Integrating C-channel stairs into a rustic or modern design creates the perfect blend of rugged durability and minimalism. C-channel stringers on stairs are ideal to complement the raw unfinished textures commonly found in rustic spaces, such as exposed brick, reclaimed wood, blackened steel, and exposed utilities. The C-channel staircase combined with modern elements such as sleek railings, tile decking, and bold colors adds clean lines for a fresh and contemporary look. In addition, pairing the stringers with cable railings adds to the sleek minimalist aesthetic. Whether used in a residential loft, commercial setting, storage garage or exterior stair C-channel stairs bring functionality and stylish eye-catching architectural statement to rustic and modern architecture.
C-Channel Landing and Stair Stringer
We worked with architect Charles Cuniff of Aspen Colorado on this new lakefront home to provide a modern C-channel staircase with a landing and a sleek modern Ithaca cable railing system. The exterior stairs provide easy access to the scenic lakefront beach and dock. Designed with both aesthetic and functionality in mind, we engineered the stairs and landing to support the weight and dimensions of the blue stone pavers.
This channel-style stair stringer is paired with our prairie-style cable railing system.The railing posts were modified to remove the herringbone cut-outs giving them an I-beam appearance. The combination of the I-beam posts and C-channel stairs creates a sleek industrial aesthetic. Since this is an office building, ADA-compliant handrails are included on the stairs.
Our client dreamed of transforming an old barn into the ultimate party space for entertaining and family fun. They chose to renovate the structure by blending modern elements with its original charm. To enhance the interior we designed and fabricated a C-channel staircase with wood treads complemented by our Ithaca cable railing system known for its sleek railing posts.
The sharp interplay of black metal against the white walls creates a bold and dramatic effect. The C-channel stairs are integrated with a custom cable railing system attached to the channel. Complemented with a metal top rail and metal treads with skid resistant powder coat this staircase adds a sleek and modern touch to this car storage barn.
At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each cable railing project moves from vision to reality, take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality and commercial-grade cable railings for interior and exterior applications. Get in touch with us to start your project.
Modern metal railings are trending in home design for interiors, and exteriors. Metal railings that are artfully designed and expertly handcrafted add a streamlined aesthetic, modern flair, and sleek lines to any home. Our bespoke railing systems offer unique solutions that are not available anywhere else. We work with the challenges of each space to create elegant solutions resulting in railings that are sculptural works of art.
You can select from a range of styles, colors, finishes, and base materials that can be mixed and matched to fit your desired aesthetic and functionality.
Styles – There are a variety of styles available for metal railings including horizontal and vertical spindle railings or flat bar railings
Materials – Metal railings can be fabricated from a variety of materials including steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, with a variety of finishes available to choose from.
Finishes – Each type of metal may be finished in a variety of ways. Stainless Steel is usually brushed or polished to achieve a shiny appearance and has the option to also be powder coated. Aluminum is available as clear anodized which gives it a silver-looking appearance and has the option to be powder coated. Steel is available in a variety of powder coat colors, and can also be in galvanized for better weatherability
Get inspired for your next project with these remarkable modern metal railings we’ve created for our clients.
Modern Metal Floating Stair with Round Bar Railing
The client for a modern cube home chose horizontal round bar railings for the interior and exterior of their new home. The railings wrap the multilevel stairs and balconies on the interior. For the exterior, the same railing style is used on the rooftop deck, covered porch, and stairs. The modern metal railings have a minimalist appearance. The posts are mounted below the flooring to hide the hardware resulting in a streamlined appearance. The lines of the railings beautifully complement the modernist architecture of the home. These railings are made of powder-coated steel with white oak top rails.
Refined and rustic this project remodel was a labor of love for our clients. The objective was to take a tightly closed stairwell and give it a larger, spacious, open feel. To accomplish this, the closed stairwell was removed and replaced with a floating mono-stringer stair and a modern metal flat bar railing. The railing is uniquely designed with horizontal flat bars and double bar end posts. The railing top rail and stair treads are made of antique white oak, creating a space with a rustic yet, refined style.
Careful engineering and design, and clever solutions were required to achieve the simplicity and clean lines of this modern stair railing. The hardware for the spindles is hidden beneath the floor for an uncluttered appearance. The railing and wood top rail flow seamlessly and elegantly like a ribbon ascending from floor to floor. Uniquely designed to achieve rigidity and a slender floating appearance. The stair stringer and spindles are made of powder-coated steel with white oak top rail and treads.
