Floating & Traditional Staircases Compared: Key Considerations When Choosing Your Staircase

Choosing a staircase isn't just about getting from one floor to another. It's about creating a statement, perhaps the most striking architectural feature in your home. You've probably noticed floating staircases popping up everywhere lately, on Instagram, in design magazines, maybe even in your neighbour's recent renovation. But are they actually right for your space?

Whether you're renovating a period property in London, building a new home in Dublin, or modernising a flat in Amsterdam, let me walk you through both options so you can make a decision that works for your home, your budget, and your lifestyle.

What Exactly Is a Floating Staircase?

Floating staircases create an illusion that steps are hovering in mid-air. There's no visible support underneath each tread, which gives them that distinctive, modern appearance. The structural support is actually hidden, steel brackets concealed within the wall or mounted on a central stringer that you don't see at first glance.

Traditional staircases, on the other hand? They're what most of us grew up with. Full risers between each step, visible supports, and a more substantial presence in the room. Nothing wrong with that at all, they've been working brilliantly for centuries.

The Visual Impact: Modern vs Classic

Floating staircases bring clean lines and minimalism to your interior. They work particularly well with contemporary, industrial, or Scandinavian styles. The absence of risers means light can pass through, making your space feel larger and more connected. When you walk past one, there's something quite striking about seeing through the stairs to the room beyond.

Traditional staircases offer warmth and classic elegance. They create a more defined separation between floors, which some people prefer. Wood species bring character and a sense of timelessness that never really goes out of style. They anchor a space rather than trying to disappear into it.

Which aesthetic speaks to you? That's probably the first question worth answering.

Space and Light: A Critical Difference

Here's where floating staircases really shine, literally. Because they're open, natural light flows through them instead of being blocked. If you've got a narrow hallway or a darker corner of your home, this can be transformative.

I think the way they make rooms feel more spacious is perhaps their biggest advantage. Your eye travels through the stairs rather than stopping at them. For compact homes across the UK, Ireland, and Europe where every square metre counts, this visual trick can make a genuine difference.

Traditional stairs take up more visual space, yes. But they also provide storage opportunities underneath, something worth considering if you need the practicality.

Material Options and Customisation

Both staircase types offer flexibility in materials, though floating stairs perhaps give you slightly more creative freedom.

Floating Staircase Materials:

• Timber treads (oak, walnut, ash)

• Glass for an ultra-modern look

• Steel for industrial aesthetics

• Combinations of materials for unique effects

  
  

Traditional Staircase Materials:

• Various wood species

• Painted finishes

• Carpeted options for warmth and sound dampening

• Metal balusters with wooden handrails

The customisation possibilities are quite extensive with both. You can match your existing interior design or create a contrasting focal point.

Safety Considerations: Addressing the Concerns

Let me be direct about this: people worry about floating staircase safety, particularly if they have young children or elderly family members.

For Floating Staircases:

• Open risers mean small feet (or objects) can slip through

• Handrails on both sides help enormously

• Modern engineering makes them structurally sound

• Professional installation is absolutely essential

• Building regulations must be followed rigorously

For Traditional Staircases:

• Enclosed risers provide more security

• Generally perceived as safer for families

• Meet standard building codes more easily

• Fewer concerns about stability

Building regulations in Ireland specify requirements for tread depth, riser height, and handrail specifications. A reputable staircase company will know these inside out. Don't compromise here.

Installation Complexity and Timeline

Traditional staircases follow well-established installation procedures. Your builder has done hundreds of them. The process is straightforward, relatively quick, and there's less room for complications.

Floating staircases require more precise engineering. Each tread needs proper structural support, hidden from view. The wall itself often needs reinforcement to handle the load. Installation takes longer and demands specialist knowledge.

Does that mean floating stairs aren't worth it? Not necessarily. Just be prepared for a more involved process.

Cost Comparison: What's the Investment?

Let's talk money because that matters to all of us.

Cost Factor	Floating Staircase	Traditional Staircase
Material Costs	£5,000 - £15,000+	£2,000 - £8,000
Labour Costs	Higher (specialist installation)	Moderate (standard installation)
Design Complexity	Custom engineering required	Standard designs available
Long-term Value	Potentially higher resale appeal	Reliable, proven value
Maintenance	Lower (fewer parts to maintain)	Moderate (refinishing, repairs)

Floating staircases cost more initially. The engineering, materials, and specialist installation drive that price up. But you're investing in an architectural feature that could boost your home's value and appeal when you eventually sell.

