Are Floating Staircases Safe? Here's What Makes Them Safe (& What Doesn't)

The first time most people see floating stairs, safety is the immediate question. Steps seemingly suspended in air, with visible gaps between treads, it looks precarious. But appearances can be deceiving. When properly designed, engineered, and installed, floating staircases are just as safe as traditional stairs. 

The Safety of Floating Stairs

Floating stairs are safe, provided they meet Irish building regulations, use appropriate engineering, and suit your household's needs. They're not inherently more dangerous than conventional staircases, though they present different safety considerations.

The concerns people raise aren't entirely unfounded. Open risers, minimal visual supports, and contemporary materials do require careful attention to safety features. But modern engineering has addressed these issues thoroughly.

What actually makes any staircase dangerous—floating or traditional—comes down to poor design, inadequate construction, improper materials, or lack of maintenance. These problems aren't unique to floating stairs.

What Irish Regulations Require

Ireland's Technical Guidance Document K (TGD-K) doesn't distinguish between floating and traditional staircases regarding fundamental safety requirements. All stairs must meet the same standards.

Minimum requirements include:

• Adequate structural strength to support expected loads (3.0 kN/m²)

• Proper tread dimensions (minimum 280mm going for private stairs)

• Maximum riser height (220mm for private stairs)

• Handrails where more than two risers exist

• Appropriate guarding to prevent falls

• Compliance with the 100mm sphere test

The sphere test matters particularly for floating stairs with open risers. No gap in guarding or between structural elements can allow a 100mm sphere to pass through. This protects children from falls or entrapment.

Technical Guidance Document B addresses fire safety, which becomes relevant if your floating staircase serves as an escape route. Open-riser designs may face additional scrutiny in fire safety assessments, though they're not automatically prohibited.

Building Control approval is mandatory for most floating staircase installations. Don't skip this—it's not just bureaucracy, it's verification that your stairs meet safety standards.

What Makes Floating Stairs Structurally Safe?

The "floating" appearance is an optical illusion. Every tread is firmly anchored, usually through one of these methods:

Wall-mounted cantilever systems embed steel brackets or frames deep into load-bearing walls. The wall itself becomes the primary support structure. These create the most dramatic visual effect but demand exceptionally strong walls—reinforced concrete, steel framing, or heavily reinforced masonry.

Mono stringer designs use a central steel beam running beneath the centre of each tread. The stringer anchors to the floor and upper landing, creating a structural spine. This approach works in more building types than pure cantilever systems.

Side stringers attach to walls or support structures on one or both sides of the staircase. Treads bolt onto these stringers, which transfer loads to the building's framework.

Regardless of method, professional structural engineering is non-negotiable. An engineer calculates loads, specifies materials, determines anchor requirements, and certifies that the design meets Irish regulations.

DIY floating staircase installations are profoundly inadvisable. The structural calculations alone require specialist knowledge, never mind the precision fabrication and installation.

Weight Capacity: Can They Really Hold You?

This is perhaps the most common concern, and it's easily addressed with data.

Irish regulations require all stair treads to support 300kg concentrated at any point. Properly engineered floating stairs typically support 400-600kg per tread for residential installations, and often considerably more.

Third-party testing of quality floating staircase systems shows impressive results. Some manufacturers report it takes over 900kg to pull a single tread from its bracket, and over 1,400kg to cause actual structural damage. That's roughly the weight of a grand piano, or 15 adults simultaneously standing on one tread—scenarios that will never occur in normal use.

The strength comes from oversized structural components, high-grade fasteners, and engineering that accounts for dynamic loads (impact from footsteps) not just static weight. Professional installers build substantial safety margins into every design.

If your floating stairs feel bouncy or unstable underfoot, something is wrong. Well-designed systems exhibit minimal deflection even under heavy loads. Noticeable flexing indicates undersized components or installation errors requiring immediate professional attention.

Open Risers: The Child Safety Question

Open risers create the floating effect but raise legitimate concerns about children. Irish regulations address this through the sphere test—no opening can allow a 100mm sphere through.

