Floating staircases merge functionality with aesthetic appeal to create an illusion of space and light within interiors.

These staircases, devoid of visible supports, appear to levitate, offering a minimalist yet striking feature in any home or commercial space.

Here at Floating Staircases UK, our team are able to design, install and maintain floating staircases of all types.

Through a blend of cutting-edge technology and traditional craftsmanship, we create staircases that are not only visually striking but are also built to the highest standards of safety and durability.

Why Use Us?

When considering enhancing your home or office space with an innovative, modern touch, floating staircases are a remarkable choice.

Our team specialises in the design, manufacturing, and installation of floating staircases, offering a unique blend of aesthetic appeal, functionality, and high quality materials.

The durability and safety of a floating staircase depend significantly on the materials used and the quality of the construction.

We source only the highest quality materials, from robust stainless steel, to elegant hardwoods, ensuring that your staircase is not only visually stunning but also built to last.

Choosing our team for your floating staircase renovation project means partnering with professionals who are passionate about delivering exceptional, bespoke renovation solutions.

We take pride in creating not just staircases, but also focal point points of beauty and craftsmanship that elevate the spaces they inhabit.

Let us help you turn your vision into reality with a new staircase design that blends form, function, and finesse.

Floating Staircase Types

There are many different types of floating treads and options and railing styles of floating staircase design ideas, some of these include:

Straight Floating Staircase

A straight floating staircase represents a minimalist and contemporary design choice that blends functionality with aesthetic appeal.

This type of staircase features steps that appear to be suspended or floating without visible means of support from beneath.

Typically, the illusion of floating stair treads is achieved through the use of strong structural support elements hidden within the wall or under the treads, or by using glass or metal supports that are less noticeable.

Curved Floating Staircase

A curved floating staircase is a visually striking architectural feature that combines the elegance of curved lines with the modern minimalism of floating steps.

This type of staircase appears to defy gravity, with each step seemingly suspended in air without visible means of support from beneath.

The absence of a traditional structural frame lends an open, airy, modern feel to the space, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and the sense of spaciousness within an interior.

Spiral Floating Staircase

A spiral floating staircase is an architectural element that combines the elegance of a spiral staircase with the minimalistic and modern aesthetic of floating stairs.

These staircases are designed to appear as if they are effortlessly ascending in a helical or spiral formation without the need for visible supports or a central column.

This whole floor design creates a striking visual impact, giving the impression of the wood floor and the steps floating in mid-air.

Cantilevered Floating Staircase

Cantilever staircases are an architectural feature that combines both aesthetic appeal and innovative engineering.

This type of staircase appears to float without any visible means of support, creating a striking visual impact.

The secret behind this innovative design lies in the cantilever principle, where each step is anchored at one end and protrudes out into the open space without support at the other end.

L-Shaped Floating Staircase

An L-shaped floating staircase is a contemporary architectural element that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal.

This type of staircase is designed to appear as if it’s floating, with no visible means of support underneath the steps.

The “L” shape refers to the staircase’s layout, which makes a 90-degree turn at a landing partway up, resembling the shape of the letter “L.”

This design is not only visually striking but it treads also practical, as it can fit into corners and utilise space efficiently.

Cost of a Floating Staircase

The cost of a floating staircase can cost a house anywhere between £5,000-£30,000.

This price is dependant on a lot of factors such as the type of staircase design, labour costs, and materials.

If you would like a more accurate cost, get in touch with our team today for a free no obligation quote.

What Influences the Price of a Floating Staircase?

The price of a floating staircase can be influenced by several factors, encompassing both design elements and practical considerations.Some of these include:

• Materials
• Design Complexity
• Dimensions and Scale
• Customisation
• Installation Complexity
• Labour Costs

When considering the installation of a floating staircase, it’s essential to get detailed quotations from several suppliers or contractors.

Our quote will break down the costs of materials, labour, and any additional features to help you understand the total expense involved.

Where Are Floating Staircases Installed?

Floating staircases, a striking architectural feature, are installed in various settings, both residential and commercial, to enhance the structure’ aesthetic appeal and create a sense of openness and space. Here’s an example where architects say they are commonly found:

1. Modern Homes: Floating staircases are a popular choice in contemporary and modern home designs. They are often installed in open-plan living areas to create a seamless flow between different levels of the home without obstructing light or views.
2. Corporate Offices: In corporate settings, floating staircases can add a touch of sophistication and modernity. They are frequently found in the lobbies or main areas of corporate buildings to make a bold statement and impress visitors and clients.
3. Retail Spaces: High-end retail stores, showrooms, and boutiques may install floating staircases to enhance the shopping experience. They contribute to a chic, modern environment, encouraging customers to explore different levels of the store.
4. Art Galleries and Museums: These spaces often utilise floating staircases to complement the minimalist design favoured in such environments. They help maintain the focus on the artwork while ensuring the space feels open and accessible.

The Benefits of Floating Staircases

Floating staircases offer a range of benefits that make them a popular choice in modern architecture and interior design.

Here’s a closer look at the benefits of floating staircases:

Minimalist Design

Floating staircases embody the minimalist design principle, offering clean lines and an uncluttered appearance.

The illusion of floating steps adds a touch of elegance and modernity that can complement various decor styles.

This makes them an ideal choice for contemporary homes and commercial spaces.

Enhanced Natural Light

The open structure of floating staircases allows for better distribution of natural light within a space.

This not only reduces the need for artificial lighting but also creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Their open and airy design can transform a space, making it appear more spacious and lighter.

