Floating Staircases Designed & Installed
Wall-fixed cantilevered treads, open risers and frameless glass balustrades — the purest expression of contemporary staircase design. Engineered in steel, glass and timber. Designed, manufactured and installed across the UK by Continox. From £11,999 — everything included.
What is a floating staircase? A floating staircase is a contemporary design where each tread cantilevers from the supporting wall with no visible side support — creating an open, light-filled appearance. The frameless glass balustrade and open risers complete the floating aesthetic.
How much does it cost? A bespoke floating staircase from Continox starts at £11,999 excl. VAT, fully installed across the UK. Includes design, structural calculations, oak treads, glass balustrade and professional installation — no add-ons.
How long to install? 6–8 weeks from order to completed installation. Site time: 1–3 days.
A floating staircase creates the most open, light-filled staircase aesthetic possible — treads that appear to hover without visible support, open risers that allow light to pass through the full height of the stairwell, and a frameless glass balustrade that maintains a barrier without interrupting the visual flow. Every Continox floating staircase is designed from scratch for the specific space, structurally engineered for the wall substrate, and installed by our in-house team.
This guide covers everything you need to know before commissioning a floating staircase: cost, structural design requirements, tread material options, installation process and how to find a floating staircase manufacturer near you across the UK.
Floating Staircase Cost UK
The base price of £11,999 covers a wall-fixed cantilevered floating staircase up to 2700mm floor-to-floor height with engineered European oak treads, 12mm toughened glass balustrade and a stainless steel handrail — fully installed. The most common factors that increase the floating staircase cost are layout (L-shape adds £1,500), tread upgrades (walnut adds £800–£1,200), and LED integration (£1,500). A typical L-shape floating staircase with frameless glass and LED runs to £13,500–£15,000 fully installed.
For a complete pricing breakdown including all configurations and upgrades, see our Bespoke Staircase Cost UK guide.
What's Included in the £11,999 Price
- Free on-site survey with substrate assessment and structural fixing point identification
- Photorealistic 3D design visuals of your floating staircase placed in your actual space
- Structural calculations to BS EN 1090 — worth £3,000+ as a separate engineering service
- Engineered European Oak treads — 40mm thickness, sanded ready for finishing
- Wall-fixing brackets — embedded steel structure for true cantilever effect
- 12mm toughened glass balustrade — BS EN 12150 / BS 6180 certified
- Solid oak handrail — laser-levelled and continuously fitted
- Professional staining & lacquering — 30+ oak finishes available
- Delivery to site with all components and fixings
- Professional installation by our in-house team — worth £2,500+ as a standalone service
Floating Staircase Design Options
Floating staircases are available in several structural configurations — the choice depends on the available wall substrate, the staircase layout and the desired visual result. All configurations are available with oak treads, walnut treads or steel plate treads, and with frameless or framed glass balustrade.
Wall-Fixed Cantilevered Floating Staircase
Each tread is independently fixed into the structural wall using embedded steel brackets — creating the purest floating effect. The wall is the only visible support. No stringer, no spine, no visible structure. Requires a solid masonry or concrete wall with adequate load capacity at each fixing position.
- Individual tread fixing — no stringer visible
- 40mm engineered European oak treads
- Open risers — 100mm sphere rule compliant
- Frameless glass balustrade one side
- LED under-tread integration available
- Part K compliant — structural calculations included
Steel Plate Floating Staircase
Flat steel plate treads — typically 10mm plate in powder-coat black, grey or any RAL colour — on a wall-fixed steel stringer system. The most industrial-contemporary interpretation of the floating aesthetic. The stringer is minimal and close to the wall, maintaining the open riser visual while providing a robust structural platform for the plates.
- 10mm steel plate treads — any RAL powder coat
- Wall-fixed steel stringer
- Open risers — non-slip surface standard
- Frameless glass balustrade
- LED base channel integration available
- BS EN 1090 structural certification
L-Shape Floating Staircase
A floating staircase with a 90-degree turn — the most common layout for UK homes where a straight run along one wall is not available. The turn is achieved with an intermediate landing platform that can be wall-fixed or structurally supported from below. Glass balustrade runs continuously along both flights and across the landing edge.
