Here’s Every Factor That Affects Floating Staircase Cost
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Traditional staircases don’t have the same eye-catching appeal as ones that seem to hover in midair. An average floating staircase cost typically falls between $8,000 and $12,000, with most homeowners spending around $10,000.
Highlights
- A typical floating staircase cost is around $10,000, but it could range from $8,000 to $12,000.
- The cost to install a floating staircase depends on key factors, such as the shape, size, materials, railings, labor rates, customizations, and any structural modifications needed.
- Homeowners who install floating staircases enjoy customizable modern designs that optimize space and are easy to install and maintain.
- Staircases have strict building regulations for safety reasons, so it’s best to have a qualified professional install a floating staircase to ensure that it’s anchored properly and that the treads are spaced evenly.
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Floating stairs, or cantilevered stairs, are a unique design element that brings a modern touch to a home. Architects and interior designers can suggest many ways for customized floating stairs to fit the aesthetic of the home while providing a functional design element. They’ll consider the type of material, the railings, and the stringer style as they bring a homeowner’s vision to life. Floating staircase cost is typically higher than the cost of traditional stairs, ranging from $8,000 to $12,000, with a national average cost of $10,000, according to Angi.
Installing a floating staircase involves several cost considerations, such as the staircase shape, the type of material, labor costs, structural modifications, and permits. Floating staircase kits are often an easier option for installation, but floating staircases can also be custom-built to match a home’s interior. No matter what type is installed, floating staircases provide a stunning way to add character to what’s usually a simple, functional element of a home.
Factors in Calculating Floating Staircase Cost
Floating staircases are ideal for contemporary or modern homes that are designed with style as the main priority. The different factors that impact their cost include their shape and size along with the material they’re made of. Most stairs include at least one railing, so the type of railing and material will also impact the overall cost. Floating stairs aren’t as common as traditional stairs, which can make figuring out cost estimates a little trickier, but homeowners can calculate some general estimates before speaking with local contractors.
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Staircase Shape
Most staircases run in a straight line from one floor to the next, so it’s not common for homeowners to consider the shape of a staircase when evaluating the cost. But staircases can take on many shapes so that they can go around corners or fit within small spaces. Stairs that simply rise from one floor to the next without additional corners and landings are typically on the lower end of the price range, though the total will also depend on the stair material and railing design.
The more complex the staircase shape, the higher the floating stairs cost will likely be, so winding or curving designs will cost the most. Homeowners have many design options for installing a staircase floating in the air:
- Bifurcated stairs (one staircase that splits into two staircases going in opposite directions)
- Curved stairs
- L-shape stairs (with a landing)
- Spiral stairs
- U-shape or switchback stairs (with a landing)
- Winder stairs (a combination of straight and curved sections)
Staircase Size
The larger the staircase, the more materials will be needed to build it, which means a higher cost. A ballpark estimate for a traditional staircase is about $150 per stair tread, though most floating stair treads average $100 to $500 each if made from wood, metal, stone, or tile. A full staircase typically has between 13 and 16 steps, making the cost fall between $1,300 on the lower end and $8,000 on the higher end. This estimate, however, can fluctuate based on the cost of materials, the railing material and size, and labor rates.
Staircase Material
Residential staircases are traditionally made of wood, but homeowners who prefer modern designs have other material options to choose from. Popular alternatives for floating stairs are metal and glass, but they come at a higher price since they are considered premium materials. For instance, while most materials cost between $100 and $500 per tread, glass treads can cost between $1,000 and $1,500 each.
Railing Design and Material
Homeowners can customize their new staircase to make it fit with the aesthetic of the home by focusing on the stair railing design and material. Options include traditional railings with wooden balusters, but homeowners could also opt for metal railings with cable, rod, or glass infills. Cable railings fall on the lower end of the cost spectrum, with rods trending in the middle and glass being the most expensive.
| Type of Railing Material | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| Aluminum | $3,500 to $6,000 |
| Cable wire | $2,000 to $3,300 |
| Composite or PVC | $2,000 to $3,500 |
| Glass | $1,500 to $8,500 |
| Steel | $1,200 to $2,700 |
| Wood | $750 to $1,250 |
| Wrought iron | $800 to $5,000 |
Installation Location and Accessibility
The staircase installation location will impact the type of staircase that can be installed and the final cost, since accessibility can play into the complexity of the job. If the working area is small, a spiral or switchback floating staircase might be the only design option—both of which cost more than a flight of straight, modern floating stairs. If the stairs are located on the second floor or in a less accessible area, such as in a smaller entryway, the cost to install them can increase.
Labor
Labor is a big factor in the average floating stairs cost, since it typically makes up 50 percent of the cost of the project. A floating staircase kit or custom materials make up the other 50 percent. Building a staircase can be tricky and requires precise measurements, cutting, and building, which is why labor is such a large portion of the total cost. Any additional labor tasks will cost the homeowner more as well. Removing an old staircase can also add to a staircase renovation cost, as the contractor will have to remove the existing stairs and dispose of any stairway carpeting, wood, old railings, and other materials.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Once the railing, labor, staircase shape, size, and material costs are factored in, it’s important for homeowners to look at a few other costs and considerations that can have an impact on staircase remodel cost. Some of these considerations include structural changes to or removal of an existing staircase. Further customizations can also impact the final floating staircase cost.