For floating stairs with typical 180-200mm riser heights, this means the vertical gap between treads naturally complies. Problems arise when stairs have unusually tall risers (over 200mm) or when horizontal gaps between balusters or at the stair edges exceed limits.

Solutions for enhancing child safety:

• Glass panels between treads and handrails

• Additional horizontal rails or cables limiting gap sizes

• Mesh or clear acrylic infill panels

• Closed riser designs that maintain the minimal aesthetic whilst eliminating gaps entirely

Supervision and education matter more than structural features. Teaching children to use handrails, take stairs carefully, and understand the hazards prevents more accidents than any design modification.

Some families with very young children (under 3-4 years) install temporary safety gates at top and bottom landings. This works regardless of staircase type.

Slip Resistance: Keeping Your Footing

Slipping on stairs causes more injuries than any other staircase-related accident. Floating stairs require particular attention to tread surfaces.

Irish regulations don't mandate specific slip-resistance ratings for residential stairs, but good practice demands proper traction. Several approaches work:

Material selection is your first line of defence. Timber treads with wire-brushed or lightly textured finishes provide better grip than glass-smooth surfaces. Oak, which is popular in Irish installations, offers naturally good traction when properly finished.

Glass treads need aggressive surface treatment—sandblasting, acid etching, or bonded anti-slip coatings. Untreated glass is dangerously slippery, especially when wet.

Stair nosing treatments add grip at the critical front edge where your foot lands. Options include:

• Bonded anti-slip strips (stainless steel or aluminium with textured surfaces)

• Routed grooves or patterns in timber treads

• Applied friction coatings (clear or tinted)

Carpeting or stair runners work but somewhat defeat the open aesthetic of floating stairs. However, if slip resistance is a priority—say for elderly residents—carpeting is highly effective.

Regular cleaning matters too. Dust, spills, or tracked-in moisture reduce traction on any surface. Floating stairs with their exposed undersides can accumulate debris that eventually gets tracked onto tread surfaces.

Handrails & Balustrading: Your Primary Safety Features

Handrails aren't optional decoration—they're mandated safety features that prevent falls. Irish regulations require handrails on any staircase with more than two risers, positioned 900-1,000mm above the pitch line.

Floating stairs typically use one of these railing systems:

System Type	Appearance	Safety Level	Maintenance	Cost
Glass panels	Seamless, modern	Excellent	High (cleaning)	€€€€
Cable railings	Minimal, industrial	Very good	Medium	€€€
Steel rod/bar	Contemporary	Very good	Low	€€
Timber balusters	Traditional	Good	Medium	€€
Combined systems	Customizable	Excellent	Variable	€€€€

Glass panel systems offer maximum fall protection—there are no gaps whatsoever. The visual openness remains whilst providing total security. Tempered or laminated safety glass is mandatory.

Cable and rod systems maintain the minimal aesthetic whilst meeting sphere test requirements. Proper spacing is critical—typically 75-90mm maximum between cables or rods.

All handrails must be securely mounted, able to withstand horizontal and vertical forces. Regulations specify minimum strength requirements. Loose or inadequately anchored handrails are dangerous regardless of staircase type.

Warning Signs Your Floating Stairs Might Be Unsafe

Even properly installed floating stairs can develop problems over time. Watch for these warning signs:

Structural concerns:

• Visible deflection or bouncing when someone walks on the stairs

• Cracking sounds or creaking noises (occasional creaks from wood are normal; metallic popping or pronounced movement is not)

• Visible gaps opening between treads and wall mounting points

• Cracks in walls near anchor points

• Treads that feel loose or rock slightly

Material degradation:

• Cracks developing in timber treads

• Chips or cracks in glass components

• Rust or corrosion on steel elements (especially in humid environments)

• Deteriorating finishes or coatings

Fixings and connections:

• Visible bolt heads that have backed out slightly

• Handrail components feeling loose

• Balusters that move when grasped firmly

• Any visible movement in structural connections

Address these issues immediately. What starts as minor movement or loosening can deteriorate rapidly into genuine structural failure.

