Floating staircases, with their sleek design and modern allure, represent a striking trend in contemporary interior design. These structures, seemingly defying the laws of gravity, bring a touch of elegance and lightness to any space, transforming a simple feature into a design element in its own right.

Find out more about these increasingly popular staircases.

How are floating staircases installed?

Their construction may vary according to the manufacturer and the specifics of the house, but here are the basic principles:

Installation between two walls
For a staircase suspended between two walls, invisible metal stirrups are generally used, which are anchored or screwed into the walls. This reduces the load on the structure and provides a "floating" effect. Materials such as wood can be used for steps in this configuration.

Installation on a single load-bearing wall
If the staircase is installed against a single wall, this wall must be a load-bearing wall to ensure the structure's stability and safety. If the existing wall is not strong enough, it can be reinforced. This option requires the intervention of a professional to guarantee the solidity of the installation.

Step width
The steps of a floating staircase are self-supporting, and must therefore be of high mechanical strength. For a staircase leaning against a single wall, the width of the steps is generally limited, depending on the material and design of the staircase. It is essential to measure the available space precisely, as there is little margin for adjusting the steps once installed.

Step thickness
The minimum recommended thickness for steps is 4", with a maximum of 6" recommended to maintain the staircase's visually light appearance. The thickness chosen depends on the finishing material and the supporting structure.

Do I need to add a railing?

For safety reasons, a guardrail is required for floating staircases. While some modern staircases can do without railings, an option many will choose to achieve a streamlined look, it's important to note that safety must come first, especially in homes with children or the elderly.

Don't worry! Fortunately, a wide selection is now available for choosing the perfect railing for a safe staircase, without compromising on style!

Which essences and materials to choose?

As with standard staircases, a wide variety of species and materials are available, each offering unique characteristics in terms of aesthetics and functionality.

For wooden steps, for example, oak is one of the most popular species because of its strength and resistance to wear. It also offers a beautiful grain that can be enhanced with different finishes. Maple, meanwhile, is appreciated for its light color, perfect for a bright, contemporary look. You might also consider cherry, known for its reddish color and even, homogeneous texture. It can bring a warm, traditional touch to the staircase.

For railings, you could opt for wood, for a warm effect, or metal, for a contemporary or even industrial look, not forgetting, of course, one of today's most popular options: glass. Glass is perfect for a modern look, and complements the lightness of the floating staircase perfectly.

Are floating staircases safe?

The question of safety is of paramount importance and deserves special attention. When properly designed and installed, floating staircases are perfectly safe. However, to guarantee this safety, several aspects need to be taken into account.

The construction and installation of floating staircases must be entrusted to professionals. This not only ensures that the staircase is properly anchored and supported, but also that all safety and construction standards are met. A professional will be able to assess the specifics of each space and advise you on the choice of materials and construction techniques best suited to guarantee the staircase's strength and durability.

Why choose a floating staircase?

Modernity and design are at the heart of the popularity of floating staircases. This type of staircase embodies a quest for modernity and elegance. Floating staircases are capable of radically transforming an interior, infusing it with contemporary flair and a healthy dose of style.

What's more, their design is not limited to a single shape or style; there's a wide variety of models available, allowing total customization to suit taste, budget and space. The possibility of choosing from different types of wood, such as beech, oak or cherry, offers even greater flexibility in terms of design and budget.

In terms of functionality, floating staircases offer significant space savings. Their "suspended" design makes them easy to integrate into a variety of environments, even those with limited space. The absence of risers lets in more light, making the space brighter and visually more open.

When it comes to durability and maintenance, floating staircases are built to last. Their simplified structure with no complicated risers or nooks and crannies makes regular cleaning and maintenance much easier. By choosing quality materials and applying the right treatment from the outset, these staircases can maintain their beauty and functionality for many years to come.

For more information and advice, don't hesitate to contact one of the experts on the Intermat team, who will be delighted to answer all your questions and help you make your project a reality!