Mono-stringer
a single central beam, usually steel or wood, runs beneath the treads and supports each one from the middle.
Floating stairs
Floating Stairs: A Plain Guide to Floating Staircases
A floating staircase has treads that appear to float, with no visible risers and the supporting structure hidden or minimized. This guide explains how floating stairs are built and what to check before you plan one.
What are floating stairs?
Floating stairs are open-riser stairs where the support is hidden in the wall or concentrated in a single central beam, so each tread looks suspended. They are used in modern homes to keep a stair open and let light pass through.
Floating staircase structure types
Wall-mounted cantilever
each tread is anchored into a structural wall, often with hidden steel brackets or rods, so nothing shows beneath the treads.
Both structures must be designed for the loads involved. Structural support and installation are handled by your builder, engineer or installer.
Tread thickness considerations
Floating treads are usually thicker than standard treads so they look substantial and resist flexing over their unsupported span. The required thickness depends on the tread length, the structure and the material. Thick-looking treads can be solid or built as a box around a hidden support.
Code basics to check locally
Rise
maximum riser height applies even when risers are open.
Run
minimum tread depth and nosing requirements apply.
Openings
open risers are commonly limited so a 4 in sphere cannot pass through.
Headroom
minimum headroom applies along the stair.
Guards
open sides above a certain height generally need guards, and handrails are generally required.
Check your local code; requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Common questions
What is a floating staircase?
A floating staircase has open risers and a hidden or minimal support structure, so the treads appear to float.
How are floating stairs supported?
Most use either a single central mono-stringer beneath the treads or treads cantilevered from a structural wall with hidden brackets or rods.
How thick should floating stair treads be?
It depends on the tread length, support structure and material. Floating treads are usually thicker than standard treads; your builder or engineer confirms the requirement.
Are floating stairs up to code?
They can be, when they meet local rules for riser height, tread depth, open-riser openings, headroom, handrails and guards. Check your local code.
Can floating treads match my flooring?
Tread Space makes floating treads wrapped from the flooring identified for your project, in 4, 5 or 6-sided configurations confirmed during project review. Structural support and installation are handled by your builder or installer.
Ready for your stair parts?
Pricing and turnaround are confirmed on your written quote.