Round Bar Spindle Railing and Double Stringer Floating Stairs
Our client on Nantucket imagined a floating stair that would serve as an artistic centerpiece while minimizing any obstruction to the window views. They opted for a double stringer design where the stringers are mostly concealed in the treads with just the black standoff visible. Paired with a sleek vertical spindle railing and finished in “Raven Texture Black” powder coat. The wood treads and hanrail are made of white oak.
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At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each cable railing project moves from vision to reality, take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality and commercial-grade cable railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get started on your project.
Cantilever stairs offer a stunning “floating” effect, with stair treads that seem to hover unsupported in mid-air. To achieve this look the stair treads may have a hidden steel structure embeded within or beneath the treads for support. In addition, the steel support structure and stringer may be concealed in the wall for a sleek minimalist look or be exposed for an industrial aesthetic. The stringer and steel structure are typically located on one end of the treads. Understanding the required weight-bearing load on the treads is critical to engineering a cantilever stair system that minimizes flexing. Expertly engineered and artfully designed a cantilevered stair can add an element of interest and spaciousness to your home.
Creating cantilevered stairs starts with measuring the site, understanding the structure of the building, and existing load-bearing walls. To accommodate a cantilever staircase it may be necessary to build more strength and support for the stairs into the walls. Once this is understood creating an exact drawing for the stair fabrication is essential. Also, it may be necessary to run stress analysis on the structure. By understanding the site and the construction of cantilever stairs, you can create a unique structure that will optimize performance, safety, and style.
1) Hidden Cantilever Stair Stringer and Structure
This project was designed to hide the stringer and support structure inside the wall. Three structural steel tube posts run from floor to ceiling concealed within the wall with an 8-inch steel stringer attached diagonally. At the top of the stairs, a square steel framework supports the landing and is encased with wood. Each tread has a double steel structure wrapped with oak to hide the steel system within it, resulting in a genuine work of art.
2) Exposed Cantilever Stair Stringer and Landing
This staircase was custom crafted with the steel stringer partially exposed through the shiplap finished wall. Each stair tread is supported by an exposed structure creating an industrial styling that appears to zig-zag up the wall. To create the platform landing the stringer wraps around the corner while maintaining the exposure. Each railing post slices through the treads, concealing the attachment hardware below the tread.
Additionally, steel attachment plates were added to the top and bottom of the stairs and hidden in the floor and wall. These plates adds strength to stairs while providing the function of resisting torque. By understanding the torsional load on the wall a number of techniques can be used such as adding hidden attachment plates.
3) Partial Cantilever Stair with Stone Steps
This staircase leading from a garage entry to an upper-level pool and patio was designed with the stringer biased to one side along the concrete wall. Thus, establishing the look of a cantilevered stair while maintaining the strength and resistance to the torque that is required.
With stone stair treads the strength of the staircase cannot depend on the stone tread to support and resist the torque of the staircase. Therefore, each tread support required a sufficient steel structure to prevent the stone step from cracking. The tread supports were designed with threaded rods welded to the support and projecting upwards into the predrilled stone tread. This approach solidly anchors the tread to the steel tread support.
4) Fully Exposed Exterior Cantilever Stair
This home features a fully-exposed cantilevered staircase transitioning from the deck to the yard. Choosing thin Ipe treads for this staircase required the steel structure to be strong enough to support the thin treads. Furthermore, the deck structure was reinforced to support the stringer. Note that the stringer switches sides at the platform level to share the steel support post and cantilever the landing.
The design uses cable railings to maintain the open appearance and the posts connect seamlessly to the steel tread supports below the IPE. Also, the deck and steel posts are further supported by extra footers below ground.
5) Digitally Measuring, Rendering and Analysis
Digitally measuring the site provides accurate scan data which supplies critical pieces of information for the design, such as how parallel the building walls are to the floor. Using these measurements ensures the cantilever staircase will fit and function as required. Creating a rendering of the finished stair before fabrication allows for visualizing proposed decorative finishes. This helps to finalize the design before producing the final product.