- 90° turn — intermediate landing
- Wall-fixed or supported landing platform
- Continuous glass balustrade
- Oak, walnut or steel plate treads
- Part K compliant including landing balustrade 900mm+
- 3D design visuals of exact layout included
LED Floating Staircase
Every floating staircase design can be specified with integrated LED lighting — either recessed under-tread strips that cast light onto the tread below, or a LED base channel running the length of the glass balustrade at floor level. During the day the staircase reads as glass, steel and timber. After dark the LED lighting becomes the dominant visual — particularly effective in open-plan spaces where the staircase is visible from the main living area.
- Under-tread LED — recessed, warm white 2700K
- LED base channel option — along glass balustrade
- Dimmer compatible — smart home integration possible
- Both systems can be combined
- Pre-wiring included in base price
- +£1,500 LED hardware on top of base spec
Floating Staircase Structural Design
The structural design of a floating staircase is fundamentally different from a conventional staircase. With no stringer or central spine, the entire load of every tread is transferred directly into the supporting wall through a steel bracket embedded into the structure. Each tread typically carries a cantilever load of 1.5–2.0 kN (point load at tread tip) plus dynamic loads from everyday use — and the wall must accept this load in both shear and bending without deflection.
Wall Substrate Requirements
The wall is the most critical element of any floating staircase — and the first thing Continox assesses on every site survey. The following substrates are typically suitable:
- Solid masonry walls — brick or block of minimum 215mm thickness, capable of accepting M16 chemical anchors
- Reinforced concrete walls — minimum 200mm thickness with adequate reinforcement at fixing positions
- Structural steel frame within stud wall — RHS or UC sections within timber/metal stud, with brackets bolted directly to the steel
- Timber stud walls — only suitable when fixings can be anchored into multiple structural studs at appropriate centres (rare in practice)
Engineering Calculations & Compliance
Every Continox floating staircase includes the following structural documentation as standard — provided to your Building Control surveyor for Full Plans submission:
| Calculation | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tread cantilever load | BS EN 1991-1-1 | Point load + UDL + impact factor |
| Bracket pull-out / shear | BS EN 1992-4 | Anchor design to wall substrate |
| Tread deflection limits | BS EN 1990 | Max L/300 under SLS load |
| Glass balustrade load | BS 6180:2011 | 0.74 kN/m residential |
| Steel structure CE/UKCA | BS EN 1090-1 EXC2 | Continox certified workshop |
| Building Regs compliance | Approved Document K | Sphere rule / dimensions / handrail |
All calculations are signed by a qualified structural engineer and provided in PDF format with the design package — included at no extra cost. This level of documentation is what Building Control requires for any new staircase installation, and what most "supply-only" suppliers leave out of their pricing.
Wall substrate must be verified before design begins. A floating staircase with wall-fixed cantilevered treads transfers all structural loads into the supporting wall — typically 1.5–2.0 kN per tread. This requires solid masonry, reinforced concrete or a structural steel frame within a stud wall. Metal stud (drywall) walls are generally not suitable without structural intervention. Continox assesses the wall substrate as the first step of every floating staircase survey — before any design work is committed to. If the substrate is inadequate, we identify the correct structural solution before providing a fixed-price quotation.
What's Included in Every Project
Every Continox floating staircase includes the full project — from the first site visit to the final step signed off by Building Control. The following is included as standard in every fixed-price quotation.
Free On-Site Survey
Site visit to assess wall substrate, measure the opening precisely and confirm fixing positions. Structural substrate confirmed before any design work begins. No charge, no obligation.
3D Photorealistic Visuals
Full photorealistic renders of your floating staircase placed accurately in your actual space — including material finishes, glass balustrade and lighting if specified. Produced before fabrication begins, at no charge.
Structural Calculations
Full structural engineering to BS EN 1090 — covering cantilevered tread loads, wall fixing design, pull-out values and material specification. Signed by a qualified structural engineer. Required for Building Control submission.
CAD Drawings — PDF & DWG
Detailed as-built drawings showing all dimensions, fixing positions and Part K compliance notes. Provided in PDF and DWG format for your architect or Building Control surveyor. Suitable for Full Plans submission.
UKCA Marking & Declaration of Performance
All structural steel components carry UKCA marking and a Declaration of Performance under UK Construction Products Regulations — a legal requirement and increasingly required by Building Control and commercial insurers.
Professional Installation
Installed by Continox's in-house team — no subcontractors. Typically 1–3 days on site for a straight or L-shape floating staircase. Site left clean on completion. Full compliance documentation handed over on the day.
