There’s much to think about and get right to ensure your floating staircase project is hassle-free and the finished product is something you will be proud to have in the entrance way of your home. Staircases are a very technical product with many dimensions that need to be accurate so that the staircase will fit the stairwell. They should also comply with New Zealand’s Building Code compliance document D1/AS1.

Though there are many staircase design ideas, a floating staircase consists of four main components: steel stringers; timber or concrete treads; glass, timber or steel balustrade and a steel or timber handrail. All components need to be manufactured and installed accurately to ensure they all fit together perfectly and all building regulations are met.

The first step you need to take to achieve a successful floating staircase is to have it designed and engineered so you can get a PS1 (Producer Statement) to submit to the council when applying for your building consent.

In the manufacturing of the steel stringers, all tread and riser dimensions need to be correct so the timber treads will fit well onto the stringer. The stringers also need to be installed in exactly the right place, with all heights and levels spot on. Even very small misalignment in the stringers will cause the treads to not sit straight, level or parallel. The result is an unsightly staircase that is more an eyesore than an asset. Nor, will a poorly assembled staircase be considered as safe as it could be.

Similarly, the treads need to be made to the correct width and thickness to ensure they meet regulations. The treads need to be installed very accurately to ensure the balustrade can be installed properly.

With the stringers and treads installed, the next component is the balustrade. The balustrade is usually templated or measured up once the stringers and treads are installed. Especially for glass balustrades, the treads need to be perfectly straight for the glass to be able to fit onto them.

The final component for the stairwell is the handrail. This requires the highest levels of precision and is a time-consuming job as the handrail brackets need to be installed at the correct height and distance apart to meet regulations and to ensure the handrail fits correctly.

Buying all the different components for your floating staircase project from different suppliers can look like an attractive, money-saving option but often these suppliers don’t take the care to ensure all the components fit together and for the staircase to fit in the stairwell and meet all regulations.

Here at Ackworth House we have been designing, manufacturing and installing staircases for 40 years so we have a great knowledge of how stairs are made and an understanding of all staircase regulations. We have a team of expert steel, timber and glass manufacturers and installers who all work well together and ensure all components of your floating stairs fit perfectly into place.

To start your hassle-free floating staircase project, call the team at Ackworth House today and we will take care of you every step of your staircase project and ensure you have a floating staircase that you’ll be proud of for years to come.