How to Build Floating Metal Stairs [Step by Step Guide]

Building a floating metal staircase can be challenging as there are too many factors to take care of. It would help if you had a proper understanding of the suspension and the strings, and the raised height. If you wonder how to build floating metal stairs, you are in the right place.

Though it is difficult, nothing is impossible if you follow the physical and geometrical rules appropriately. You will require extra hands, and you may need professional help as well. 

How to Build Floating Metal Stairs

Before building a floating metal staircase, you have to consider a few factors like

  • Tread length
  • Step depth
  • Riser height
  • Handrail width 

Before you calculate these factors, you have to determine what kind of suspension you would like to have for your floating staircase. Will it is with the wall, or do you want to use a beam, or do you want to use sturdy strings? So let’s see which way we can build a floating metal staircase correctly.

Choose a Design

Before jumping into the building process, choose your design first. Here in this section, we will provide you the names of the design.

Spiral Staircases: Spiral staircases are very affordable, but they do not look as slick as other floating staircases. Though spiral staircases are floating yet, they may not look as good.

One of the key benefits of a spiral staircase is that it does not require sturdy suspension rope or strings. That is why it is easy to build.

Metal stringer staircase: Metal stringer staircases are the most common floating metal stairs where strings connect the hand railings. They are pretty elegant in looks and provide proper safety as well. 

Cantilever stairs: Cantilever stairs are also based on the metal stringer, but the cantilever’s stringer is not visible. The support of cantilever stairs are hidden inside the wall it is attached to. Instead of attaching the metal strings outside, the designer will manage to connect the strings from inside.

The hidden strings in the cantilever stairs make it look like it’s floating. There are many ways of designing it, but one design of the staircase will look amazing. But with good looks comes more formidable challenges. You cannot build a cantilever staircase on your own. 

Other Contemporary Staircases: There are many different staircase designs, but they cost a lot more than the one above. You can also customize your staircase to make it look just like the way you want it. 

This customized staircase also requires experts for building. Without an expert hand, they may not look too good or can be dangerous. 

The Process of Building the Staircase

Now you probably have the idea that the process of building a floating metal staircase or Balustrades is not too easy. Yet, we will tell you how to make a DIY floating staircase. 

Though you want to make it a DIY staircase, you will need some supporting hands, whether your friends, family, or neighbor, or you can take professional help.

So let’s see what the measurements that we have to take before building the staircase are.

  • At first, measure the height from floor to floor. Take the height from the lower floor to the floor on top where you will land.
  • Take the horizontal length of the staircase. In other words, take the length of the staircase from end to end on the floor it began.
  • Measure the thickness of the top-level. When you measure the thickness else or adequately, the lower thickness and upper thickness may not match, and there can be misshapes 
  • Measure the distance of the landing floor and the ceiling if there is a ceiling
  • Measure the length of tread horizontally
  • Measure the hight of the rising 
  • Now it is time to choose materials like Metal, W
  • Measure the length of the steps
  • ood, or concrete
  • Choose the railings whether you want metal railing or wooden railing

Create the Blueprint

Now that you have the measurement of everything, it is time to determine what kind of design you want. You can draw it on a blue point and decide if you wish to support your stairs on a beam or want them to be elevated with a stringer from the ceiling. 

When you know what you want, it will be easy to create the design in a digital format or use hand drawing. 

The best idea is to hire professionals to design if you feel under-confident to make it by yourself. In professional blueprints, several components are arranged accordingly. Seeing the number, you can understand which component is appropriate to be attached to other parts.

You can then fix all the parts of a staircase accordingly. In this way, you can fix each part correctly without being confused and wasting the time of trial and error.

Now its time to build

After creating the blueprint now, it is time to make the staircase. Take some help to be more cautious. The best suggestion for building the staircase is to contact a professional, at least consult with them. And if you are confident in your construction skills, you can build it with a helping hand.

Final Word

We all want our house to look amazing. When you have a grand-looking staircase, there is no doubt that it will bring out the elegance of your home. There is no doubt that DIY floating metal staircases are a bit expensive, but in terms of aesthetic beauty.

Now that you know how to build floating metal stairs, you can be sure of the process of building it. Whether you make it yourself or take professional help, a floating staircase is an excellent addition to your house.