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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.
Project timelines vary significantly based on the scope of the project, design complexity, material choices, and installation difficulties; however, we complete most of our projects in approximately 4 to 6 months from first contact. While this might feel like a long timeline given the availability of more immediate solutions, we craft unique staircases comparable to functional art—and we don’t rush art.
When our clients approach us with a clear vision and/or design plans, we can expedite the progress and have it completed in roughly 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the design.
Yes, but very little and very infrequently. We rely on high-quality steel and superior finishing techniques, resulting in ultra-durable metal staircases that are all but indestructible. With the exception of keeping them clean and free of dust, the only remaining maintenance is to ensure that the surface finish remains scratch and damage-free. In the event that a scratch or abrasion reaches down into the raw steel, it’s important to respray or refinish the affected area to avoid oxidation.
Luckily, this is a fairly straightforward task with both instructional videos and the materials required readily available. Alternatively, reach out to First Step Designs for a zero-obligation renovation quote.
Yes, it can. First Step Designs specialises in designing bespoke and deeply personalised staircases, ensuring that each and every element—from the substructure to the finishing, detailing, and accessories—is tailored to suit your home, vision, and style.
We work closely with our clients over the span of several weeks, guiding them through the staircase design process and iterating through staircase styles, designs, and details to find the best possible fit.
By the time the design is finished and sent off to fabrication, we will have gone through design options for the overall staircase style and shape, treads, balustrades, handrails, optional accessories such as decorative inserts or recessed lighting, as well as surface finish options.
Whether referring to full metal staircases or one that relies on a metal substructure, these types of staircases hold several advantages over commonly used alternatives, such as full timber builds. This includes:
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.