Structural Modifications and Permits
If structural modifications are required when homeowners are putting in a staircase, this will increase the total cost, since more work and materials are required. The project will also likely require permits depending on the local municipality. In some cases, stairs are attached to a load-bearing wall, which means some expert inspections and recommendations will be required to ensure the support isn’t compromised. Permits for staircase remodels can cost between$200 and $500.
Existing Staircase Removal
Installing floating stairs outdoors or indoors will likely require the removal of the existing staircase unless the floating stairs are being installed during new construction. If the existing staircase does need to be removed, homeowners can expect to pay around $500 to $2,000. This includes the additional labor to remove the staircase and debris before the staircase replacement can be installed.
Customizations
Floating staircases offer plenty of opportunities for customization when homeowners have room in the budget. They can either have a fully customized staircase or customize a basic floating staircase kit. Customization options include additional landings or additional switchbacks, increased tread depth, the inclusion of etched details in the risers, or custom rather than standard finishes. Adjusting a kit to a more personalized design can increase the floating stairs cost by $2,000 to $30,000.
Warranty
Some floating staircase manufacturers offer a warranty on their staircases. Contractors may also warranty their work or offer a warranty for an additional fee, so homeowners will want to ask their staircase installer about warranty coverage before hiring them. It’s also important for the homeowner to understand the policy so they don’t void the warranty by mistake.
Benefits of Choosing a Floating Staircase
Floating wood stairs offer a blend of traditional and modern aesthetic, but other options such as metal or glass staircases can take the modern or contemporary design even further. Beyond the aesthetic factor, floating staircases also provide space optimization, durability, and easy installation.
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Space Optimization
Floating stairs aren’t boxed in the way traditional stairs are, and they help to optimize the space available. While this is great in a large house, it’s even better in a small house that lacks sufficient storage. Some traditional stairs feature under-the-stairs storage, but the area is typically cramped and storage space is minimal. The open staircase design of floating stairs creates lots of additional space that can be used to store more items, add attractive decor, or remain untouched for a minimalist look.
Modern Appearance
In contrast to many traditional staircases, floating stairs have a modern and sometimes minimalist appearance. The construction can defy expectations of how stairs need to be supported. For instance, with a cantilevered design, the stairs aren’t even connected to one another with a stringer as most other floating stairs are. The sleek appearance can be enhanced with metal and glass treads or railings, or the design can blend modern and traditional by bringing in wood elements.
Durability
Floating staircases are highly durable despite the fact that they lack traditional supports. They use materials like wood, metal, and tempered or laminated-tempered glass in their construction and can hold up against high levels of household use for years to come. Most importantly, a professional installer knows how to properly anchor the treads into the walls for security and steadiness.
Easy Installation and Maintenance
Floating stairs often come as a kit, and while contractors may be able to build a custom design from scratch, purchasing a kit means they have most of the materials required on hand. This can make installation easier than if they were building a traditional staircase from scratch. However, if the contractor can remodel existing stairs, then homeowners may need to consider only the cost to replace a stair railing and treads in addition to the cost to remove the original support structure.
Floating stair maintenance is also easy, as the treads are often separate from each other. That means the tedious tasks of dusting or washing them is faster and easier since there are fewer nooks and crannies where dirt and dust can hide. The best vacuums for stairs can also make cleaning easier, especially if the stair treads are connected as they are with traditional stairs. Homeowners can ask the contractor if they know how to install carpet on stairs if a softer footfall is preferred on the hard surface. There are tricks to knowing how to measure stairs for carpet, so it’s helpful to have a professional offer their assistance to ensure a high-quality finish.
Customization Options
Not only are there a variety of floating stair configurations to choose from—spiral, curved, bifurcated, switchback, straight, and L-shape—but the treads and railings can be made from metal, wood, or glass. The stair stringer materials can vary as well. Some stringer systems support the floating stairs in the center or along the entire staircase. They might also support the treads on each side or support them from one side in a cantilevered design. Some cantilevered stringers can even be hidden entirely to create the appearance of unsupported treads.
Homeowners can look into the costs of the best carpet for stairs if they prefer to add carpet to reduce noise. There are also many floating staircase colors to choose from, whether it’s stained wood treads for dark earth tones or powder-coated railings for a custom hue. Lighting is another option for customization that can be installed along the treads or in the railing for added visibility. Each option will come with its own cost, so homeowners are advised to speak with a professional installer to obtain a custom quote.
Floating Staircase Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Staircase installation can be tricky. It requires precision work from start to finish to ensure the correct tread depth and height as well as the correct stringer support. Steps need to be exactly spaced and leveled, or the occupants could stumble as they use them. Most importantly, handrails must meet certain building code requirements for safety reasons, and the staircase itself must be able to support the correct loads. If an existing staircase is located on a load-bearing wall, it is best to get a contractor involved before removing it. Due to these and other factors, DIY floating staircase installation may not be the best route.
Hiring a professional to install floating stairs in a new build will ensure that the staircase meets all building codes with proper permits, so homeowners won’t be at risk of regulatory fines when the staircase is inspected before they take occupancy. A contractor can assess the available space and offer insights into design options to suit the home’s design. They also have plenty of laborers and experience to remove an existing staircase without compromising the structure of the home.
Think you want a floating staircase in your home?
Talk to a pro to see if it's right for you. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from top-rated stair remodeling services near you.