Traditional stairs are more budget-friendly. You get reliable functionality without breaking the bank. For many homeowners, that's the sensible choice.

Maintenance Requirements Over Time

Floating staircases have fewer components, which generally means less maintenance. No risers to refinish. No enclosed spaces collecting dust. Cleaning is straightforward: wipe down the treads and railings, and you're done.

Traditional stairs require a bit more attention. The enclosed design means cleaning underneath and between components. Refinishing wooden surfaces every few years keeps them looking fresh. Carpeted stairs need regular vacuuming and eventual replacement.

Neither option is particularly high-maintenance, to be honest. It's more about personal preference and lifestyle.

When Floating Staircases Make Perfect Sense

Consider floating stairs if:

1. You're renovating a contemporary or modern home

2. Natural light is limited in your space

3. You want to create a wow factor

4. Open-plan living is your design goal

5. You don't have very young children or mobility concerns

6. Your budget allows for the investment

They're particularly brilliant in loft conversions or extensions where you're building from scratch and can properly engineer the support structure.

When Traditional Staircases Are the Better Choice

Traditional stairs work best when:

1. Your home has period features or classic styling

2. You need storage space underneath

3. Budget is a primary concern

4. Young children or elderly relatives use the stairs frequently

5. You prefer proven, conventional designs

6. You want quicker installation

There's absolutely nothing wrong with choosing traditional. They're traditional for good reason; they work beautifully.

The Middle Ground: Can You Have Both?

Some homeowners compromise by choosing open-riser traditional stairs. You get some of the visual lightness of floating stairs with the structural simplicity of traditional designs. Or perhaps floating stairs for a less-trafficked area, and traditional for the main staircase.

Your staircase specialist can explain options that blend both aesthetics.

Building Regulations: What You Need to Know

Building regulations vary across regions, but follow similar principles for staircase safety:

UK & Ireland Standards:

• Minimum tread depth of 220mm

• Maximum riser height of 220mm

• Handrails are required at specific heights

• Load-bearing calculations for all structural elements

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European Requirements: Whilst specifications may differ slightly across European countries, all follow strict safety codes regarding tread dimensions, riser heights, and structural integrity.

Whether you choose floating or traditional, compliance isn't optional. Professional installers familiar with your local regulations will handle this, but it's worth understanding the basics yourself. Bavari works across multiple regions and stays current with all relevant building codes to ensure your staircase meets every requirement.

Impact on Property Value

Here's an interesting consideration: staircases can affect resale value. A well-executed floating staircase in a modern property can be a selling point. Estate agents across the UK, Ireland, and Europe often feature them prominently in listings because they photograph well and create that contemporary appeal buyers seek.

However, in a period property, whether that's a Georgian townhouse in Bath, a Victorian terrace in Dublin, or a historic building in Copenhagen, replacing a traditional staircase with floating stairs might not add value. It could even detract if it clashes with the home's character.

Consider your property type and local market preferences.

Environmental Considerations

Modern floating staircases often use sustainably sourced materials. Steel components are recyclable. Timber from certified forests provides an eco-friendly option.

Traditional stairs can also be environmentally responsible when constructed from reclaimed wood or FSC-certified timber. The longer lifespan of well-built traditional stairs means less frequent replacement.

Both options can align with sustainable building practices; it's about the specific materials and manufacturers you choose.

Making Your Decision: Key Questions to Ask Yourself

Before committing, consider:

• What's your home's overall design style?

• What's your realistic budget, including installation?

• Who uses the stairs daily?

• How long do you plan to stay in the property?

• What building regulations apply to your project?

• Which design genuinely excites you?

That last question matters more than you might think. You'll see your staircase every single day.

Working with Professionals: Why It Matters

Amateur installation of any staircase is risky. Floating stairs especially need proper engineering. Structural calculations determine wall reinforcement, bracket placement, and load distribution.

Choose a staircase specialist with proven experience, references, and knowledge of building standards in your region. Whether you're based in the UK, Ireland, or elsewhere in Europe, look at their previous projects. Ask about warranties and after-sales support.

