Behind the Build: Bespoke Cantilevered Staircases
Behind the Build: Bespoke Cantilevered Staircases
Cantilevered staircases are one of the most striking and visually engaging staircase designs you can get. With their floating appearance and clean lines, they create a strong visual impact while maintaining a sense of openness.
All our cantilevered staircases are made to measure, designed and built around you and your space, meaning no two builds are ever quite the same.
Design and Planning
The process always starts with a detailed design phase. Cantilevered staircases aren’t just about aesthetics, they require precise structural planning for safety and compliance. Each tread needs to be securely anchored, usually into a structural wall or hidden support system, so understanding the building’s construction is essential from the outset.
We work closely with our clients and their architects and builders during this stage. Measurements are taken, materials are selected, and design preferences are discussed in detail. Whether the goal is a minimalist timber finish or a more industrial steel look, the design is tailored to suit the client’s vision and space.
Structural calculations are also a key part of this phase. Load requirements, fixing methods and wall composition all need to be carefully considered. Getting this right early on avoids complications later in the build.
Fabrication
Once the design is finalised, fabrication begins. This is where the staircase starts to take shape in the workshop. Precision is critical, as even small deviations can affect alignment and installation.
For cantilevered staircases, the hidden support structure is often the most complex element. Steel frameworks or brackets are fabricated to exact specifications, ensuring they’ll provide the strength needed while remaining concealed once installed. Treads are then produced, often using high-quality timber or metal, depending on the design.
We carefully check each component throughout the fabrication process, ensuring everything fits together as intended when it reaches the site. Attention to detail at this stage helps to streamline installation and maintain the high standard expected from a bespoke build.
Installation, Phase One
Cantilevered staircases are typically installed in two stages. The first phase usually takes place early on in the build, before the walls are fully finished.
During this phase, the structural supports are installed. This might involve fixing steelwork directly into a load-bearing wall or integrating it within the structure. Accuracy here is essential, as the positioning of these supports determines the final alignment of the staircase.
Once installed, these elements are often concealed within the wall or surrounding structure. The site can then continue with plastering and other finishing work, leaving the staircase ready for the final phase.
Installation, Phase Two
The second phase takes place once the surrounding construction is complete and the site is ready for final fixtures.
This is when the visible elements of the staircase are installed. Treads are carefully fitted onto the pre-installed supports, ensuring they’re level, secure and evenly spaced. Depending on the design, additional features such as balustrades or glass panels may also be added at this stage.
Because the groundwork has already been completed in the first phase, this part of the installation is typically more straightforward, but still requires a high level of precision. The end result is a clean, seamless staircase that appears to float effortlessly through the room.
The Finished Result
A bespoke cantilevered staircase is more than just a functional element, it’s a centrepiece. If you’re considering a cantilevered staircase, understanding the process can help you plan more effectively and achieve the best possible result. And because every build is bespoke, there’s always room to adapt the design to suit your space perfectly.
