Hear How These Homeowners Added Sleek Floating Stairs Without Breaking the Bank
If you’ve ever admired the contemporary look of sleek, floating stairs, you might have assumed they were the result of a custom project involving multiple contractors and designers. In some cases, you wouldn’t be wrong. Whether supported by exposed steel stringers or hidden wall brackets, floating stairs can sometimes require on-site welding or other laborious and expensive installation procedures. However, one Indiana-based company is flipping the script by offering affordable, all-in-one kits that are made-to-order and can be installed in as little as one day.
With a minimalist and airy design, floating stair designs like this one are supported by a central steel stringer to which each tread is mounted. The FLIGHT Floating Stairs System by Viewrail is a made-to-order solution that arrives at the job site as a complete kit—including pre-drilled, ready-to-assemble components for both the stairway and railings.
"Our products are very popular with builders, remodelers, and DIYers alike," says Len Morris, founder and owner of Viewrail. "They can get a product from a single source rather than working with an architect, an engineer, a steel fabricator, and a woodshop on top of having to manage a complicated installation."
Morris and his team work directly with customers to gather accurate measurements and customize everything from the metal color and railing details to the thickness and species of wood used for the treads—all of which is designed and engineered at their workshop, then shipped to the job site for streamlined installation.
"Our mechanical fastening system allows components to be shipped economically and put into place quickly with a minimum of hassle using common tools," says Morris. In addition to offering a variety of finishes for the posts and stringer, the company also provides wood selections such as Ash, Hickory, and Oak in various finishes, along with the option of glass, cable, or rod railings.
For homeowners Tim and Karen Brust, the ease of working with a single company is what attracted them to Viewrail. "We initially talked to different subcontractors about building each component of the stairway, but it never felt quite right," says Tim. "We were unsure of how best to coordinate a schedule for multiple installations, and we were concerned that one company would blame another if the whole project did not come together as expected."
The couple opted for glass railings in order to open up views of the backyard pool and complement the structure’s overall aesthetic. "It certainly isn’t a typical home for Northwest Indiana, but it was built for us and we have no plans of moving," Karen adds.
The floating stairs are also a key architectural feature of their home. "It’s the first thing you see when you walk in our front door, and it’s also visible outside of the house—even several hundred yards away," says Tim. "It’s like a piece of artwork. And we liked the main stairway so much that we purchased a second set for the basement."
The couple selected stainless steel for the posts and top rails, which matches other finishes in their home. "We were very active in the design process, referencing Viewrail’s nationwide portfolio for examples," Tim comments.
An exterior view of Tim and Karen’s home. The glass railings shown along the rooftop deck are also by Viewrail.
Viewrail is the only company in the United States that manufacturers all-in-one kits for floating stair systems. Everything you need—including the stringer, railings, treads, and hardware—is custom made for your home and shipped right to your door. Available configurations can accommodate a straight stairway design, as well as 90-degree turns and switchbacks. Prices start at $9,500, compared to upwards of $20,000 or more for custom welded stair solutions.
To learn more about Viewrail, please visit their website.
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