Floating Staircase Treads — Materials & Specifications
The tread is the visual centrepiece of a floating staircase — and the structural element doing most of the work. Continox manufactures floating staircase treads in six standard materials, each with different aesthetic, structural and cost characteristics.
| Material | Thickness | Best For | Upgrade Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineered European Oak | 40mm | Standard floating spec — included in £11,999 base price | Included |
| Solid Grade A European Oak | 50mm | Premium spec — wider treads or bespoke aesthetic | +£800 |
| American Black Walnut | 40mm | Premium dark grain for dramatic glass contrast | +£1,200 |
| European Ash | 40mm | Light grain alternative — Scandinavian aesthetic | +£600 |
| Steel Plate (powder-coat) | 10mm | Industrial-contemporary — RAL colour matched | +£500 |
| Solid Oak — Extra Thick | 80mm | Cantilever spans 1000mm+ — chunky aesthetic | +£1,800 |
Why 40mm is the Minimum for Timber Treads
Cantilevered timber treads must resist bending under both static and impact loads while limiting deflection to L/300 of the cantilever length (Serviceability Limit State, BS EN 1990). For a 900mm wide tread, this means maximum deflection of 3mm under design load. Below 40mm thickness, oak treads exceed this deflection — creating a perceptible flex underfoot which feels unsafe even when structurally adequate. Continox specifies 40mm as the minimum for any timber floating staircase tread.
For wider spans (1000mm+) or larger occupancy loads, we upgrade to 50mm or 80mm solid oak. Steel plate treads at 10mm don't have the same deflection issue due to higher modulus of elasticity but require a different aesthetic approach — typically with hidden anti-slip texturing on the upper surface.
Tread Finishes — 30+ Stains & Lacquers
Every Continox floating staircase tread is supplied with professional staining and lacquering as standard — included in the base price. Available finishes include:
- Natural oils — Osmo Polyx, Rubio Monocoat (food-safe, low-maintenance)
- Stained finishes — Light Scandinavian whites, mid-tone smoked oak, deep dark walnut tones
- Matt lacquer — water-based, low-sheen contemporary finish
- Satin lacquer — slight sheen, easier to maintain
- Custom colour matching — to existing flooring or interior scheme
How It Works: From Enquiry to Installation
Every Continox floating staircase follows the same four-stage process — from the free site visit to the completed, Building Control signed-off installation.
Free On-Site Survey
We visit your site, assess the wall substrate, take precise measurements and confirm the structural fixing positions. No charge. All dimensions are taken from site — not from drawings.
3D Design & Fixed Price
Photorealistic 3D renders of your floating staircase in your actual space — produced before any commitment. Fixed-price quotation covering design, manufacture and installation, confirmed within 24 hours.
Manufacture
Your staircase is fabricated in our workshop to exact dimensions — steel structure, treads, glass balustrade and handrail. Structural calculations and CAD drawings produced concurrently for Building Control submission.
Installation & Sign-Off
Installed by our in-house team — 1–3 days on site. UKCA documentation and compliance schedule handed over on completion. Total lead time from order: 6–8 weeks.
Building Regulations: Part K Requirements
Every Continox floating staircase is designed and installed in full compliance with Approved Document K. The following are the key dimensional requirements for a private domestic floating staircase. For full details see our UK Staircase Building Regulations guide.
| Requirement | Specification | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Max Rise (per step) | 220mm (private stair) | Approved Document K |
| Min Going (tread depth) | 220mm (private stair) | Approved Document K |
| Max Pitch | 42° | Approved Document K |
| 2R + G Formula | 550–700mm | Approved Document K |
| Min Headroom | 2000mm throughout | Approved Document K |
| Loft Conversion Headroom | 1800mm centre / 1900mm sides | Approved Document K |
| Handrail Height | 900–1000mm above pitch line | Approved Document K |
| Open Risers — Sphere Rule | No opening may pass 100mm sphere | Approved Document K |
| Landing Balustrade | 900mm (GF) / 1100mm (above GF) | Part K / BS 6180 |
| Balustrade Load | 0.74 kN/m residential | BS 6180:2011 |
| Glass Specification | Toughened & laminated | BS EN 12150 / BS EN 14449 |
| Structural Standard | EXC2 minimum | BS EN 1090-1 |
Floating Staircase Kit UK — vs. Bespoke Manufacture
Floating staircase kits are an entirely valid option for some projects — particularly for builders or DIYers comfortable handling structural fixing themselves, or for spaces with very simple geometry where a standard kit fits the available footprint. Kits typically include the steel structure, treads and balustrade components, and the buyer arranges installation, structural certification and Building Control compliance separately.