Stress analysis of cantilever stair exaggerating deflection
At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each project moves from vision to reality, see our custom railing design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality and commercial-grade stairs and railings for interior and exterior applications. Get in touch to start your project with us!.
Know your options before selecting the perfect stair tread for your project.
Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, designing a staircase to fit your design style and lifestyle is an important consideration. Once you have decided on a type of stairs it is time to decide what type of stair tread to choose. There are plenty of tread styles and materials to choose from to complement your home’s design. Whether your home is modern, contemporary, rustic or traditional there is a style to fit your requirements.
At Keuka Studios, we design our staircases to accommodate your preferred style of stair treads.
What types of stair treads are there?
Various Types of materials are available and include – Wood, Glass, Tile, Composite, Stone, and Steel.
1. Wood Treads
With wood, it is important to consider if your project is for the interior or exterior of your home. Many wood species do not hold up well in the outdoor weather elements so choosing an appropriate type of wood should be carefully considered. In addition, it is important to consider the wood grain, how it is sawn, and the construction of the stair tread.
For interior staircases, there are a variety of woods available to choose from for your project that will add different aesthetics to your decor. Some of the more popular varieties are Red Oak, White Oak, Hard Maple, Walnut, and Distressed Woods.
Red Oak is readily available has a reddish-brown appearance and is considered hard and heavy with medium bending strength. It adds a sense of warmth to the decor.
White Oak is slightly lighter in color than red oak and is a heavy hardwood with medium bending strength. White Oak has become very popular in modern design as it tends to have a straighter more linear grain than red oak. Using white oak lightens up a room. It is not recommended for aesthetic outdoor tread applications as it turns black quickly with weather (although it does resist rot quite well).
White Oak stair treads crafted using a lock-mitered box-style construction to discreetly conceal the steel support structure for the cantilevered staircase project. As an alternate style of stair tread construction that can be used depending on the application.
Hard Maple is a creamy white with a slight reddish-brown tinge and is generally straight-grained it has a high resistance to abrasion and wear making it a good solid choice for stairs and landings.
Walnut is a tough hardwood, the sapwood is creamy white, while the heartwood is light to dark brown. The dark wood is typically the most sought after so expect to pay more as much of the sapwood will be unusable.
Distressed Wood is often just reclaimed lumber from an old barn or factory where years of heavy use have added some character to the wood. Alternatively, it could be newer wood that has been mechanically stressed and finished to give that distressed look. Either way, it can add a textured, rustic appeal. This can be desirable in a high-traffic area as any additional wear over time will just add to the character of the wood.
BrazillianCherry is a very strong hardwood that is considerably harder than most woods. It is a mostly straight-grained hardwood with rich color and reddish undertones that add warmth and elegance to any room. With time and exposure to light, the wood may darken. It is not recommended for damp or high-humidity environments due to the natural ability of the wood to store water.
In addition, it is popular to whitewash or bleach wood to give it an antique distressed look while lightening the surface of the wood. Sometimes pigment is added prior to the finish coat allowing the natural grain to pop more.
Antiqued knotty pine was selected for the treads on this staircase to complement the wide-aged pine board flooring on this Nantucket home. Pine is a softer wood that will more easily wear over time than hardwoods.
For exterior staircases, ironwoods are recommended such as Ipe or Cumaru. Additionally, although much softer redwood and cedar are good options since they stand up better than other species to the elements. To maintain the natural beauty of these woods they require regular oiling and care, or they can be left exposed to the elements to age to a grayish appearance.
Keuka Studios can provide stair treads and landings in your wood of choice, to be finished on-site by your contractor.
2. Glass Treads
Choosing glass stair treads with a steel floating stair stringer system will create a stunning architectural element in your home. There are dozens of varieties of colors, patterns, textures, and finishes available in glass. One important consideration is to choose a tread that has a non-slip surface. In addition, would you prefer LED lighting for the treads? The combination of glass tread combined with LED lighting can add a dramatic effect to the overall aesthetic of the staircase. At Keuka Studios we have the capability to create steel stair stringers to accommodate glass treads and hide the LED lighting wires.
3. Tile Treads
Tile stair treads can be a beautiful and durable alternative to wood. They have the advantage of not needing oiling or ongoing maintenance since they won’t decay or attract insects. Many of today’s tiles simulate the look of wood. We can design and fabricate steel stair tread pans to accommodate the selected style of tile tread or pavers.