Common Installation Mistakes That Compromise Safety

Professional installation should prevent these, but knowing what can go wrong helps you recognise problems:

Inadequate wall reinforcement. Walls lacking sufficient strength cannot safely anchor floating treads. This is perhaps the most common error in retrofits.

Undersized structural components. Using stringers or brackets that meet minimum requirements without adequate safety margins leaves no room for error.

Poor anchor selection or installation. Chemical anchors improperly mixed, mechanical anchors installed in unsuitable substrates, or simply too few fasteners all create failure risks.

Ignoring dynamic loads. Calculating only for static weight ignores impact forces from footsteps. Proper engineering accounts for dynamic loading.

Inadequate tread fixings. Bolts that aren't properly torqued, missing washers, or incorrect hardware grades all compromise tread security.

Maintenance: Keeping Floating Stairs Safe Long-Term

Safety isn't a one-time achievement—it requires ongoing maintenance.

Monthly checks should include:

• Visual inspection of all treads for cracks or damage

• Testing handrails for secure mounting

• Examining visible fasteners for loosening

• Cleaning to remove debris and maintain traction

Annual professional inspection is advisable, especially for the first five years. A qualified person should:

• Check all structural connections

• Verify tread-to-support attachments remain tight

• Inspect for any structural movement or deflection

• Examine hidden components where accessible

• Re-torque critical fasteners if needed

Timber treads need refinishing every 3-5 years depending on traffic levels. This isn't just aesthetic—worn finishes provide less traction.

Steel components may need repainting if protective coatings become damaged. This prevents corrosion that could compromise structural integrity.

Special Considerations for Elderly & Mobility-Impaired Users

Much attention focuses on child safety, but elderly residents face different challenges with floating stairs.

Open risers can be psychologically difficult for people with depth perception issues or balance problems. The visual void beneath each tread creates uncertainty about foot placement.

Reduced grip strength makes secure handrail holds critical. Handrails should be easy to grasp (typically 40-45mm diameter circular section) and positioned at comfortable heights.

Vision problems common in elderly people make good lighting essential. Under-tread LED lighting that illuminates each step edge dramatically improves safety.

Some elderly or mobility-impaired individuals never feel comfortable with floating stairs regardless of safety features. If this describes someone in your household, floating stairs may not be the right choice—or at minimum, installing them as secondary rather than primary stairs makes sense.

When Floating Stairs Are NOT the Safe Choice

Despite their appeal, floating stairs aren't suitable for every situation.

• Homes with unsuitable structure. Timber-framed walls, thin block walls, or buildings with questionable structural integrity cannot safely support wall-mounted floating stairs without major reinforcement that may be economically unfeasible.

  
  

• Extremely high traffic environments. Commercial settings with constant heavy use can accelerate wear and stress on connections. Traditional stairs may prove more durable.

  
  

• Very young children (under 3 years). The 2-3 year period when toddlers are mobile but lack safety awareness presents maximum risk. Some families postpone floating staircase installation until children are older.

  
  

• Significant mobility impairments. If household members rely on walking aids, have severe balance issues, or have conditions affecting spatial awareness, the open design may pose genuine difficulties.

  
  

• Budget constraints that force corners to be cut on materials, engineering, or installation. Cheap floating stairs are unsafe floating stairs. If you cannot afford proper professional design and installation, traditional stairs serve better.

Insurance & Liability Considerations

Standard Irish home insurance covers floating staircases like any other architectural feature, provided they're professionally installed and meet building regulations.

However, you must inform your insurer about major structural modifications including staircase installation. Failure to disclose could void coverage.

Retain all documentation: Building Control approval, structural engineer certifications, professional installation records, and material compliance certificates. These prove your stairs meet standards if insurance claims arise.

Some insurers may ask specific questions about open-riser stairs during policy renewals. Answer honestly—declaring their presence and professional installation typically causes no premium increase.

Cost of Safety Features

Budget pressures sometimes tempt people to economize on safety features. This is profoundly unwise.

