Modern Steel Staircases
Steel stairs aren’t just a structural element of your home — they’re a statement of personal style and exceptional engineering.
Modern steel staircases seamlessly blend strength, elegance, and versatility. Whether residential or commercial, steel stairs offer clean lines, unmatched durability, and (with the right manufacturer) the freedom to customize every detail.
What Are Modern Steel Staircases?
Traditional stairs typically have three wooden supports or “stringers” that hold up a staircase, placed on each side and in the middle of a flight of stairs.
Steel, with its high-strength and durability, is able to replace wooden stringers and support significantly more weight with just one or two stringers. As a result, many homeowners and commercial builders are opting for the modern, minimalist look that steel brings alongside its strength.
Steel floating stairs are designed so that the structural support is minimized or hidden, creating the illusion that each step “floats” in midair. Unlike conventional staircases, which often use bulky supports that dominate the room, floating stairs open up the floor plan, invite more natural light, and maintain a sense of spaciousness.
Types of Steel Staircases
Metal stringer stairs offer the durability and strength of steel with a variety of styles and designs.
Mono Stringer
The steel stringer is designed to be a modern, industrial element incorporated into the overall style of the floating stair structure. Our FLIGHT Mono system, for example, has redefined modern design by simplifying the process of designing, engineering, and installing a floating staircase in any space.
Dual Stringer
In dual stringer staircases, two steel supports run on either end of the stairs, without a center stringer, for a more visually balanced look. These stairs are available in open- or closed-riser designs.
Cantilevered
Cantilevered stairs feature steel supports mounted both within the wall and through the center of each individual tread, creating a minimalist, truly floating effect, while maintaining strength, safety, and durability. In many cases, the railing used on the staircase contributes to the overall strength and support of the system. For instance, our FLIGHT Cantilever system features an integrated glass railing that locks the treads together and limits any deflection in the treads as you walk up the staircase.
Hidden Stringer
In some cases, steel stringers can be completely hidden within the treads of your staircase, creating a floating, closed-riser design. Our FLIGHT Stack is one such example, and is becoming an increasingly popular option for builders and homeowners with a more organic, natural style since it platforms the wood so well.
Spiral
Whether you opt for all steel support and treads, or add wooden treads for a softer look, a spiral steel staircase makes for a stunning centerpiece of any room. Check out both exterior and interior examples with our FLIGHT Spiral.
Installation and Maintenance for Steel Staircases
Steel staircase installation varies widely, depending on the design, configuration, and source of the stairs you’re putting in your space. Often, builders will opt to contract several different tradespeople to complete the stair system – a steel producer for the stringer(s), a welder to weld the stringer and brackets together, and a tread producer, among others.
Once installed, steel’s inherent durability means you won’t need frequent refinishing or repairs. A simple wipe-down keeps your stairs looking impeccable for years. Of course, you may have certain upkeep that is necessary for the type of treads you use, like polishing the wood.
At Viewrail, custom manufacture all of our stringers, treads, and railing in-house, then ship them straight to your door, often on our own trucks – no welder or other manufacturers needed. Each kit comes with step-by-step instructions, customized to your order. You can also take advantage of our Certified Installers to do everything from measuring to installation.
The Viewrail Steel Stringer
Our metal stringers come disassembled to keep the system lightweight and install quickly, allowing you to complete the project on your schedule. Plus, they can be powder coated in a variety of colors to best suit your design style.
Another benefit of Viewrail steel stringers? No welding. Welding distorts the metal on the stair stringer, causing a scar where the bracket and stringer are joined together. Instead, we friction drill holes so that everything can simply be bolted together on site.
Beyond Steel: Customize Your Stairs
Customizable Finishes and Colors
With your steel staircase project, you’re in charge. Choose from a range of powder coat colors, finishes, and refined detailing to match or accent your space.
Tread Materials
Pair steel with your choice of wood treads in different species and finishes. Each option adds its own aesthetic and tactile dimension to your staircase.
Railing Systems
Complement your steel staircase with cable railing for a streamlined look, glass railing for maximum transparency, or rod railing for a bold, architectural statement.
The Viewrail Difference
When you work with Viewrail, you get access to a thoughtfully designed stair buying experience, ensuring a smooth journey from concept to project completion:
End-to-End Support
From initial idea to final installation, our team of experts is here to guide you. Work with your project manager on design, engineering, and crafting the best steel staircase for your home.
American Craftsmanship
Each steel stringer, bracket, and component is proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA.
Certified Quality
FLIGHT Mono is the first floating stair system in the United States to receive certification from the International Code Council (ICC).