4. Composite Treads
Composite materials resist fading, scratching, and mold, they don’t rot, crack, or splinter. They are durable and require minimal maintenance. For this project below to accommodate composite decking on floating stairs, we designed a steel support system for the treads, and the railing posts connect to the steel stringer below the steps.
5. Stone Treads
Bluestone is the most common stone tread currently trending for outdoor stair applications. Bluestone treads have a grayish-blue color and are typically 2 inches thick. They add durability and beauty to any outdoor staircase with minimal maintenance required. In addition, they blend naturally with the adjacent landscape.
Limestone can be used for treads on interior and exterior stair projects. It is a natural stone that can be easily shaped and cut to any size. Limestone is highly durable and is widely available. It is available in a variety of color variants ranging from honey creams to grays. Limestone can be polished to the desired finish. It is important to seal limestone to prevent staining.
Travertine Stone on the interior floating stairs of this home adds a dramatic and beautiful elegance to the decor. Travertine is durable and has a natural non-slip textured surface, making it an excellent choice for stair treads. Since Travertine is more porous than many other stones it is important to seal it to resist staining. Paired with a glass railing, brass handrails, clamps, and kick plates result in an exquisite staircase.
Brownstone Steps are featured on this curved exterior staircase, leading from the beach to the rooftop deck. The stair system was specifically designed and engineered to support the added weight of the stone treads. Brownstone, a type of sandstone, is appreciated for its ease of workability and ability to be shaped. Maintaining brownstone typically involves cleaning and applying breathable water-repellent coatings to preserve its appearance. Its warm aesthetic adds to the overall appeal.
6. Steel Treads
Metal stair treads are strong and offer rustic industrial styling. Steel treads pair beautifully with open-beam architecture and are often preferred on spiral staircases. With metal treads, providing some sort of slip protection is important. This could be in the form of a diamond plate surface, metal grating or a series of hole patterns in the treads.
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Custom Stair Designs
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At Keuka Studios, we custom-fabricate stairs and railings to fit your style and space. We make our stair stringers to accommodate the type of treads you choose. We can provide you with wood, glass, and steel treads for our staircases. All you have to do is choose your style.
Not all double-stringer (or dual-stringer) stairs are created the same way. At Keuka Studios we like to push the boundaries to create an inspired design, and high-quality double-stringer stair that is both innovative and meets your vision for your project.
Double Stringer Design Styles
Double-stringer stairs boast two stringers supporting the stair treads. Double stringer stair styles can be customized from various materials, including laser-cut sheet metal, round, rectangular, or square tubes, c-channel, or I-beams. Each design offers a distinct aesthetic appeal, from sleek and modern to charmingly rustic or boldly industrial.
Tread Material Impacts Design
The design of the stair stringers must accommodate the specific characteristics and load-bearing requirements of the chosen stair tread material. While, wood remains the favored choice for stair treads, alternatives such as steel, stone, glass, and tile are additional options. Each material presents unique challenges regarding its strength and susceptibility to breakage, necessitating careful consideration in the stair design. For example, stone has very little tensile strength, therefore it typically requires a steel substrate underneath most of its length for support. Hardwood, on the other hand, with sufficient thickness can cover larger spans with much less support.
Aesthetic and Load Capacity
Furthermore, it is imperative to consider various factors for affixing the stringer plates to the wall and the floor. This includes deciding the aesthetic preference regarding whether to conceal or prominently display the stringer plates. The size of the stringers must be carefully designed to minimize deflections and vibrations. Finally, examining the building framing/structure that the stringer will connect to and evaluating the load-bearing capacity is essential.
Explore this array of double-stringer stair styles created by our talented designers and fabricators.
At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each railing project moves from vision to reality, take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building premium craftsman-quality and commercial-grade cable railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get your project started.
Indoors and outdoors alike, LED lighted railings add to both the functionality and ambiance of a given space. Whether you’re hoping to set a romantic mood for your restaurant patio or are looking to light up your interior staircase for nighttime visibility, architectural LED lighting is a stylish solution.
At Keuka Studios, we understand that every project is different and requires some creative engineering. When it comes to lighting, concealing wires and accessing power sources may present a challenge. However, our designers are committed to coming up with innovative solutions for the unique demands of your project.