Space-Saving

Floating staircases can be less bulky than traditional stair designs, saving valuable floor space.

The space beneath the stairs can be utilised for storage, as a study nook, or simply left open to maintain a feeling of spaciousness.

This aspect is particularly useful in compact living areas where every square metre counts.

Personalisation

The flexibility in design and material choices allows for a popular design choice and a high degree of personalisation.

Ensuring that the staircase can reflect the homeowner’s or designer’s design ideas and vision.

Whether it’s a warm wood finish, sleek metal, or clear glass, the choice of materials can significantly impact the overall look and feel of the staircase and the surrounding area.

Floating Staircases vs Traditional Staircases

Floating staircases and traditional staircases both serve the essential function of connecting different levels in a building, but they do so with distinct aesthetic and structural characteristics.

The choice between the two often depends on the architectural style of the building, space considerations, and personal preference.

Floating Staircases

Floating staircases have a modern and minimalist design. They are characterised by steps that appear to be ‘floating’ without visible support underneath.

Because of their open and minimalist nature, floating staircases can make a space appear larger and more open.

They are particularly cost effective” in enhancing natural light flow within a space, as there are fewer obstructions to block light.

Typically, floating staircases are more expensive than traditional staircases due to the engineering required to ensure stability and safety without visible supports.

Installation can be more complex, often requiring specialists to ensure that the staircase is properly fitted correctly and safely installed.

Traditional Staircases

Traditional staircases come in various designs, from grand, ornate staircases to simple, functional ones. They can be made from wood, metal, stone, or a combination of materials.

Traditional staircases can take up more visual and physical space than floating staircases, which can make them less suitable for very small homes or spaces.

They can block light flow, depending on the design and placement within a room.

The cost of traditional staircases can vary widely depending on materials, design, and complexity. However, they are generally less expensive than floating staircases.

Installation is typically straightforward, and they do not require the same level of engineering and specialist installation as floating staircases.

The choice between floating and traditional staircases depends on the balance of aesthetics, safety, budget, and space requirements.

What is a Floating Staircase?

A floating staircase is an architectural and design feature where the steps are attached to a wall or a central stringer beam without visible means of support, giving the impression that they are floating in the air.

This effect is achieved through careful engineering and the use of strong, yet minimal, structural support for structures that are often hidden from view.

Floating staircases are popular in modern and contemporary interior designs due to their sleek, minimalist appearance and their ability to enhance the sense of space and openness within a room.

How Do Floating Staircases Work?

The engineering behind floating staircases combines structural integrity with aesthetic minimalism.

Advances in materials and construction techniques have made it possible to create these visually light, yet physically strong, architectural elements.

The key to their success lies in the clever concealment of supports and the use of materials and designs that distribute weight and stress efficiently, creating the magical illusion of stairs that float in space.

Floating Staircase Materials

When considering the construction of a floating staircase, the choice of materials plays a crucial role in both its appearance and structural integrity.

Metal Floating Staircase

A metal floating staircase is a contemporary design element that combines functionality with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.

This type of staircase appears to float without any visible means of support, creating an illusion of space and lightness.

It is typically constructed using durable metals such as steel or aluminium, which are known for their strength and versatility.

Glass Floating Staircase

A glass floating staircase presents a stunning architectural feature, blending functionality with modern aesthetics.

This type of staircase is designed to give the illusion of floating concrete steps, with no visible means of support at first glance.

The steps themselves are usually made of thick, tempered or laminated glass, ensuring safety and durability.

Each step is typically anchored to the wall or a central stringer, which can also be made of glass or another material like stainless steel or, to provide stability without compromising the visual lightness of the design.

Wooden Floating Staircase

A wooden floating staircase can be a stunning and modern addition to any home, offering designers both functionality and a striking visual impact.

These staircases are designed to appear as if they are effortlessly suspended in air, creating a sense of openness and space in the interior environment.

The construction typically involves fixing each step to a wall without visible supports underneath or using a central spine to support the steps from the middle, giving them a floating appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are floating stairs legal in the UK?

In the UK, the legality of floating stairs, like any architectural or structural feature, is governed by Building Regulations and planning permissions, specifically under the Building Regulations 2010.

These regulations ensure that any construction work, including the final installation, of floating stairs, meets specific safety, accessibility, and design standards.

How safe are floating staircases?

The safety of a floating staircase heavily depends on its design and the quality of its construction. Stairs should be designed by professionals who adhere to local building codes and standards.

The materials used (e.g., reinforced glass, solid wood, metal) need to be of high quality to ensure strength and durability.

How thick do floating stairs need to be?

For stairs made of wood, a common thickness might range from 40mm to 100mm.

Metal stairs, particularly those made of steel, might have thinner treads, possibly around 10mm to 30mm thick, due to the material’s higher strength.

Concrete stairs can be even thicker, for example, especially if they are not reinforced with stainless steel,.

Can you carpet floating stairs?

You can carpet floating stairs, although the process and considerations are a bit different from carpeting traditional stairs.

Floating stairs, also known as cantilevered stairs, present a unique aesthetic and are designed to appear as if they are floating without any visible means of support.

When adding carpet to floating stairs, there are several factors to consider to ensure safety, durability, and that the aesthetic appeal of the stairs is maintained or enhanced.

Summary

Floating staircases are ideal for residential and commercial spaces with designers looking to make stair front a bold design statement while maximising the perception of space.

They complement open-plan layouts well and can become a central design feature of a home or building, contributing significantly to its overall style and ambiance.

If a floating staircase design is something you would be interested in get in touch with our team today.

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