Floating &
Cantilever
Stairs
Engineering-first floating stair design for Toronto condos, townhouses, lofts, and commercial interiors. We handle OBC documentation, structural calculations, fabrication, and installation.
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Types of Floating Stairs
We design and build modern stair systems that balance structure, form, and material precision. Each configuration offers unique benefits in space efficiency, visual impact, and engineering demands.
Mono Stringer
A single central hollow steel beam — CNC or laser-cut for precise alignment — carries the full load. Keeps the staircase open and symmetrical. Works well with oak, walnut, or tempered glass treads. Clean industrial aesthetic for modern or transitional interiors.
Cantilevered
Treads connect directly to a structural wall or concealed beam, leaving one side visually floating. We use hidden hollow steel brackets for precise, seamless connections. Works in solid hardwood, stone, or laminated glass depending on the design expression.
Double Stringer
Two parallel laser-cut structural beams — beneath or beside the treads — provide strong lateral stability for wider widths and heavier treads. Suits commercial properties or larger residential spaces. Finished in matte powder coat, brushed stainless, or blackened steel.
Zig-Zag / Folded Plate
Treads and risers connect in an angular pattern resembling a continuous folded form — a bold geometric profile. Fabricated from welded steel plates laser-cut for precise angles. Complements architectural spaces that highlight clean lines and sharp details.
Our Services
Every custom floating stair design meets Canadian building codes and integrates into new construction or renovation projects. We work with mono stringer, dual stringer, cantilevered, and freestanding designs — each with material and finish options tailored to the space.
Custom Floating Stair Installation
We design, fabricate, and install custom floating stair systems with clean structural lines, coordinated finishes, and Ontario Building Code compliance.
Best for: New builds, townhouse renovations, and full interior remodels that need a signature staircase.
Ontario Building Code Engineering
We prepare the engineering and permitting side of floating stair jobs in Toronto — from support strategy and wall review to OBC-compliant drawing coordination.
Best for: Projects where OBC documentation, load calculations, and permit coordination are required.
Glass Tread Cantilevered Systems
We build glass tread floating stair systems with coordinated engineering, code-conscious detailing, and contemporary railing options suited to Toronto homes and condos.
Best for: Contemporary condo and loft interiors that need maximum light flow and open sightlines.
Premium Hardwood Floating Stairs
Choose white oak, walnut, maple, and other premium wood options for floating stairs that feel architectural and warm.
Best for: Warm residential interiors where natural materials and finish quality matter.
Industrial Steel Beam Floating Stairs
We fabricate steel-forward floating stairs for King West lofts, Distillery District interiors, and modern homes that need stronger exposed structure.
Best for: King West lofts and Distillery District commercial interiors that need strong exposed structure.
Curved Cantilevered Staircase Design
We engineer curved and custom-geometry floating stairs that preserve visual openness while handling complex layouts common in Toronto townhouses and custom homes.
Best for: Townhouses and custom homes that need non-linear geometry and a sculptural centrepiece.
Loft Conversion Floating Stair Retrofit
We help Toronto property owners add floating stairs to existing spaces where access, footprint, and structure all need careful planning.
Best for: Existing Toronto lofts, mezzanines, and properties converting upper floors into living space.
Exterior Freeze-Thaw Floating Entryways
We design outdoor floating entryways with finish and material choices suited for Toronto's climate — including hard winters, salt exposure, and seasonal expansion cycles.
Best for: Outdoor entry projects exposed to Toronto's freeze-thaw cycles, salt, and seasonal snow loads.
Structural Wall Reinforcement
Before a cantilevered stair goes in, we reinforce the wall assembly or support structure so the final build performs the way it should.
Best for: Older Toronto construction that needs upgraded wall backing before a cantilevered stair can go in.
Integrated LED Lighting Systems
We add clean LED lighting packages that improve nighttime visibility and elevate the finished look of modern floating stairs in Toronto homes and offices.
Best for: Clients who want safer nighttime navigation and cleaner architectural ambiance.
Custom Glass Balustrade Rail Systems
Pair your floating stair build with custom glass balustrades designed for safety, OBC code compliance, and uninterrupted sightlines.
Best for: Open-concept homes and condos that want OBC-compliant fall protection without visual bulk.
Condo & Commercial Floating Stairs
We build commercial floating stairs that balance architectural impact with tougher Toronto usage expectations, condo board documentation, and project coordination needs.
Best for: Toronto offices, showrooms, and condos needing board documentation and commercial-grade execution.
Priority On-Time Guarantee
For deadline-sensitive jobs in Toronto, we create milestone-driven floating stair schedules with tighter coordination and real-time communication.
Best for: Projects with tight Toronto move-in dates or GC milestones that cannot slip.
Annual Safety & Maintenance Inspection
Keep your floating stairs performing and looking right with recurring inspections, finish checks, and hardware review across the GTA.
Best for: Owners who want proactive safety checks and finish protection on an existing stair system.
What We Build With
Steel & Laser-Cut Beams
We rely on hollow steel beams and laser-cut metal stringers to form the structural backbone of our floating stairs. Laser processing provides tight tolerances that fit securely into wall frames — reducing overall weight while maintaining strength. Components are powder-coated or finished in brushed steel and inspected for compliance with Canadian structural standards.