Explore several railingsand staircases with LED lighting designed and fabricated by Keuka Studios for your next project.
Cable Railings with LED Lighting
Cable railing systems designed and crafted by Keuka Studios bring a modern, sophisticated look to decks, balconies, terraces, and stairs. Many of our clients, both home and business owners, request LED lighting for their railings so they can make the most of their outdoor spaces. At Keuka Studios, our engineers can incorporate the LED lighting system of your choice into a custom cable railing system.
How our designers accommodate the lights, wires, and access to a power source will depend on the style and materials you choose for your railing posts and top rail. If you want spotlight-style LED lights, one option is to use aluminum tubing and run the wires through the top rail. Using this method, allows us to craft a rail with custom cutouts for spotlight-style LED lights. Once you have selected your lighting system we custom design our railings to work with the system of choice.
With LED lighting, the options are unlimited. You can opt for classic white lights or colored lights. Also available are dimming or pulsing lights. Whatever your style, Keuka Studios will help you create your perfect illuminated space.
-LED Lighted Cable Railings Top Rail
We worked with a commercial customer who chose the LEDPOD 40 by KLIK Systems. For the deck railings of their Wedding Venue. With this design, light faces down from beneath the top rail and it reflects off the stainless steel cable infill below, illuminating them as well. Most commonly, our clients request under-rail lighting to illuminate the whole perimeter of the space.
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-Terraced Patio Bar with LED Lighted Railings
For this terraced patio bar at the Sequoia restaurant in Washington, D.C. we incorporated LEDpod night lighting into the underside of the round handrail. All of the wires are concealed within the posts and the handrails. The LEDpod lighting has the effect of lighting the walkways while adding ambiance to the dining experience.
LED Lighted Top Railing
Staircases with LED Lighting
LED lighting has also become popular with our custom stair customers. To achieve a modern look and to light the way, clients often request built-in lights for stair treads, risers, or stringers. How we incorporate the lights will depend on the style and materials of your staircase. For ideas, take a look at a couple of our staircases with LED lighting systems:
-LED Lighted Spiral Stair Risers
This exterior spiral staircase features LED lights on each riser and connects to a deck railing system with under-rail lights. As shown in the accompanying drawings, the circuit runs up the center column of the spiral staircases, and the wires run beneath each tread to connect the LED lights embedded in the risers. Each light has a custom machined metal diffuser that guides the light downward to prevent glare while ascending the steps.
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-Zig Zag Stair With Lighted Treads
Keuka Studios designed this zigzag staircase and cable railing system for a client in Greenwich, Connecticut. To brighten the walkway and match the customer’s unique hanging light fixture, we added LED light strips to the underside of each stair tread. A brushed stainless steel riser was used to add a bit of dazzle to the project.
-Floating Stair With Lighted Glass Treads
We custom-created this lighted glass tread, steel stringer stairs, and cable railing system for the interior of a client’s home in Knoxville, Tennessee. The lighting system for the glass treads is fed up through the wall and into the end of each tread. This creates a warm glow that transitions across the glass tread.
–Floating Stair Stringer with LED Lighting
A client in Ogunquit, ME decided to have LED lighting in their floating stair stringer to provide light for navigating the stairs and add ambiance to the space. We custom-made the steel stringer to conceal the wires of the LED lighting with cutouts to accommodate the chosen lights. The effect is a warm welcoming glow to their home entry and stairs.
–Handrails with LED Lighting
Our talented design and fabrication team artfully created a unique cable railing system and handrail for an office building in Seattle, Washington. The objective of the design of the handrails was to add LED lighting on both sides of the stairs while hiding the wiring within the railing and posts. The added lighting provides ambiance and light for navigating the stairs.
-Stair Treads with Built-in Light Bar
In the design of this mono-stringer floating stair, a sophisticated LED light bar is cleverly embedded beneath the stair treads, concealing the wiring for the lighting in the treads and stringer. Furthermore, the overall stair design effectively conceals all attachment hardware for the treads, resulting in a streamlined and elegant aesthetic.
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While our engineers create innovative ways to incorporate LED lights into our unique cable railing systems and stairs, every project requires custom accommodations. If you’re interested in railing with LED lighting, we recommend you contact us to discuss your ideas. Interested in LED lighting for your stairs or cable railing? Contact us to discuss your ideas.