Essential safety elements that shouldn't be compromised:

• Professional structural engineering: €800-€1,500

• Building Control application and certification: €200-€500

• High-grade structural steel and fastenings: adds €1,000-€2,000 to material costs

• Professional installation: €2,000-€4,000

Enhanced safety features worth considering:

• Glass panel balustrades: €1,500 - €4,000

• Anti-slip tread treatments: €200- €600

• LED lighting systems: €500 - €1,200

• Extended warranty/inspection packages: €300-€800

Total safe installation costs for floating stairs in Ireland typically run €8,000-€20,000+ depending on size and specification. This isn't cheap, but it's the price of doing it properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can floating stairs be retrofitted with additional safety features if we have young children?

Yes, several retrofit options exist for improving child safety on existing floating stairs without major reconstruction. Glass infill panels can be installed between treads and railings, effectively closing visual gaps whilst maintaining the open aesthetic. Horizontal safety cables or bars can be added to existing balustrade systems to meet sphere test requirements. Some homeowners install temporary clear acrylic panels that can be removed as children age. Professional assessment is recommended to ensure retrofitted elements attach securely to existing structure without compromising integrity. Budget €1,500-€4,000 depending on stair length and chosen solution.

How often should floating stairs be professionally inspected in Ireland?

Annual professional inspections are recommended for the first five years after installation, then every 2-3 years thereafter if no issues emerge. High-traffic installations or those in humid environments may need more frequent checks. Inspections should verify all structural connections remain tight, examine treads for cracks or wear, test handrail security, and assess overall stability. Between professional inspections, homeowners should conduct monthly visual checks and immediately report any unusual movement, sounds, or visible damage. Document all inspections and maintenance—this creates a safety record valuable for insurance purposes and future property sales.

Are there specific insurance requirements for homes with floating stairs in Ireland?

Standard Irish home insurance typically covers floating staircases without special requirements, but insurers must be informed about their presence during policy application or major renovations. Most insurers require proof of Building Control approval and professional installation. Some may request structural engineer certification confirming the design meets Irish regulations. Premiums rarely increase solely due to floating stairs if documentation proves code compliance. However, failing to disclose major structural modifications could void coverage if claims arise. Keep all installation documentation, inspection records, and maintenance receipts. These demonstrate due diligence in maintaining safe conditions.

Do floating stairs affect home resale value positively or negatively in Ireland?

Well-designed floating stairs typically increase property appeal and value, particularly in contemporary or renovated homes targeting buyers seeking modern aesthetics. Estate agents frequently highlight them as premium features. However, their impact varies by buyer demographic—families with young children or elderly buyers may view them as drawbacks. Properties in traditional architectural styles may see diminished value if floating stairs feel incongruous. Quality matters significantly: professionally installed stairs meeting all regulations add value, whilst poorly executed installations raise red flags during surveys. Expect €5,000-€15,000 value increase for high-quality installations in appropriate properties, but potential decreases if execution is poor or unsuitable for the building style.

Professional Installation: The Non-Negotiable Requirement

Everything discussed here assumes professional design and installation. This isn't an area for DIY experimentation or choosing the cheapest quote.

Proper floating staircase installation requires:

• Structural engineering from a chartered engineer

• Professional fabrication to precise specifications

• Experienced installation teams with specialised equipment

• Building Control inspection and approval

• Post-installation verification testing

Cutting corners on any of these compromises safety. The initial savings aren't worth the risks—structural failure, personal injury, insurance issues, or property devaluation.

Get Expert Advice for Your Floating Staircase Project

At Bavari, we understand that safety is your primary concern when considering floating stairs for your Irish home. Our team of engineers, fabricators, and installers brings years of experience in creating beautiful floating staircases that meet and exceed Irish safety regulations.

From initial structural assessment through design, manufacturing, and installation, we ensure every aspect of your staircase prioritises safety without compromising the stunning aesthetics that make floating stairs so desirable. Contact us today at www.bavari-stairs.com to discuss your project and get professional guidance on creating a safe, beautiful floating staircase for your home.