NRK Welding fabricates custom floating staircases, like open riser and cantilevered designs, for residential and commercial projects throughout Southern Maine. Whether you’re searching for a floating stair for a modern home interior or a dramatic commercial lobby centrepiece, our team designs, fabricates, and installs the complete system.
What Is a Floating Staircase?
A floating stair is a staircase design where individual treads are mounted so there are no vertical risers between each step. The result is an open, light-filled look that makes the stairs appear to float in mid-air. This is achieved through two primary structural approaches: cantilevered treads bolted directly into a load-bearing wall, or spine-mounted treads attached to a central steel stringer running up the middle.
A one-side-open staircase is one of the most requested configurations. The outboard side of each tread has no visible support, giving the floating effect without requiring a full structural wall on both sides. Stair riser layout options vary depending on ceiling height, floor-to-floor measurement, and local building code step-height requirements.
Open riser stairs and cantilevered staircases are common terms for the same family of designs. Whether you call it a floating stair or floating stairs, the defining characteristic is always the same: no solid riser panel between treads, and minimal visible structure.
Floating Stair Design Options
NRK builds floating staircases to a wide range of specifications. Tread material is one of the first decisions in any floating staircase design: solid hardwood (oak and maple are popular) delivers warmth and texture; steel plate reads as fully industrial and pairs well with exposed structural elements; tempered glass maximises light transfer and is common in commercial settings.
On the structural side, mono stringer staircases run a single spine up the centre of the stair, with treads cantilevering off both sides. Hidden structural options embed the steel frame into adjacent walls, leaving the tread connection completely concealed. Both approaches are engineered to meet load requirements. The difference is visual.
Railing integration is the final variable that defines the overall look. Cable railing keeps sightlines clear and suits coastal or contemporary interiors. Rod infill is more industrial. Glass panel railings eliminate the visual break entirely. For a full overview of compatible systems, see our cable railing installation and custom handrails pages. NRK fabricates and installs the railing as part of the complete floating stair package, so everything is spec’d together from the start.
Custom Floating Stairs for Residential Homes
For homeowners renovating an existing home or building new, interior floating stairs are a significant architectural feature, not just a way to get between floors. NRK works with homeowners directly, walking through the design-to-install process from the first site visit to final sign-off.
Early in the consultation, we assess the architectural considerations that determine feasibility: ceiling height, the location of load-bearing walls, and how the staircase interacts with the surrounding floor plan. A floating stair in a tight stairwell requires different engineering than one in an open great room.
Once the structural approach is confirmed, NRK’s in-house team produces a CAD design for client review. No fabrication begins until you’ve signed off on the drawings. On the build side, all steel work, such as cutting, welding, and surface finishing, is done in our shop. Installation is completed by our own crew, not subcontracted out. For homeowners who want to review related work before committing, our
project gallery includes completed residential floating stair installations.
Commercial Floating Staircase Fabrication
Architects, developers, and commercial fitout contractors have different requirements than residential clients. For lobby staircases and multi-floor commercial installations, NRK fabricates floating stairs engineered to meet the higher load requirements of commercial occupancy: heavier section sizing, stronger connection details, and weld specifications suited to increased foot traffic. All structural documentation is available for engineer review.
NRK’s open riser staircase designs for commercial applications are fabricated to meet applicable building code requirements, including IBC load standards and riser spacing rules. If the project requires a stamped engineering package or coordination with a structural engineer of record, our
design and engineering
team can support that process. We fabricate in-shop and deliver project-ready components, with on-site installation included. Commercial project timelines and lead times are discussed during the initial quote process.
What Our Clients Say: Testimonials
Nothing speaks to our quality like the words of our satisfied customers.
— Bryan Souza
These guys are great. I couldn't be more happier with the service.
— Lance T
Amazing quality, and prompt service. Highly recommend and I will definitely use this shop in the future! Thanks nick.
— Jhonatan Viana
This welder helped out my dad in a very difficult situation, thank you very much.
Frequently Asked Questions about Floating Stairs
Ready to Build Your Floating Staircase?
A floating staircase is one of the more technically demanding custom fabrication projects a home or commercial space can take on. The structural engineering, material coordination, and precision required to make a stair look effortless are exactly what make it challenging to get right. NRK Welding handles the full scope in-house (from site measure and CAD design through fabrication and installation), so the process is straightforward for you even when the build isn’t.
If you’re ready to move forward or just want to understand what’s involved for your specific space, the best first step is a conversation. Contact NRK Welding for a free consultation and project quote. We’ll assess your site, walk through design options, and give you a clear picture of scope, timeline, and cost before anything is committed.
Operating Hours: Mon–Fri 7AM–7PM, Sat–Sun 7AM–2PM