Curious about the latest trends in interior staircases? At the forefront of architects’ visions for residential projects nationwide, we specialize in custom designing and building stairs and railings that elevate the aesthetic of homes. We meticulously tailor our staircases to align with the unique specifications outlined by our clients.
Stair design styles can be crafted in diverse forms, encompassing options such as single or double floating stringers, or cantilevered designs. Railings offer versatility with choices like cable, glass, or spindle styles. Stair treads are available in an array of materials such as wood, and steel or can be made to accommodate a variety of types of stone. If desired, the added touch of LED lighting can be seamlessly integrated into the staircase.
We are sharing these ideas as a source of inspiration for your next interior staircase project.
Take a look at these trending staircase designs.
7 Floating Stair Design Styles
Cantilever Stair with Glass Railing
Creating a striking focal point at the entrance of this home this cantilever stair perfectly combines form with function. The transparency of the glass adds a sense of spaciousness and the sleek design hiding the support structure and hardware adds refinement to the modern contemporary style.
Unique Attributes
-The steel support structure and tread supports are concealed.
-The wood treads accommodate the LED lighting.
-The wood tread caps conceal the glass hardware connections.
Our exquisite single-stringer staircase with spindle railing uniquely blends simplicity and elegance. This stairway features a single, sleek central stringer; not only is it structural, but it also makes a visual statement.
A timeless spindle railing adorns the staircase. The carefully spaced spindles provide a subtle yet stylish enclosure, adding a touch of refinement to the overall aesthetic.
Uniques Attributes
-Spindles and wood top rail flow like a ribbon without interruption along the entire staircase.
A captivating design this zig-zag double-stringer floating staircase combines innovation with sophistication. The stringers, appear to elegantly slice through each tread. The sleek Ithaca-style cable railing system perfectly complements and enhances the staircase, creating an open and airy ambiance.
Unique Attribute
-The steel zig zag stringer seamlessly cuts through each tread.
Floating Stair and Landing with Cable Railing
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this floating staircase and landing features a single, sleek mono stringer and cable railing. The beauty of this design lies in its simplicity and the illusion of weightlessness, creating a breathtaking floating effect. Showcased in the heart of the great room with a window wall the natural light flows throughout the space.
Unique Attribute
-The landing appears to be floating with a minimal support structure
Crafted with precision and innovation the hollow form style of the double stringer adds a touch of architectural refinement to the staircase. The hidden hardware of the stair treads adds to the clean lines and simplistic appearance. Adorned with a glass railing it allows for natural light to flow throughout the space.
Unique Attribute
-The hardware to attach the treads is concealed within the wood. offering a super clean look.
Cantilever Floating Stair with Cable Railing
Our contemporary cantilever staircase boasts a sleek and simplistic design. Each step gracefully extends from the concealed support structure, crafting a minimalist aesthetic that seemingly defies gravity. The hidden ingenuity seamlessly infuses a touch of architectural sophistication; moreover, slender cables ensure an uninterrupted view, thereby adding to the staircase’s modern allure
Sophistication and elegance combine in the aesthetic of this modern floating stair. The custom-made brass handrails and glass standoffs add a touch of opulence to this staircase. Each tread is crafted from travertine and the glass railing adds to the open atmosphere.
Unique Attribute
-Custom-made brass handrails and glass standoffs
-Tread supports made to accommodate the weight of stone treads.
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At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each cable railing project moves from vision to reality, take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality and commercial-grade cable railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get your project started.
Modern stairs and railings crafted for Homes in the Hamptons
The Hamptons located on Long Island is made up of a variety of beach towns and award-winning vineyards with a rural atmosphere, and historic charm. Widely known as an exclusive summer destination to escape from the city, and viewed as a summer playground, or a place to relax and enjoy the pristine waters. The architecture of the area boasts a variety of charming homes from traditional colonial styles to modern mansions. We have designed and fabricated a variety of stairs and railings for homes in the Hamptons.
These projects will inspire your next renovation or new build. See something you like? Contact us for a quote.