When a Kit Makes Sense
- Standard footprint matching kit dimensions exactly
- Comfortable doing structural fixing yourself
- Managing Building Control submission separately
- Lower budget priority over bespoke specification
- Tight timeline — kits are off-the-shelf
- Accept catalogue specifications
When Bespoke Manufacture Makes Sense
- Non-standard space — your stairwell doesn't match a kit
- Specific aesthetic — particular tread, RAL, glass spec
- Single supplier handling design + manufacture + install
- Premium quality — Grade A oak, walnut, frameless glass
- Full Building Control documentation included
- 5-year warranty from one supplier — single accountability
For most UK homeowners commissioning a floating staircase as part of a renovation or new build, the bespoke route is more cost-effective when total project cost is calculated correctly — once design fees, structural calculations, Building Control documentation and installation are added to a kit price, the gap closes significantly. The bespoke route also dramatically reduces project risk: with a single supplier, there's a single point of accountability if any issue arises during installation or in the years afterward.
Floating Staircases Across the UK
Continox designs and installs bespoke floating staircases across the UK — from Hampshire, Surrey and London to the Midlands, East of England and beyond. Based in Gosport, our in-house team delivers the same standard of craftsmanship on every project regardless of location.
Every floating staircase project is priced following a free on-site survey — the only way to produce an accurate fixed price for a wall-fixed cantilevered design where substrate conditions, precise dimensions and floor finish thickness all affect the specification. We never issue estimates from floor plans alone.
For design inspiration across all staircase types, see our Modern Staircase Ideas UK guide. For full pricing information including worked examples, see our Bespoke Staircase Cost guide.
Glass Balustrade on a Floating Staircase
The frameless glass balustrade is the natural complement to a floating staircase — both are defined by the absence of visible structure. A frameless system uses 17.5mm toughened & laminated glass (BS EN 14449) fixed with near-invisible patch fittings or a base channel at floor level. No visible posts, no visible rails — just glass, steel handrail and timber treads.
The alternative — a framed glass balustrade from £350/m — uses thinner toughened glass within a steel post-and-rail frame. More cost-effective over larger linear footage, and easier to retrofit on existing structures with varied substrates. Both are Part K and BS 6180 compliant when correctly engineered.
For full glass balustrade specifications and pricing see our glass balustrade range. For compliance requirements see our Glass Balustrade Regulations guide.
People Also Ask
The most common questions from UK homeowners researching floating staircases — direct answers below, with deeper detail in the FAQ section.
How much is a wooden floating staircase UK price?
A bespoke wooden floating staircase in the UK costs from £11,999 excl. VAT with engineered European oak treads, fully installed. Premium options with solid Grade A oak or walnut treads run to £13,000–£15,000 fully specified.
Where can I find a floating staircase near me?
Continox installs floating staircases across the UK from our Hampshire base — covering London, South East, South West, East of England and the Midlands as standard service. Free on-site survey across all listed regions.
How much does a floating staircase kit cost in the UK?
Floating staircase kits cost £3,500–£6,000 supply-only in the UK. After adding professional installation (£2,500+), structural calculations (£1,500+) and Building Control documentation, total project cost typically reaches £8,500–£11,000.
What is the structural design for a floating staircase?
Floating staircase structural design requires a wall capable of carrying 1.5–2.0 kN per tread cantilever load. Standards: BS EN 1090, BS EN 1991-1-1, BS EN 1992-4, BS 6180, Approved Document K.
How much does a floating staircase cost?
A bespoke floating staircase costs from £11,999 excl. VAT in the UK, fully installed with design, structural engineering, oak treads, glass balustrade and professional installation. L-shape variants from £13,499.
What thickness should floating staircase treads be?
Floating staircase treads should be a minimum of 40mm solid timber for cantilevered spans up to 900mm — anything thinner exceeds deflection limits (L/300 under SLS load) and feels unsafe underfoot. For wider spans (1000mm+) upgrade to 50mm or 80mm.
Floating Staircase Near Me — UK Coverage
Continox designs, manufactures and installs floating staircases across the UK. Based in Hampshire — regularly installing across London, the South East, South West and East of England.
Floating Staircase — FAQ
Common questions from UK homeowners about floating staircase design, specification, cost and installation.
Free on-site survey including substrate assessment, photorealistic 3D visuals of your exact design, and a fixed-price quotation within 24 hours. Floating staircases from £11,999 — designed, manufactured and installed across the UK.