Comparing Open Riser vs Closed Riser Staircases

Before getting into the pros and cons, it helps to understand what we're actually talking about. The "riser" is the vertical part of a staircase, the bit between each step. The "tread" is the horizontal surface you stand on. People sometimes mix these terms up, but they refer to different components.

A closed riser staircase has solid panels filling the vertical space between each tread. You can't see through the stairs, and the area underneath is enclosed. This is the traditional style you'll find in most British and Irish homes.

An open riser staircase leaves gaps between the treads, there's no vertical panel blocking the view. You can see straight through the steps, which creates that floating, contemporary look that's become increasingly popular in modern builds.

Neither design is inherently better. Each brings different advantages depending on your home's style, your household's needs, and what you're hoping to achieve aesthetically.

The Appeal of Closed Riser Staircases

Closed risers have been the standard in UK homes for generations, and there's good reason they've remained so popular. They're not just "traditional" in a limiting sense; they're genuinely versatile.

Storage Opportunities

Perhaps the biggest practical advantage is what you can do with the space underneath. Closed risers create an enclosed area that's perfect for:

• Built-in cupboards and pull-out drawers

• A small home office or study nook

• Utility space for washing machines or tumble dryers

• Wine storage or display shelving

• A cosy reading corner with built-in seating

In smaller homes where every square metre counts, this under-stair space can be genuinely valuable. You simply can't achieve the same thing with open risers.

Safety for Families

Closed risers are often the safer choice for households with young children or pets. There's no gap for small feet to slip through, no risk of toys falling between treads, and dogs can't get their paws caught. It's worth mentioning that open risers can be made safe too, but they require careful design to meet regulations.

Aesthetic Flexibility

Don't assume closed means boring. Modern closed riser designs can be just as striking as their open counterparts. With the right timber choice, paint finish, or carpet runner, a closed staircase can look contemporary, classic, or anything in between.

Why Open Riser Staircases Are Gaining Popularity

There's something undeniably appealing about a well-designed open riser staircase. They've become a signature feature in contemporary homes across the UK and Ireland, particularly in open-plan layouts.

Light Flow and Visual Space

The most obvious benefit is how open risers let natural light travel through your home. In a hallway or entrance space, this can make an enormous difference. The gaps between treads allow sunlight to filter through rather than being blocked by solid panels.

This transparency also affects how large a space feels. Open risers create visual continuity; your eye can travel through the staircase rather than stopping at a solid structure. In smaller homes, this can make rooms feel more spacious than they actually are.

Modern Design Statement

Open risers suit minimalist aesthetics particularly well. The clean lines and visible structure create an almost architectural quality that works beautifully with:

• Glass balustrades for maximum transparency

• Steel or metal frames for an industrial edge

• Floating timber treads for warmth without bulk

• Cantilevered designs that appear to defy gravity

If you're designing a contemporary home or renovating with modern tastes in mind, open risers often become the natural choice.

Irish Building Regulations: The Key Requirements

If you're based in Ireland, the rules work similarly but reference different documentation. Technical Guidance Document K (TGD K) governs staircase design under the Building Regulations 2014. This document covers stairways, ladders, ramps, and guards, setting out the standards your staircase must meet.

The good news? Many requirements align closely with UK standards. The same 100mm sphere rule applies to Irish staircases. Guarding elements, whether spindles, glass panels, or balustrades, must prevent a 100mm sphere from passing through any opening. This protects young children from becoming trapped or falling through gaps.

Core requirements under TGD K include:

• Guarding is mandatory where the total rise exceeds 600mm

• Private staircases must have a minimum clear width of 800mm

• No more than 16 risers permitted in any single flight

• Minimum headroom clearance of 2m across the entire staircase

• The sum of twice the rise plus the going (2R+G) should fall between 550mm and 700mm

Handrail requirements also follow specific guidelines. Stairs 1000mm wide or narrower need a handrail on at least one side. Wider staircases require handrails on both sides. Installation height should sit between 900mm and 1000mm on the staircase itself, with landings allowing 900mm to 1100mm.

For open riser designs in Ireland, the exact practical solutions apply: glass infills, downstands, or horizontal bars can maintain compliance while preserving the aesthetic you're after. Closed riser staircases sidestep this particular requirement entirely.

Worth noting, TGD K works alongside other Technical Guidance Documents. Part M covers access and use, while Part B addresses fire safety. If your staircase forms part of a means of escape or serves a public area, additional requirements come into play. An experienced staircase specialist will understand how these documents interact and design accordingly.

UK Building Regulations: What You Need to Know

Here's where things get technical and important. In the UK and Ireland, staircases must comply with Building Regulations (Part K in England and Wales, Part Q in Scotland). These rules exist for good reason: to keep people safe.

For open riser staircases, the critical requirement is the 100mm sphere rule. The gap between treads must not allow a 100mm sphere to pass through. This measurement is designed to prevent small children from getting stuck or falling through.

