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Welcome to First Step Designs, Yorkshire’s trusted specialists in designing, fabricating, and installing bespoke floating staircases. We work hand-in-hand with homeowners, architects, and interior designers to design architectural centrepieces that appear to float in mid-air, creating unique spaces and transforming homes into showpieces.
When the small details matter, choose First Step for inspired design. Within the last few years, we’ve won the Build It Award for Best UK Staircase, been featured on Grand Designs, and we continue to work on increasingly high-profile projects that demand the best in modern craftsmanship and precision engineering.
For striking cantilever designs and statement floating staircases, contact First Step Designs to experience award-winning craftsmanship and a level of service that has made us Yorkshire’s first choice.
With no visible support structures and appearing to hang in mid-air, floating staircases, also called cantilever stairs, represent significant design and fabrication challenges. Even small miscalculations or manufacturing errors can mean compromised safety, structural instability, or an installation that just doesn’t look right.
At First Step Designs, we set the bar for advanced fabrication and precision engineering. Bringing decades of experience to each build, our engineering team relies on cutting-edge CAD, advanced machinery, and ultra-tight tolerances to consistently deliver floating stairs a notch above the rest—beautiful in form, flawless in function, and safe for generations to come.
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Your new or renovated stairs are no more than a quick call, email or message away.
You can also use our Inspiration Gallery to save images of our work that you like. Then, simply send them along with any other photos, plans, or details through our contact form so we can discuss your project.
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After understanding what you’re trying to achieve, we’ll send a detailed and itemised same-day quote. Our pricing is honest and transparent, allowing you to quickly determine if we are the right fit for your project.
At your request, we’ll gladly quote for multiple configurations of your ideal stairs.
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After visiting your home to take the measurements we need, we draft and present fully accurate 3D renditions of what your staircase will look like in your home.
Once the details, timelines, and installation dates are locked in, we begin fabricating your dream staircase.
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That’s right: sit back knowing that our expert team of craftsmen is hard at work bringing your staircase to life, fabricating your dream stairs to our exacting standards.
Depending on the complexity of the design, this typically takes anywhere from 3 to 5 days.
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Our expert and experienced team of Staffordshire-based installers will install your new or renovated stairs in 2 to 4 days.
They have a wealth of experience in joinery and engineering, a seriously professional attitude towards work, and operate as unintrusively as possible.
Floating staircases are among the most striking staircase designs available. Each tread is anchored into a wall or hidden steel support, making it appear as if they are hanging in space. With open treads, glass or minimalist balustrades, and clever lighting, they create truly unique interiors.
Floating stairs are:
t said, it’s important to recognise that the term ‘metal staircase’ is slightly ambiguous; to some, it refers to the metal substructure that remains hidden during normal use, while for others, it means floating or central spine staircases consisting entirely of metal components and foregoing complementary materials like glass or timber.
Regardless of your definition, our design and engineering teams understand how to craft metal staircases that complement any home and its aesthetic.
While this is not set in stone, it’s common to see the following styles and configurations of metal staircases in these types of homes.
Allowing roughly 3 to 6 months from first contact to installation gives us enough time for various design iterations, approvals, and fabrication. This may seem long compared to prefabricated solutions; however, award-winning staircases designed to last for decades cannot be rushed.
When clients approach us already understanding exactly what they want, we may, in some cases, complete the project in as little as 6 to 8 weeks.
Costs vary depending on the size and complexity of the design, material choices, and whether your existing structural walls can support floating stairs or if we have to design a custom structural system. In recent years, most of our floating staircase builds have fallen between £23,000 and £30,000 (+VAT). Reach out to our design team for a more detailed quote tailored to your home.
Bespoke floating stairs typically consist of a structural steel sub-substructure, typically finished with hardwood treads, while the balustrades, handrails, and landing areas may be constructed from any number of common choices, including stainless steel, brushed steel, or polished steel; clear or frosted glass; or stone and concrete landing spaces for a bold, contemporary look.
Floating stairs require no more maintenance than any other type of staircase. Simply keeping them clean, checking surfaces for scratches that reach bare metal or timber, and applying a fresh coat of lacquer or stain when necessary are enough to keep them in full working order for years to come.
A floating or cantilever staircase is one where the steps are securely anchored into a hidden frame or support on one side only, giving the impression that they are floating without support. Their gravity-defying appearance can be very striking, especially when designed to complement the design themes in the rest of the home.
Considering a floating staircase and wondering if it’s the right style for your Yorkshire home?
Reach out to First Step Designs. Our skilled design team can help you visualise the impact different staircase styles would have with detailed 3D renders of how they would look in your home—all before spending a penny.
