Floating Stair Treads

What Are Floating Stair Treads?

People use floating stair treads to create “floating stairs.” Installing the treads in a way that looks like they are floating in mid-air with no structural support. Mounts are hidden from view by putting them under the treads or attached to a wall.

There has been a huge rise in the popularity of this stair design, primarily in modern and minimalist homes and paired with a glass, cable, or rod railing.

Types of Floating Stairs

Open Riser

The open riser is synonymous with floating stairs. The spaces between the treads are removed to create an open and airy feel. In this type of floating stairs, stair treads need to be thicker, between 1 ½ to 4 inches. The thickness should complement the design of the stairs as well as the amount of space available. A stringer or a beam supports it.

Metal Stringers

Metal stringers can either be single or double. The stringers support the stair treads from the bottom to ensure that they can handle weight properly and are safe to use.

Cantilevered Stairs

Cantilevered stairs, considered a subtype of an open riser, are floating stairs that give the illusion of levitation. The end of each tread is securely attached to a wall while the other is bare. Some people opt to add a glass or handrail to make it safer. The floating stair treads are secured using a variety of attachments, such as a single stringer, a metal frame, or pockets in the wall.

Waterfall Stairs

A waterfall stair involves a running carpet tacked into place. The carpet is not wrapped around the nose, which is especially useful if the carpet is thick. Tucking thicker carpets around the nose of floating stair treads is a challenge.

Code Regulation for Floating Stairs

Floating stairs are subject to rules and regulations to ensure that they are constructed safely. The code regulation differs from one state to another, thus, you need to research this based explicitly on the location of the property where you are installing the stairs.

However, the International Residential Code (IRC) gives us a brief outline of the base requirements for homes that are less than three stories high and shared by one to two families.

Balusters

Balusters should be installed closer together so that a 4-inch sphere cannot get into them. A wider baluster that follows a 6-inch sphere rule is only allowed at the triangular space at the end of the tread.

Handrail

Handrails may not be required except if you have an open-riser floating staircase with more than three risers. If a handrail is required, the minimum height is 34 inches; the maximum height is 38 inches.

Rise and Run

Floating stair treads need a minimum run of 10 inches and a maximum rise of 7 ¾ inches.

Tread Width

Treads must have a minimum width of 36 inches between each.

FAQs

How can I make floating stairs safer?

Floating stairs are safe, just like traditional staircases, if appropriately installed following code requirements. But to make it safer than it already is, you may choose to install a railing such as glass or use wider floating stair treads.

What is the difference between a stair tread and a retread?

Stair tread replacements can change an entire stair tread, while retread refers to retrofit stair treads that precisely fit on already-existing treads. Retreads are used without the need for total replacement.

Where to Buy Floating Stair Treads

For a beautiful and safe floating stair, you need gorgeous and reliable treads. Sourcing treads isn’t difficult, but sourcing durable and stronger ones are.

Alderfer Lumber Company Inc is a special lumber store with all kinds of wood products and services. Floating stair treads are one of our specialities, and we make custom treads that code regulations.

Aside from treads, we also provide other products such as decorative panels, commercial shelving, post and beams, and wood blanks. Give us a call or email to request assistance, and we’ll gladly help!