Floating Stairs are beauty of architecture. Building a floating staircase using a precision-engineered system series differs from a traditional "scratch-build" because the complex engineering and structural testing are done in the factory.
If you are looking for a guide similar to the CELN approach, here is the breakdown of how to plan and build using a pre-fabricated mono-stringer system.
1. The Pre-Build: Precise Measurement
The success of a "kit" style floating staircase depends entirely on the initial survey. Unlike wood stairs, you cannot "trim" a steel beam if it's too long.
Subfloor to Subfloor: Measure the vertical rise using a laser level.
The Header: Identify the thickness of the floor joists where the top of the stairs will bolt on. This is the "Anchor Point."
Floor Material: Note if the bottom plate will sit on concrete, wood, or over radiant heating (which requires special anchoring to avoid puncturing pipes).
2. Component Checklist
A system like this arrives in a "knock-down" format:
The Stringer: A single, heavy-duty steel "spine" (usually powder-coated).
Tread Brackets: Steel plates that bolt onto the stringer to hold the wood.
Thick Treads: Usually 3.5" to 4" thick solid wood to provide the "floating" aesthetic and meet the 300 lb concentrated load requirement.
3. Installation Steps
Step 1: Prep the Stringer
Before lifting the heavy steel, attach the header plate and footer plate to the ends of the stringer. If you are adding LED lighting, run your low-voltage wiring through the hollow center of the stringer now.
Step 2: Set the Anchors
Mark the exact center point on your upper floor header. You will typically drill through the floor joists and use heavy-duty structural lag bolts or through-bolts with a backing plate.
Step 3: The Big Lift
Because a steel stringer can weigh 200–400 lbs, you need a "come-along" winch or 3–4 strong people.
Lift the top end into the header marks.
Secure it with a temporary bolt to hold the weight.
Ensure the bottom "foot" is perfectly aligned with your floor marks.
Step 4: Levelling and Squaring
Place a level on the flat bracket surfaces. If the stringer is slightly tilted, use steel shims under the footer plate. Once perfectly level, drive in the remaining structural fasteners.
Step 5: Tread Attachment
Bracket Install: Bolt each individual tread bracket to the stringer.
Wood Mounting: Place the thick wood treads onto the brackets. Most systems use screws driven from the bottom up into the wood so that no fasteners are visible from the top.
Magnetic Covers: High-end systems include magnetic "bracket covers" that snap onto the bottom of the steel to hide the bolts.
Types of Modern Staircases
Some different floating staircase designs that helps to build the perfect floating/ cantilevered stairs.
The Metal Stringer Staircase: A Study in Strength
The steel stair stringer is the backbone of the modern floating look, but not all stringers are created equal. You will see a massive variance in the market:
Engineering Matters: What separates an entry-level model from a premium CELN system is the engineering. A high-end system balances a minimalist "reductionist" look with rock-solid structural support.
The Modern Look: While lower-end metal stringers might be functional, they often lack the sleek, "unbelievable" aesthetic that defines a truly modern home.
Robust vs. Small: Small metal stringers can feel flimsy, whereas a robust, engineered stringer provides the rigidity needed for a high-traffic home.
Cantilever Stairs: The Purest Floating Form
If you want the most "pure" version of a floating stair, the Cantilever is the gold standard.
Hidden Support: There is no visible support underneath the steps. The "trick" is a heavy-duty metal stringer hidden entirely inside the wall.
Precision Brackets: Special tread brackets attach to this hidden stringer, allowing the steps to project out from the wall seamlessly.
Complexity: These are nearly impossible for a DIYer to build on their own. Because of the high-level engineering required to ensure the stairs don't "bounce" or fail, these systems come with a significantly higher price tag.
Custom & Architectural Staircases
For those seeking something truly unique, the options are limitless—but so is the cost.
High Customization: The more elaborate the design, the more custom engineering is required.
Local vs. Online: Because these projects are incredibly hands-on, we typically recommend finding a local specialist for highly custom architectural builds, as the coordination required is difficult to manage online.
Why Choose CELN?
As seen in our Step-by-Step Installation Guide, we’ve taken the complex engineering of a dream staircase and made it accessible.
DIY Friendly: We provide a comprehensive guide with every measurement you need.
Simplicity: Our systems are designed so that you (and a mate to help with the lifting) can install them yourself.
The Reveal: From the stringer to the first step, we ensure every bolt and bracket fits perfectly for a professional finish.
Contact us today to get your dream staircase!