporting structures. A outside stairs for house appears to be floating because the support is hidden from view and the other end of the treads remain unsupported. This results in a clean and elegant staircase that supports minimalist designs.
Mono Stringer Staircase
In a stringer-supported floating staircase, the treads are supported by a stringer (an inclined beam-like element) generally placed along the center of the tread’s length, either visibly or hidden. This way, it has a floating look, while still allowing for a more approachable and easily installable means of support.
Double Stringer Staircase
Double stringer staircases have the same arrangement with two stringers running along the treads. This type of stair is usually related to a more traditional application where more support is needed, but offers the floating look with a stronger and more symmetrical support system.
Zig-Zag Floating Staircase
A zig-zag staircase has a supporting member that zig-zags along the same profile as the treads. Since the same profile of the staircase is followed, the supporting element/ stringer is not very prominently visible, but is still more clearly visible than in a cantilevered or mono-stringer staircase.
Spiral Floating Staircase
Spiral floating staircases have a continuously curved structure which is supported on a single vertical element that resembles a column. These are a good choice for spaces required for staircase with limited areas, as they are the most compact type of staircases available.
Helical Floating Staircase
Helical stairs, like spiral stairs, are curved but the treads spiral out, forming a circular, semi-circular or freeflowing shape. The floating nature can be made very obvious by using cantilevered supports or hidden structural beams to emphasise the sculptural/artistic aspect of the helical staircase design.
Floating Staircase Materials
Generally, the following materials are used to make floating staircases:
Glass Floating Staircase
Glass floating staircases utilize either transparent or frosted glass as a construction material for the treads. This not only increases the floating effect but also contributes to a contemporary, light feel for a space. Glass treads have concealed metal supports within the wall or recessed vertical posts to support the glass.
Metal Floating Staircase
Metal floating staircases are most often constructed from steel or aluminum materials, which provide a sleek and industrial appearance to a space. They can be used in both modern homes and commercial applications where a strong/ raw visual impact and durability are important.
Wood Floating Staircase
Wood floating staircases can provide a natural, and warm feeling, while retaining the floating look. Wood is popular because of its ability to blend with almost any interior design style, ranging from traditional to modern. Generally hardwood varieties are used as they are stronger and more durable.
Although these are the most commonly used materials, other materials like different types of plastic like FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic), stone and concrete can also be used.
Pros and Cons of Floating Staircases
Pros
- Aesthetic Appeal: The clean, modern look of floating staircases can improve the aesthetics of any space. Their minimalistic nature can be incorporated seamlessly into a contemporary design.
- Space Efficiency: The open, airy nature of floating staircases allows for the free movement of light and air, making spaces feel more open and larger.
- Customisability: Floating staircases can be made from a wide variety of materials, such as wood, glass, stone, concrete and metal, enabling design freedom. They can be customised to suit the specifics of your space and style.
- Increased Property Value: A well-designed floating staircase can add value to properties and make it unique and stylish.
Cons
- Cost: Floating staircases are often more expensive to design and build than traditional staircases. There are often custom materials and engineering that lead to higher prices.
- Structural Complexity: The nature of floating staircases means that precision engineering and skilled labour are required to fabricate a stair that is stable and safe. If floating staircases are poorly designed or constructed, the support structures may not be adequate, and the vibrations caused could be hazardous.
- Safety: Due to the lack of risers, floating staircases can be difficult to use and cause the legs of users to slip between treads. It can be especially dangerous when fast movements are undertaken and in high-traffic spaces.
How to Design a Floating Staircase
There are some important factors to consider when designing a floating staircase, including safety, material, and appearance. Start with the structure of the staircase. Will it be cantilevered? Will it be supported by stringers? Make sure the staircase you are designing meets building codes. Make sure there is a structure in place to support weight, and that any safety features, such as railings, are also taken into account. Once you have put together the staircase, be sure to select materials that are suitable for your interior design aesthetic, but also easy to maintain. Durability and structural integrity are also vital. Think about the environment where the staircase is located. You should consider the layout of the space, as well as the space’s natural light condition, and the overall room style. Floating staircases can work incredibly well in both open and closed designs. Consult a structural engineer or other construction professionals to ensure that the staircase design is structurally stable.
Conclusion
Floating staircases are an advanced aesthetic architectural component that not only can enhance a room, but also can make it look unique. The effort and expenses involved in their installation and maintenance are generally higher than those of traditional stairs, yet the visual merits and the possibility of different designs make floating stairs the ones most homeowners and business persons choose. With the right designing and fitting, floating staircases can become a stable and attractive part of home interiors.
FAQs
Yes, they are safe. However, correct construction and installation are required. The issue of the weight of the treads is properly solved, and building codes must be obeyed to prevent instability and hazards.
The cost of a floating staircase is variable because it depends on the materials, complexity of the design, and the installation. The standard cost of a floating staircase is between INR 1.5 lakh to 10 lakh, although this price can exceed depending on project-specific factors.
Floating staircases can be installed in most homes as long as the structural design is done appropriately. There must be a solid wall or enough space for stringers in order to properly set up the stairs.
Definitely, a floating staircase can be completely customised. Different materials, like wood, glass, and metal, as well as, open risers, spiral, or mono stringer designs, are some of the options that you can choose from.
Apoorva H P Achar