When selecting a staircase, the design you opt for can impact the way a home looks and flows, so it’s essential to make the right choice. There are lots of different staircase styles you can choose when renovating your house or replacing your stairs. One of the most popular options is cantilevered staircases, creating a floating design with the wow factor. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is a Cantilevered Staircase?
Cantilevered stairs are also commonly known as floating staircase designs, defined by the lack of structure beneath the steps and the treads, which appear to hover mid-air with very little support required. This leaves a sense of more space below the staircase, which many people put to good use for storage, reading nooks or other purposes. However, the mystery of how the stairs float is down to some clever engineering to provide the proper support.
How Do the Stairs Float?
Cantilevered steps are free-floating but must still be self-supported to ensure the safety of the design without more traditional features present such as risers and newel posts. This will often involve appropriate supports on one or both sides of the steps, whether the treads are fitted adjacent to a load-bearing structure or nestled between the wall and balustrade. The supports are often hidden so that the steps appear to float when looking at the visible parts on show. You could also support the treads with a central spine.
What Are the Different Cantilevered Styles?
Cantilevered staircases can be as open in design as you wish. Some people prefer to have a minimalistic style, with open treads surrounded by a sleek glass balustrade to encourage maximum light and visibility within the space. However, you could opt for a slightly more closed look, including wooden balustrades and beautiful handrails to create more of a focal point or design feature in the home. You should also think carefully about what material you’d like for the treads, with timber being one of the most popular options.
Why Should You Work with a Specialist Staircase Designer?
If you’re considering a cantilevered staircase, you must work with a specialist designer who has experience working on this type of project. This will ensure the technical details are second to none, including the safety of the design and practical considerations. It will also help you to produce a design that’s most suitable for your home, complementing your property style and maximising the space you have available. They’ll also have the expert knowledge to ensure the design meets all UK Building Regulation requirements.
Would you like to work with an expert staircase designer?
For more advice about cantilevered staircases, get in touch with DDC London now. We design and install stairs across the South East, coming out to locations such as Ealing, Hammersmith and Kensington. If you’d like to arrange a no-obligation chat with one of our team, contact us here.
