Open Riser Staircases provide beautiful solutions to allow the free movement of light within their interior design. The absence of risers allows for the use of heavy treads and a variety of beam-like stair stringers that allow this modern staircase design to be referred to as "Floating Stairs". Frequently used in combination with glass and large, open areas, an open-riser stair brings a blend of contemporary art and functionality to a commercial building or home décor. The open-riser staircase is one of the most popular and functional types of open stairs in modern home design.
Our open-riser stair designs provide strikingly beautiful solutions for both Custom Homes and Commercial Buildings. Allow us to be a part of your next project!
An open-riser staircase is constructed with treads supported by structural stringers and the absence of vertical risers. The result is a stair that allows for minimal visual obstruction and the maximum presence of light. According to current stair codes, open-rise staircases usually need to be built with thick treads, ranging from 1. 75" to 4". Open-riser staircases can utilize a variety of staircase stringers, including wooden beam, mono stringer, and steel. This type of stair is frequently utilized within modern staircase design that lends itself to an industrial look that blends elements of wooden staircase and steel stair design. Commonly used railing ideas for open-riser staircases include contemporary metal, cable rail and glass balustrades, all of which highlight the open tread staircase design.
Railing and balustrade components can range from wooden and iron balusters to welded steel panels, stainless-steel cable systems and glass panels. The simplicity of the modern look provides fertile ground for creative railing ideas.
Components of an open-riser staircase include structural stringers, heavy treads, and a variety of railing and balustrade options.
Stringers can be open or closed, dual-beam or mono-beam, or a variety of steel designs. Wooden stringer thickness is typically 1.75" to 4".
At Designed Stairs, all welding is done off-site in our fabrication shop to avoid the dangers of on-site welding stringers. Metal stringers for open riser stairs will generally cost more than wood stringers. When metal is not needed for stringer structure, consider using wood and paint it black. This can give you the same design/décor feature you want while saving on your budget.
Stair treads for open rise stairs are available in a range of thicknesses to meet your functional and aesthetic requirements. Stair tread for an open riser staircase is typically 1.75" to 4" thick.
Thicker treads are available solid or with mitered end cap.
Spacers or partial risers are typically needed for treads 3" and smaller to meet the 4" sphere code, as required by most building codes. Spacers can be attached permanently or made to be removable.
Spacers are standardly set back from the nose of the tread as pictured here, or they can be made flush to give the tread a thicker appearance. Spacers can also be set on the back of the tread vs the nose, to give a unique look and be slightly less apparent.
Metal bars may be used as spacers as well as clear materials.
Installing throughout the greater Chicago area; Selling anywhere in the world
Designed Stairs
Showroom (by appointment only), Shop, and Offices
1480 E Sixth Street
Sandwich IL 60548
815-786-7600