A professional consultation will give you accurate quotes, realistic timelines, and expert advice tailored to your specific space and local requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are floating staircases actually safe for homes with children?

Floating staircases can be safe with proper design modifications. Installing handrails on both sides provides stability, and some designs include infill panels between treads to prevent falls. However, the open riser design does present risks for very young children whose feet could slip through gaps. Many families wait until children are older before installing floating stairs, or they choose alternative areas of the home where children don't frequently travel. Professional structural engineers can design systems that meet safety standards whilst maintaining the floating aesthetic, but an honest assessment of your family's needs should guide this decision.

How much weight can a floating staircase actually support?

Modern floating staircases support considerable weight when properly engineered, typically 300 to 400 kilograms per tread. The structural integrity comes from hidden steel brackets embedded deep into reinforced walls or attached to central stringers. Professional engineers calculate load-bearing requirements based on building codes and expected usage. The cantilever design distributes weight effectively through these concealed supports. Quality materials and expert installation are absolutely essential for achieving this strength. Building regulations specify minimum load requirements that all staircases must meet, and reputable manufacturers exceed these standards significantly.

Can you install a floating staircase in any home?

Not every home is structurally suited for floating staircases. The walls need sufficient strength to support the cantilevered treads, which often requires reinforced concrete or substantial masonry. Older homes with cavity walls or timber-frame construction might need significant modifications, making installation more complex and expensive. A structural engineer must assess your specific property before proceeding. New builds or major renovations offer easier integration since the support structure can be planned from the beginning. Properties with restricted ceiling heights or tight spatial constraints might also face challenges. Professional evaluation determines the feasibility for your particular situation.

Do floating staircases require special maintenance?

Floating staircases generally require less maintenance than traditional designs. The open structure means fewer surfaces that collect dust and no enclosed spaces needing attention. Timber treads need occasional refinishing, similar to hardwood floors, perhaps every five to seven years, depending on traffic. Steel components rarely need maintenance beyond occasional wipe-downs. Glass elements require regular cleaning to maintain their appearance. Check fixing points annually to ensure everything remains secure. The simplicity of the design actually works in your favour long-term. However, any repairs typically require professional expertise due to the structural complexity.

Will a floating staircase add value to my property?

Floating staircases can increase property value in contemporary or modern homes where they complement the overall design aesthetic. Estate agents often feature them as premium architectural elements that attract design-conscious buyers. However, the value addition depends heavily on context; in a period property or traditional neighbourhood, they might not appeal to all potential buyers. Installation costs are substantial, so immediate financial return isn't guaranteed. The value they add is often more about marketability and creating a memorable impression during viewings. Professional installation and high-quality materials are crucial for any potential value increase.

How do floating staircases perform acoustically compared to traditional stairs?

Floating staircases typically produce more sound than traditional enclosed designs. The open structure doesn't dampen footfall noise as effectively. Timber treads create noticeable sound when walked upon, particularly in open-plan spaces where sound travels freely. Some homeowners find this acoustic quality acceptable, whilst others consider it a drawback. Solutions include choosing denser wood species, adding rubber or cork underlays beneath treads, or installing sound-dampening materials during construction. Traditional staircases with carpeting absorb sound much better. Consider your home's layout and whether staircase noise would disturb other areas. If sound control matters significantly, traditional designs offer better performance.

Final Thoughts: Trust Your Instincts

Both floating and traditional staircases have legitimate places in modern homes across the UK, Ireland, and Europe. Floating stairs offer that contemporary edge, space-saving design, and light-filled aesthetic. Traditional stairs provide reliability, classic beauty, and practical functionality.

The right choice depends entirely on your specific situation, your home's architecture, your family's needs, and your personal vision.

Don't rush this decision. It's a significant investment that will last decades.

Ready To Transform Your Home?

Whether you're drawn to the contemporary elegance of floating stairs or the timeless appeal of traditional designs, Bavari brings expert craftsmanship and innovative solutions to homeowners across the UK, Ireland, and Europe. Our team understands regional building regulations and design preferences inside out, delivering bespoke staircases that combine safety, beauty, and functionality. Visit www.bavari-stairs.com to explore our portfolio, or contact us today for a professional consultation tailored to your specific needs and space.