You'll be attracted to floating stairs if you desire open sightlines and a sleek, current appearance. They aren't classified simply on appearance, how a tread connects, how a load is carried to a structure, and how a stair feels when stepped on to differentiate the three primary systems. This article defines floating stairs, then delves into cantilevered, monostringer, and double stringer systems to help you make a decision.
What Are Floating Stairs?
Floating stairs use concealed or minimal support so each tread appears to hover. Open risers and slim structure create a light profile that lets light and views pass through. The essential questions are simple: where the load travels, which elements carry that load, and how the details influence comfort, maintenance, and installation. With those answers, the right floating staircase type becomes clear.
Quick Comparison Sheet
| Criterion | Cantilevered Floating Staircase | Monostringer Floating Stairs | Dual Stringer Floating Stairs |
| Visual lightness | Highest, free outer edge | Very high, clean center line | High, slightly bolder frame |
| Primary support | Hidden steel in wall | Single center spine | Two parallel beams |
| Dependence on walls | High | Low | Low |
| Best project type | New build or full remodel | Remodels and new builds | Remodels and new builds |
| Typical layouts | Straight, turns with added details | Straight, L, U | Straight, landings |
| Tread materials | Wood, steel, laminated glass | Wood, steel, laminated glass | Wood, stone, concrete, steel, glass |
| Width and weight capacity | Moderate, depends on wall steel | Moderate to wide, depends on spine | Wide and heavy treads handled best |
| Underfoot feel | Tied to concealed wall steel | Solid when spine is sized well | Most stable day to day |
| Retrofit suitability | Limited | Strong | Strong |
| Railing compatibility | Glass and cable shine | Cable or glass highlight the spine | Cable, glass, or balusters align on beams |
| Why choose | Purest hover effect | Balance of openness and practicality | Stability and capacity with a modern look |
Cantilevered Floating Stairs
Cantilevered floating stairs anchor one end of each tread into a reinforced wall or a hidden steel box section. The free edge stays clean, which produces the purest “hover” effect.
How the structure works
- Load path: tread to hidden steel, then into the wall and main frame.
- Wall planning: steel plates, sleeves, or a box beam are embedded before finishes.
- Tolerances: alignment of every tread matters because the wall is the support.
Where they fit
- Best in new builds or full remodels with open walls.
- Straight runs are common; turns are possible with dedicated corner details.
Tread and railing pairing
- Thick hardwood, steel plate, or laminated glass works well. Thickness and cantilever length are designed together.
- Glass or cable infill keeps the open edge visible. Side-mounted posts reduce holes on treads.
Installation and feasibility
- Requires a structural engineer and precise sequencing.
- Retrofitting into a finished wall is difficult, which often makes a monostringer or dual stringer a better retrofit choice.
Why people choose it
- Maximum visual lightness and a sharp, gallery-like edge.
- The tradeoff is coordination effort and the need for exact wall work.
Monostringer Floating Stairs
Monostringer floating stairs use a single central spine that supports treads from below or through hidden brackets. The look stays open, and the build is easier to coordinate than a cantilever.
How the structure works
- Load path: treads or brackets into the center spine, then to landings or floor framing.
- Spine sizing depends on span, rise count, and tread spacing.
- Fabricators often pre-make the spine and tread brackets for quick installation.
Where they fit
- Straight, L, and U layouts.
- Good choice for remodels that need a clean line without opening major walls.
Tread and railing pairing
- Wood for warmth and quiet steps, steel for a crisp profile, laminated glass for dramatic transparency.
- Cable or glass railing complements the center line. Posts can top mount to landings or side mount to the spine. Choosing the right railing is crucial for both safety and aesthetics, and you can explore some of the best cable handrails for stairs to find inspiration for your project.
Installation and feasibility
- Limited reliance on nearby walls.
- Shop drawings, field measurements, and a short site prep window keep schedules predictable.
Why people choose it
- Balanced mix of openness, strength, and buildability.
- Works across many home styles and budgets.
Dual Stringer Floating Stairs
Dual stringer floating stairs place two parallel beams on the sides or under the treads. The structure spreads the load evenly and creates a very steady feel.
