How to Design Cantilevered Staircases

 A cantilever staircase is an eye-catching and surprisingly simple design feature that can be used to transform any space. They are particularly popular for contemporary homes and those with limited natural light, as they often feature glass treads that allow sunlight to filter down the steps.

There are many designs for cantilevered staircasws – from minimalist open treads to solid structures that wind upwards – so it is important to pick the right one to suit your property and your budget. It’s also important to ensure that any supporting wall is robust and suitable for the weight of the steps you choose.

If the supporting wall is not structurally sound, your staircase engineer will be able to recommend alternative options. This may be as simple as a stringer anchored into the wall at regular intervals, or in more complex cases where there is only a party wall, the stairs will need to be supported by an external structure.

This can be as simple as a metal frame or pockets. It can also be as complicated as a bespoke staircase that is pegged into the wall and topped with elaborate handrails.

The simplest cantilever steps simply bend along the wall and are supported by hidden parts within the treads. These parts are usually steel and welded in place, with the wall constructed to conform to them.

However, a more dramatic look can be achieved by bringing the stairs away from the wall slightly – such as with a stair that juts out past the main wall. It can be done with a timber, or even a steel flight (see my previous ideabook).

Cantilevered steps are an excellent choice for minimalist schemes and often look more elegant than their more traditional straight counterparts. They can also be a more practical solution for older properties, as they can be designed with a wider landing area that makes it easier to access the top floor.

You should consider the material you’re going to use when designing your staircase – if you’re going for a more modern look, wood is probably the easiest option and it can be shaped into all sorts of interesting shapes. If you have a more rustic or more traditional house, stone or other natural materials can work well too.

Another great choice for a more industrial or contemporary style is metal and wire. This can be in the form of wrought iron or wire netting, but other warm metals such as brass and bronze are also viable too.

A more complicated version of a cantilever staircase involves using resin anchors in the wall, allowing the stair assembly to be bolted onto pieces of studding that have been drilled into the concrete. This is a much quicker and simpler method of installation than using traditional masonry anchors, as it doesn’t require drilling holes or cutting a hole in the masonry wall.

The best thing about cantilevered staircases is that they come in a huge range of styles and sizes. They can also be fabricated from a wide variety of materials including glass, stone and timber, which can make them incredibly versatile. They are also often a good choice for contemporary homes, as they can often be adapted to blend in with more modern interior styles over time.