Glass Elements
Glass railings and balustrades use laminated or tempered structural glass engineered to resist impact and flexing under load. Clear or low-iron glass keeps light flowing through the staircase. Mounting systems are recessed or clip-style. We also incorporate glass riser panels or side guards — creating the illusion of treads supported by light itself.
- ✦ Meets Canadian code for safety glass glazing
- ✦ Resists scratching and edge chipping
- ✦ Available in custom tinting or frosted finishes
Mixed Material Systems
Hybrid systems combine steel frameworks, wood treads, and glass guardrails to meet specific architectural goals. Wood treads on laser-cut steel frames soften acoustics; steel and glass combinations highlight structural precision. We coordinate finishes carefully to achieve a consistent tone across all elements — reflecting Toronto architecture's preference for open, well-lit environments.
Hardwood Treads
Oak, walnut, and maple — kiln-dried for stability and sealed to resist wear. Each tread mounts to the steel frame using concealed fasteners for clean, uniform surfaces. We extend wood to handrails or wall panels to build continuity throughout a space.
| Component | Common Species | Finish Options |
|---|---|---|
| Stair Treads | Oak, Maple, Walnut | Matte or Satin Clear Coat |
| Handrails | Matching or Contrasting | Stain or Oil Finish |
Finishes & Textures
Powder-coated steel in matte black, graphite, or brushed aluminum for a refined industrial style. Wood treads range from light natural stains to dark walnut or blackened oak. We assist clients in selecting combinations that coordinate with flooring, wall tones, and lighting conditions — ensuring each floating stair feels integrated and intentional within the overall interior composition.
Structural Precision Meets Toronto Design Standards
Stringers form the main load-bearing structure of every floating staircase. We fabricate hollow steel beams with laser-cut precision to achieve thin yet exceptionally strong profiles — keeping stairs lightweight while maintaining rigidity. We build in central mono-beam, side-carriage, and cantilevered systems, each suited to specific architectural needs.
Handrails combine metal with tempered glass panels or minimalist post-and-rail systems to maintain open sightlines. Glass railings typically use 10–12 mm thick laminated glass, secured with stainless steel clamps or concealed channels. For warmer aesthetics, solid oak or walnut handrails mount over metal brackets.
Stair treads combine function, traction, and appearance. Available in solid wood, glass, stone, and engineered metal composites. Anti-slip coatings or integrated rubber inserts maintain safe footing. Each tread anchors into the stringer using concealed brackets or hidden pins — eliminating bulky hardware and reinforcing the floating optical effect.
OBC Engineering
Every project includes structural engineering reviewed against Ontario Building Code Section 3.4 requirements — riser heights, tread depths, guard specifications, and load calculations.
Laser-Cut Fabrication
Our steel stringers and brackets are laser-fabricated to millimetre tolerances. What gets cut is what gets installed — no field adjustment, no fudging.
Toronto Experience
We've worked in King West lofts, Annex townhouses, Etobicoke custom homes, and North York condos. We know what inspectors look for and what contractors need from us.
Turnkey Delivery
From structural drawings to permit coordination to installation punch-list — we handle the full scope. You don't manage multiple contractors for one staircase.
Toronto Building Code & Project Costs
Ontario Building Code Requirements
All stair installations in Toronto must comply with the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and City of Toronto inspection standards. We ensure each project meets required riser heights, tread depths, and handrail placements under OBC Section 3.4.6.8. We also assist with permit acquisition — submitting architectural drawings, structural certifications, and product data sheets.
| Requirement | OBC Standard |
|---|---|
| Minimum Tread Depth | 255 mm |
| Maximum Riser Height | 200 mm |
| Guard Height (residential) | 900 mm |
| Guard Height (commercial) | 1,070 mm |
| Glass Railing Standard | 10–12 mm laminated |
What Affects Project Cost
| Factor | Typical Impact |
|---|---|
| Stringer type (mono vs. dual) | Moderate |
| Tread material (wood vs. glass) | Moderate–High |
| Number of treads / floor height | High |
| Wall reinforcement required | Moderate |
| Glass railing vs. cable rail | Low–Moderate |
| OBC permit & engineering drawings | Fixed cost |
| Exterior / freeze-thaw rated finish | Moderate–High |
Most Toronto residential floating stair projects range from $12,000–$45,000 CAD depending on configuration, materials, and OBC permit requirements. We provide itemised quotes before any work begins.
How We Deliver a Toronto Floating Stair Project
Keeping Your Floating Stairs in Condition
Powder-Coat Steel
Wipe powder-coated steel components with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid abrasive pads. Check for chips at anchor points annually — touch up before rust can start in Toronto's salt-air winters.
Fastener Check
Inspect visible fasteners and anchor hardware every 12 months. Light torque on exposed bolts is normal upkeep. Loose hardware should be addressed immediately — especially in freeze-thaw climates where thermal cycling stresses connections.
Hardwood Tread Refinishing
Wood treads in high-traffic Toronto homes typically need refinishing every 5–10 years. Sand lightly and recoat — don't wait for visible wear-through. Winter boot traffic accelerates finish wear.
Wall Anchor Inspection
Cantilevered stairs load the wall assembly at anchor points. Every few years, inspect for cracking or movement around anchors — particularly in older Toronto plaster walls or masonry.
Get a Free Toronto Floating Stair Assessment
We visit your property at no cost and deliver a full structural and design recommendation within 48 hours. No pressure. Honest engineering advice.