How the structure works
- Load path: tread to two side beams, then into landings or floor structure.
- The twin beams allow generous widths and heavier materials.
Where they fit
- Straight runs with or without a landing.
- Ideal for busy homes, rental units, or anyone who wants a firm step.
Tread and railing pairing
- Excels with wide treads, thick hardwood, stone, or concrete caps.
- Vertical balusters, glass, and cable railing all suit this frame. Posts align neatly on the beams.
Installation and feasibility
- Predictable steel sizes and clear connection points.
- Retrofit-friendly because it relies on its own frame, not a reinforced wall.
Why people choose it
- Stable footing and high capacity while preserving a floating look.
- Slightly stronger visual line than a monostringer, which some clients prefer.
Key Components and Design Options of Floating Stairs
Small choices here shape how floating stairs look, feel, and age. Use this section to lock materials and railing after you pick a frame.
Tread Materials
The material you choose for the treads significantly impacts the look and comfort of your floating stairs.
- Solid Wood: Warm underfoot and quiet in use. Pick durable species and a clear or matte finish that hides scuffs. Thickness and span should be sized with the chosen frame.
- Steel or Concrete: Crisp edges and high rigidity with a cool, minimal read. Feels very firm. Plan for a clean nosing detail and consider a subtle anti-slip texture on exposed edges.
- Glass or Acrylic: Laminated safety glass delivers light and drama with optional etched textures for grip. Acrylic is lighter and easier to shape but scratches more easily, so reserve it for lower traffic zones.
Railing Systems
Since floating stairs have an open design, a railing is crucial for safety and style. Choose the infill that protects without blocking views.
- Glass Panels: Maximum openness and daylight. Expect regular cleaning and confirm panel thickness and guard height during review.
- Vertical Metal Balusters: Durable, budget steady, and family-friendly. The repeating rhythm adds structure without feeling heavy.
- Cables: Clean sightlines and natural airflow with a modern profile. Plan post spacing for proper tension, and schedule simple seasonal checks.
Mounting notes: top mount posts sit on landings or treads for straightforward fastening. Fascia mount posts fix to the side of stringers or landings to keep tread surfaces clear. Whether you are building from scratch or upgrading, you can find all the necessary cable railing parts and components to customize your design.
Start Your Floating Stair Plan
Floating stairs work when the structure and use align. Choose the frame first: cantilevered for the sharp free edge, monostringer for balanced coordination, dual stringer for the steadiest step and wide or heavy treads. Measure total height and run, then pick tread and railing that keep views open and feet secure. Share selections with a qualified fabricator, request shop drawings showing connections and post locations, and agree on timeline and pricing. That path turns a concept into a safe, refined build.
FAQs about Floating Stairs
Q1. How do you control vibration and noise on floating stairs?
Increase stringer stiffness, add tread stiffeners, and use resilient pads between treads and brackets. Mass helps reduce “ringing” on steel. For glass, use isolation grommets. Detail anchors well and perform a simple bounce test during install to verify comfort.
Q2. What materials suit coastal or humid environments?
Specify 316 stainless or marine-grade powder-coated aluminum, seal hardwoods including end grain, and provide drainage paths. Rinse salt periodically. Avoid dissimilar-metal contact without isolators to prevent galvanic corrosion. Choose fasteners and fittings with a matching corrosion class for longevity.
Q3. How can lighting be integrated without visible wiring?
Use low-voltage LED strips under treads or handrail channel lights. Route conductors inside stringers with grommets, and place drivers in an accessible cabinet. Plan dimming zones and glare control. Provide a maintenance pathway for driver replacement without dismantling the stair.
Q4. What documentation should I request from a fabricator?
Ask for shop drawings with sections and anchor schedules, an engineer’s calculation package, finish samples, and a first-article tread or mockup. Request an installation sequence, torque/tension specs, a maintenance manual, and ideally a coordinated 3D model for clash detection.
Q5. Can I anchor a floating stair to a post-tensioned slab?
Yes, with care. Commission a GPR scan to map tendons and define “no-drill” zones. Use chemical anchors only in cleared areas or consider surface-mounted baseplates or side-mounting to walls. An engineer should design anchorage and verify edge distances.
