Floating Staircases: Minimal Design with Maximum Impact
Floating Staircases: Minimal Design with Maximum Impact
In modern architecture, few features make as bold a statement as a floating staircase. Sleek, minimalist and eye-catching, floating staircases give the illusion of weightlessness, making them a favourite in contemporary homes, offices and commercial buildings.
At BradFabs, we’ve been fabricating custom staircases for years, and floating stairs continue to be one of the most popular choices for clients looking to create a striking design feature that’s as practical as it is beautiful. Whether you’re planning a new build or transforming an existing space, a floating staircase can completely change how a room looks and feels.
What Is a Floating Staircase?
A floating staircase, sometimes called a cantilever or open-tread staircase, is designed to give the impression that the treads are hovering in mid-air. It achieves this by concealing any visible supports, so the structure appears seamless. Typically, the treads are fixed to one side into a wall or supported by a hidden steel spine, making the staircase appear to float above the floor.
While the aesthetic is modern and minimalist, the engineering behind a floating staircase is anything but simple. It requires precision fabrication and expert installation to ensure the structure is safe, stable and fully compliant with building regulations.
At BradFabs, we specialise in creating made-to-measure floating staircases that combine visual impact with structural reliability. Whether you want clean steel lines, warm timber treads or glass balustrades, we tailor each design to suit your space.
The Look and Feel of Floating Stairs
One of the biggest appeals of a floating staircase is how it transforms a space. Because there are no risers and often no visible stringers, the staircase allows light to pass through, helping the room feel bigger, brighter and more open. This makes it a perfect option for smaller areas, loft-style flats or anywhere you want to keep a clean, uncluttered look.
Floating staircases can be designed with a variety of materials. Brushed stainless steel offers a high-end industrial feel, while powder-coated mild steel adds a clean, architectural edge. Timber treads bring warmth and contrast, and glass panels or minimalist handrails help complete the floating effect without breaking the visual flow.
We’ve seen floating staircases used to incredible effect in homes, offices, showrooms and retail spaces, always adding a sense of design confidence that elevates the overall interior.
Where Floating Staircases Work Best
Floating stairs are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of settings. In residential properties, they work beautifully in entrance halls, open-plan living spaces and mezzanines. Because of their open design, they help maintain sightlines and make rooms feel more spacious.
In commercial properties, floating staircases often act as a central feature. We’ve designed and installed them in everything from high-end offices and creative studios to boutique shops and hospitality venues. In each case, the staircase becomes more than a means of access, it becomes a talking point and part of the brand identity.
That said, floating staircases do need a bit of planning. They’re not always suitable for high-traffic areas or situations where mobility and accessibility are key considerations. That’s why we always carry out a full site assessment and consult closely with the client before designing the staircase.
Safety and Building Regulations
Despite their minimalist appearance, floating staircases are highly engineered and must comply with UK building regulations. This includes rules around tread depth, handrail height, load-bearing requirements and slip resistance. For open treads, there must be no gap larger than 100mm, particularly in homes where children may be present.
We work closely with architects, developers and homeowners to ensure every floating staircase we produce is not just visually stunning but also fully safe and legally compliant. Our expert team handles everything from initial concept through to final installation, making sure all regulations are met without compromising on design.
Bespoke Design from BradFabs
No two projects are the same, and at BradFabs we treat every staircase as a one-off. Whether you’re looking for a single-flight staircase with a steel frame and timber treads or a feature stair with curved glass balustrades, we can bring your vision to life.
We use only high-quality materials and precision fabrication techniques to ensure every staircase is built to last. Our floating staircases are fabricated in our workshop, then delivered and installed by experienced professionals who understand the importance of getting the details right.
We can also incorporate LED lighting, custom finishes and space-saving layouts depending on your needs. From sleek and subtle to bold and architectural, our staircases are designed to complement your space and style.
Ready to Talk About Floating Stairs?
If you’re considering a floating staircase for your home or business, we’d love to hear from you. We can walk you through the design options, show you examples of past work and provide a quote tailored to your project.
Get in touch with the team at BradFabs to find out how we can help bring your staircase ideas to life.
