Floating staircases are the pinnacle of modern staircase design. With treads that appear to hover in mid-air, these architectural features create a dramatic visual effect that transforms any interior. Craftsman Stairs designs and builds custom floating staircases across Brisbane, Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast.
What Are Floating Stairs?
A floating staircase, also known as a cantilevered staircase, features individual treads that project from a wall or concealed structure without any visible support beneath them. There are no traditional stringers, risers or visible brackets — each tread appears to float independently, creating a minimalist, gravity-defying effect.
How They Work
Despite their weightless appearance, floating stairs are engineered with robust concealed support systems:
- Wall-mounted steel channel — A heavy-gauge steel channel is bolted to the wall structure, with individual steel pins projecting outward to support each tread
- Concealed steel brackets — Individual steel cantilever brackets are anchored into the wall framing or masonry for each tread
- Hidden mono-stringer — A single steel stringer is concealed within or behind the wall, with arms extending out to support each tread
Each support method must be designed to carry both static loads (the weight of the tread) and dynamic loads (people walking, running or jumping) with appropriate safety factors.
Design Variations
Pure Floating (No Balustrade)
The most dramatic option — treads project from the wall with no balustrade on the open side. This is only suitable where the staircase is bounded by walls on both sides or where the fall height does not trigger balustrade requirements.
Floating with Glass Balustrade
Frameless glass panels mounted between the treads or on standoff fixings maintain the clean, open aesthetic while meeting safety regulations. This is the most popular floating stair configuration in Brisbane homes.
Floating with Wire Balustrade
Stainless steel wire rope balustrades offer excellent transparency at a lower cost than glass. The horizontal wires complement the linear geometry of floating treads.
Materials
- Hardwood treads — Spotted Gum, Blackbutt or American Walnut in thick sections (50mm to 65mm) for visual weight and structural adequacy
- Engineered timber — Dimensionally stable with a hardwood veneer, ideal for wide treads that might otherwise move
- Steel treads — Folded or plate steel treads for an industrial aesthetic
- Concrete treads — Precast or in-situ concrete for a brutalist, raw finish
Structural Requirements
Floating staircases have specific structural demands:
- Supporting wall — Must be load-bearing or reinforced with steel to carry cantilever loads
- Deflection limits — Each tread must deflect no more than 5mm under a 1.5kN point load at the free end
- Vibration — Treads must feel solid underfoot with no perceptible bounce or vibration
- BCA compliance — Must meet all Australian staircase design rules for riser height, tread going, handrails and balustrades
Cost Guide
Floating staircases are a premium product due to the specialist engineering and fabrication involved. In Brisbane, expect to invest between $15,000 and $40,000+ depending on the number of treads, timber species, balustrade style and structural complexity. See our comprehensive staircase cost guide for more detail.
Contact Craftsman Stairs for a free consultation and quote on your floating staircase project across Brisbane, Moreton Bay or the Sunshine Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are floating stairs safe?
Yes, when properly engineered and installed by a licensed builder. Each tread is supported by concealed steel brackets or a structural channel capable of supporting dynamic loads well beyond normal use. Floating stairs must comply with all BCA requirements including balustrade height and gap restrictions.
How much do floating stairs cost in Brisbane?
Floating staircases in Brisbane typically range from $15,000 to $40,000+ depending on the number of treads, timber species, balustrade type and structural complexity. The concealed steel support structure is a significant cost component.
Can floating stairs be added to an existing home?
Yes, but the supporting wall must be structurally adequate to carry the cantilevered loads. A structural engineer's assessment is required. In some cases, the wall may need reinforcement with steel beams or additional framing before installation.
Craftsman Stairs
QBCC licensed staircase builders with over 35 years of experience servicing North Brisbane, Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast. We design, manufacture and install custom staircases for residential and commercial projects.
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