Meeting this requirement typically involves one of several approaches:

• Downstands or kickers – small panels that partially close the gap while maintaining the open aesthetic

• Glass infills – transparent panels that meet regulations without blocking light

• Metal rods or bars – horizontal elements between treads that reduce the opening

A reputable staircase specialist will design your open riser staircase to comply with these regulations from the outset. It's not something you want to discover needs fixing after installation.

Closed riser staircases, by contrast, automatically meet this particular requirement since there's no gap to worry about.

Maintenance and Cleaning Considerations

This is something people don't always think about until they're living with their choice.

Closed risers tend to be easier to keep clean in some ways; dust and debris don't fall through to the floor below. You can hoover carpeted stairs normally, and painted or varnished risers wipe down easily. The enclosed design also means fewer surfaces to dust overall.

Open risers require a bit more thought. Dust does fall through, which means you're cleaning both the staircase and the floor beneath it. Glass balustrades, often paired with open treads, show fingerprints and smudges more readily than timber alternatives.

That said, open risers can actually be easier to clean in other respects. There are fewer nooks and crannies for dirt to accumulate, and you can access all surfaces without awkward angles.

Neither option is dramatically more work than the other. It's more about different cleaning approaches than different effort levels.

Which Style Suits Different Home Types?

Matching your staircase to your home's character isn't about rigid rules, but some combinations work better than others.

Home Style	Recommended Riser Type	Why It Works
Victorian/Edwardian terraces	Closed	Complements period features, enables under-stair storage
Contemporary new builds	Open	Maximises light, suits open-plan layouts
Barn conversions	Either/combination	Depends on whether you're emphasising rustic or modern elements
Georgian townhouses	Closed	Traditional proportions, formal aesthetic
Modern apartments	Open	Creates visual space in compact areas
Family homes with children	Closed	Safer design, practical storage options
Minimalist interiors	Open	Clean lines, architectural statement

Of course, these are generalisations. A beautifully crafted open riser staircase can look stunning in a period property, just as an elegant closed design can anchor a contemporary space. The key is working with skilled craftsmen who understand how to balance your vision with the building's character.

Combining Open and Closed Elements

Here's something the competitors mention but don't explore fully: you don't have to choose one or the other. Custom staircases can incorporate both open and closed sections, giving you the best of both worlds.

A common approach is to use closed risers on the lower flight, where under-stair storage is most valuable, then transition to open risers after a landing. This creates visual interest while maintaining practical benefits.

The three main combination styles are:

• Wall string with closed outer – traditional feel, follows the wall line

• Cut and closed – treads match the stringer height, creating a stepped appearance

• Cut string (open) – treads visible from the side, more contemporary aesthetic

Combination staircases do cost more than straightforward designs, but they offer creative solutions for tricky spaces or homes that blend traditional and modern elements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do open riser staircases affect home resale value?

Open riser staircases can positively influence resale value in contemporary properties where buyers expect modern design features. However, in traditional homes or family-oriented neighbourhoods, closed risers may appeal to a broader range of purchasers concerned about safety for children. The quality of craftsmanship matters more than the specific style; a beautifully made staircase of either type adds value. Consider your target market when making this decision, particularly if you plan to sell within the next decade.

Are open riser staircases more expensive than closed designs?

Open riser staircases typically cost more than basic closed designs due to the engineering required to meet building regulations while maintaining the floating aesthetic. The structural requirements for open treads demand precise calculations, and additional elements like downstands or glass infills add to the price. However, premium closed staircases with high-quality timber and custom balustrades can match or exceed the cost of open designs. Budget differences narrow considerably at the bespoke end of the market.

Can I convert my closed riser staircase to open risers?

Converting from closed to open risers is possible but involves significant structural work. The existing treads may need replacing entirely, and the supporting structure often requires modification to handle the different load distribution. Building regulations compliance must be verified, and the conversion typically costs more than installing a new open riser staircase from scratch. Most specialists recommend full replacement rather than conversion for better results and value.

Which riser type is quieter underfoot?

Closed riser staircases are generally quieter because the enclosed structure absorbs more sound and provides additional rigidity. Open risers can develop minor creaking over time, though this depends heavily on construction quality and materials used. Steel-framed open risers with timber treads tend to be quieter than all-timber open designs. If noise is a significant concern, discuss this with your staircase designer; there are construction techniques that reduce sound transmission in both styles.

Create Your Perfect Staircase with Bavari

Whether you're drawn to the contemporary elegance of open risers or the timeless practicality of closed designs, your staircase deserves expert craftsmanship. At Bavari, our master craftsmen design and manufacture bespoke staircases for homes across Ireland, the UK, and Europe, combining traditional techniques with precision engineering.

Get in touch to discuss your project and explore how we can bring your vision to life. Visit bavari-stairs.com or contact our team to arrange a consultation.