There is some eye-catching design features you can implement in a home; floating staircases are one of them. These elements add a sleek and modern feel that makes any space look open and rich with air. However, before installing one, most homeowners then ask the same question: Are floating stairs safe? To answer this question, yes − floating stairs are designed within strict Australian safety standards based on the assumption that they are professionally designed and installed by a well experienced stair builder or reputed stair manufacturers. Here’s what you need to know.
Floating Staircase − What Actually Makes a Floating Staircase Float?
The name floating staircases comes from the illusion the staircase creates. This differs from traditional stairs which feature visible supports. Instead, the treads are secured using hidden metal brackets, wall supports, or a central spine. It gives padding a clean minimalist appearance that merges well with modern architecture.
Pro makers such as Stairworx deal with these engineered systems, so rest assured the framework is solid, even if the stair itself seems trencher light.
Attention: Floating Stairs are Safe − If Done Right
The engineering behind it is the key here. There are building codes with regard to strength, spacing, handrails, concrete, and structure that these floating stairs are subject to. They’re as safe as conventional designs when installed by skilled professionals.
A certified stair builder prevents both the weight and movement of the stairs for everyday wear. The materials − steel, hardwood, and reinforced supports − are meant to withstand the test of time.
Safety Features You Should Expect
This kind of staircases comes with some amazing inbuilt safety measures in modern floating staircases. These are sometimes hidden from view, but extremely important for durability over time.
Key safety components include:
- Wall-mounted steel brackets
- Reinforced treads
- Secure anchoring into structural walls
- Non-slip surfaces or finishes
- Compliant handrails and balustrades
Invisible reinforcements that increase strength without upstaging a minimalist signature are even the norm.
How About Children, Pets, and Seniors?
The design is open, which may raise safety concerns, particularly about gaps between treads. Fortunately, homeowners have options.
To improve safety:
- Add glass balustrades
- Include risers between treads
- Choose wider treads for stability
- Use slip-resistant finishes
It is no coincidence that glass balustrades are particularly in demand as they are not limiting the open, floating feeling of openness without hiding.
Choosing the Right Materials
The key is to make your choice of the best material for this. You can expect the use of hardwood treads with either steel frames and toughened glass balustrades with a number of steels in the industry.
Floating especially requires the best of the stair manufacturers to provide the proper materials without sacrificing the aesthetic high point of a genuine floating stair.
Installation Matters More Than Design
No matter how good the staircase design is, it can be neighbouring trouble if installed improperly. Floating staircases require careful measurement, secure anchoring, and rigorous testing.
A skilled stair builder will:
- Assess your home’s structure
- Ensure compliance with Australian standards
- Custom-engineer support points
- The stair case needs to be installed without sacrificing the safety of households
You should not try to do this on your own, you must go to an expert.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Safety
Although floating staircases don’t demand extensive maintenance, making regular checks plays a vital role in preserving their condition.
Check-in about once a quarter:
- Ensure handrails feel firm
- Check for loose treads
- Clean glass balustrades
- Wipe timber with suitable products
Floating stairs are constructed in a way so that hardly do they give rise to any kind of problem however catching the issues early is always a good idea.
Final Thoughts
Floating staircases are perfectly safe, stylish, and will last a lifetime, provided they are custom designed and installed by experienced professionals. If built with quality materials, designed appropriately, and following Australian building codes, these staircases can be an impressive and safe addition to a home. When renovating or building from scratch, reputable stair manufacturers and experienced stair installation professionals can help ensure your stairs will not only look fabulous but will also safely function for years to come.
