A Guide to Modern Elegance & Open Design
In the world of modern architecture, few features make a statement quite like floating stairs. They are more than just a way to get from one floor to another; they are a sculptural centerpiece that transforms the entire feel of a home.
But what exactly are they, and how do they work? Whether you are a homeowner in Seattle looking to save on installation or a designer planning a luxury build, here is everything you need to know about the "floating" illusion.
What Defines a Floating Staircase?
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At its simplest, a floating staircase is any stair system designed to minimize or hide its supporting structure. This creates the visual effect that the treads are suspended in mid-air.
While traditional stairs rely on bulky wooden stringers and closed risers that block sightlines, floating stairs use specialized engineering to stay open and airy.
Key Characteristics:
Open Risers: The vertical space between the steps is left open, allowing light to pass through.
Minimalist Stringers: Often a single "mono-stringer" (a steel backbone) runs down the center, or the supports are hidden entirely inside the wall.
High-End Materials: Typically paired with premium thick-cut wood treads (like solid Oak or Walnut), glass railings, or steel cables.
How Do They Actually "Float"?
There are three main ways we achieve the floating look at CELN:
How Do They Actually "Float"?
There are three main ways we achieve the floating look at CELN:
1.The Mono - Stringer System
2.Cantilevered Stairs
3.Cantilevered Stairs
1. The Mono-Stringer System
This is our most popular configuration. A single, heavy-duty steel beam runs under the center of the treads. It provides incredible stability while keeping the sides of the steps completely open.
2. Cantilevered Stairs
For the most dramatic "magic" effect, treads can be anchored directly into a structural wall. With no visible support underneath, the steps appear to grow straight out of the drywall.
3. Hidden Side Stringers
In some designs, the supports are tucked away just behind the wall surface or slimmed down to be almost invisible, allowing the beauty of the wood treads to take center stage.
The CELN Difference: Quality Meets Support
At CELN, we believe a premium staircase shouldn’t just be for high-end contractors. We’ve refined our process to make custom fabrication accessible:
Precision Fabrication: We start every project with detailed video consultations to double-check measurements before we touch a single piece of oak.
Rapid Turnaround: While many custom builds take months, we often deliver full custom systems in as little as 4 weeks.
DIY-Friendly Engineering: We provide the same video support to our clients that we do to professional installers. Recently, one of our clients in Seattle successfully installed his own solid oak staircase with our remote guidance—saving over $8,000 in installation costs.
Are Floating Stairs Safe?
A common question we get is, "Are they sturdy?" Yes. When engineered correctly, floating stairs are just as safe as traditional ones. Our systems are built to exceed building codes, using solid hardwoods and structural steel. Whether you have kids, pets, or a high-traffic household, a CELN staircase is built to feel solid and premium underfoot.
Is a Floating Staircase Right for Your Home?
If you want to:
Maximize Natural Light: Let the sun flow through your living space.
Make a Small Space Feel Larger: Remove the visual "block" of a standard staircase.
Add Value: High-end architectural features are a major selling point for modern homes.
Ready to start your project? Contact us today for a video walkthrough and let’s bring your vision to life.