One of the best things about living in Colorado Springs is being surrounded by stunning mountain views and energizing sunshine. New homes and commercial spaces in this area don’t waste this gift, and by that we mean, they add a design feature that feels both intentional and high-end: floating stairs.
As more homes and businesses embrace open floor plans and minimalist aesthetics, elegant floating stairs are becoming a standard. Our fabrication team ensures that aesthetics and engineering work well together, so the result is a stair system that brings a “wow” factor and superior strength behind that beauty.
Reliable Stringer Supports for Floating Stairs in Colorado
Homeowners, builders, and remodelers often come to us with a curious question: “How are floating stairs supported?” To put it simply, we use a steel stringer (aka the spine) located beneath the stair treads or the steps your feet land on. The most popular stringer system is the mono stringer, wherein one steel beam runs down the center beneath the treads. These treads are then welded to the plates or brackets attached to the stringer and the stringer is anchored to the floor and a structural support at the second level. Depending on the room, this support may be hidden in the floor above or the stringer can be directly attached to the header if it will support the weight.
Some clients opt for the dual-stringer system. In this configuration, one stringer runs along each side of the stairs. The result is a staircase that is still open, but feels more supported. A dual stringer floating staircase is a common choice in modern homes, offices, and commercial spaces that require open risers that meet safety standards for stability.
For a staircase that conveys a true “floating effect,” our team can build cantilevered (wall-supported) stairs. This means, no visible stringer underneath. Instead, the treads will be anchored directly into the wall, requiring heavy structural reinforcement inside the wall itself. This option, however, is not suitable for all remodels. Depending on the budget, we may recommend adding a steel stringer if it’s more cost-effective than reinforcing an entire wall system.
Mono Stringer Stairs as the Superior Choice for Upscale Homes and Minimalist Spaces
For homeowners who value clean lines, open layouts, and elegance, a mono stringer floating staircase is a prominent choice. Imagine a home that captures the Pike Peaks’ views or Colorado’s abundant sunlight, a mono stringer system would make even more sense here. Since the support is concentrated in a single central spine, shadows are minimized and light can pass through both sides of the staircase. More importantly, mountain views and windows won’t be obstructed.
Unlike typical enclosed staircases, a mono stringer stair system can serve as a statement piece. Open-concept minimalist homes often need a vertical element to balance expansiveness. A mono stringer staircase establishes direction and movement. It counterbalances long sightlines and wide floor plans. So instead of the space feeling flat, it gains structure and dimension. Our stairs naturally become a statement piece when paired with cable or
glass railings and custom lighting.
We also fabricate modern stairs for commercial spaces, including office buildings, retail showrooms, upscale apartments, hotel reception areas, luxury condos, and restaurants across Colorado Springs. For commercial projects, every steel spine, tread connection, and bracket is calculated to meet strict building codes. Our stair systems can be adapted for both indoor and outdoor use. Inside a lobby, gallery, or atrium, they can serve as a dramatic centerpiece. Outside, these floating stairs can connect terraces, decks, and plazas, using the right materials and coatings that stand up to outdoor weather conditions.
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Popular Layouts for Floating Stairs
Top Peak Welding cares about creating a floating stair design that matches your vision and space layout. This is why our team is equipped to fabricate floating stairs in a variety of layouts:
Straight Floating Stairs
This layout is the most classic and minimalist option out there. With a single, uninterrupted run, straight stairs may look simple, but they actually demand precise fabrication to support the loads over long spans (as in spaces with tall ceilings and wide floor plans). This can also be helped by inserting a landing into a tall straight run to break up the incline.
Switchback (U-Shaped) Floating Stairs
In multi-story townhomes with a narrow floor area, switchback stairs can offer a safe and comfortable rise without eating up the entire space. It also has a landing that allows owners to add architectural touches, like glass panels, accent treads, or lighting.
L-Shaped Floating Stairs
With a 90° turn at a landing, this layout creates a natural pause and helps define zones in a large open floor plan. They’re ideal in kitchens or foyers where a straight run would be too long.
Spiral Floating Stairs
Spiral or curved floating stairs require curved stringers, which are challenging to make. Precise bending or sectional fabrication is needed to ensure a smooth and continuous curve. Spirals are ideal for narrow spaces needing a strong visual centerpiece.
Upgrading Your Colorado Springs Floating Stairs
The secret to making your stair system look like “futuristic stairs” is customization. Working with our team, you have the freedom to choose everything from the floating stair treads and railings to the hardware finishes and add-ons. For instance, we can use recessed treads (where each step appears embedded into the stringer) to amplify the floating effect. For your tread options, you can choose from reclaimed wood or rustic oak for warmth or maple or white oak for a clean, bright feel.
Our tread options also include metal treads for an industrial aesthetic and glass treads for an ultra-modern look. For high-traffic residential or light commercial spaces, we recommend butcher block treads as they are thicker than standard wood planks (often 2 to 4 inches thick) and therefore more durable. They can be finished in natural, stained, or oiled tones, so they match the overall look of your space. Thick wood treads are most commonly installed on floating stairs for a classic look that complements the modern design.
Our floating stair railings will add a layer of safety while preserving the floating effect. Glass panels are best for homes with panoramic views and light-filled interiors, while cable railings add texture and integrate well with wood treads. For added visual flair, we can install recessed LED strips along the treads to create a soft illumination at night. Steel components can also be powder-coated in your color of choice to match interior or exterior design palettes.
Working with a Local Floating Stair Installer
Luxury homes and commercial spaces often demand a tailored approach for floating stairs. As a local builder and installer in Colorado Springs, we offer what pre-fab kits and big manufacturers can’t: precision, high levels of customization with personal touches, and extensive fabrication expertise. We see every project as unique, so you can expect floating stairs that feel made-for-you and your space, without sacrificing subtle details or safety. Our excellence in design, fabrication, and installation translates well to other products we create, including
steel stairs,
metal pan stairs, and
apartment stairs. With custom fabrication, we can explore every possibility to elevate your space with a well-designed stair system. Get started today by calling us at 719-259-3359 or by filling out
this form.