East Hampton
Floating Spindle Stair and Railing Project
A work of art this floating staircase flows elegantly between floors with a continuous oak handrail. The steel stringers appear as if they float in thin air, and each spindle is perfectly placed. This streamlined railing is constructed of powder-coated steel with thick white oak treads and handrails.
Placed directly in front of a two-story window the vertical lines of the staircase balustrade blend beautifully with the modern aesthetic of this cube-style home.
Deck Cable Railing System
This beach house was designed with a low profile, and clean lines to sit in harmony with the natural surroundings. The Ithaca Style cable railing system was chosen for this project since it perfectly complements the simplistic lines of this modern beach house. The posts and top rail are made of matte black powder-coated aluminum. The cable railing system is custom-made to transition along the deck, second-story decks, and stairs up to the crow’s nest.
Bridgehampton
Black Cable Railings
A truly unique stairwell design combines rustic and refined elements in this modern farmhouse. The reclaimed wooden beams add a weathered texture, contrasting with the smooth white oak treads and handrails. The cable railing is made with black cables and fittings. The Ithaca Style railing posts are a custom powder-coat color to match the home’s window trim.
Striking in its simplicity the slim straight balusters and linear design of the railings accent the home’s neutral pallet.
Stainless Cable Railing
The crisp clean lines of the master bedroom balcony railing with thin railing posts provide the required functionality while seeming to disappear from the view. The cable ends are attached to the home’s structure with our unique fittings eliminating the requirement for additional posts. The same railing style is used for the interior and exterior creating synergy in the design of the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Westhampton
Floating Stairs and Landings with Cable Railings
This Westhampton residence was meticulously planned to feature spacious, interconnected rooms with a seamless flow and plenty of natural light. Therefore, they chose an open stair design that includes floating stairs and landings with open risers and the Ithaca Style cable railings.
Montauk
Exterior Stair and Balcony Cable Railings
The design objective of this modern home with floor-to-ceiling windows and a distinctive wide main entry stair was to maintain the open views. Cable railings were chosen to ascend the stairs and wrap the porch and balcony. The Ithaca Style railing is made with thin posts and a wood top rail which maximizes the views.
Glass Interior Stair Railings
A free-standing modern straight staircase with glass railing balustrades and metal posts gives this railing a transparent appearance. Placed adjacent to the window it seamlessly brings the outdoors, indoors and allows for streaming sunlight throughout. The posts include escutcheon plates to hide the mounting hardware. The glass balustrade is mounted to the posts with stainless steel clamps.
If you liked these ideas, see the links below for more ideas!
6 Deck Styles with Cable Railings
Beach House Cable Railings
Floating Stair Ideas
At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each cable railing project moves from vision to reality. Take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality and commercial-grade stairs and railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get started on your project.
Cable railing’s sleek, streamlined appearance and minimalist construction are very versatile when it comes to interior design. Over the years, Keuka Studios has worked with hundreds of clients, each with their own taste and style. We’re always delighted to see the “after” photos we receive from our customers showing us their new cable railing system and how it fits in with the overall aesthetic of their home. We’ve seen our cable railing seamlessly integrated with a wide range of interior design styles, for example industrial, farmhouse, traditional, and modern.
Considering cable railing for your home interior and need some design inspiration? Take a look at the numerous styles we’ve seen our clients bring to life in their homes:
1. Industrial
Keuka Studios crafted a railing system for this penthouse loft that overlooks the heart of downtown Denver. With exposed pipes, timber beams, and floor-to-ceiling windows that look out at an urban scene, the apartment naturally has an industrial aesthetic. When the architect renovated the building, constructed in 1882, he wanted to update the space but stay true to its original industrious design and function. In order to achieve this, he opted for a cable railing system with “Raven Black” powder-coated steel posts and a wood top rail for the loft balcony and staircase. The cable railing not only matches the architecture and interior design of the apartment, it also preserves the incredible view.
2. Coastal
Coastal interior design embraces natural materials, fabrics, and colors. Above all, coastal design maximizes the feeling of relaxation. For example, this beach house on the North Shore of Massachusetts incorporates natural light, stone architecture, wood furniture, and ocean hues. Keuka Studios designed an interior cable railing system to match the natural, open feel of the waterfront home. The Ithaca Style railing features “Oil-Rubbed Bronze” powder-coated solid aluminum posts and a maple top rail.
3. Modern
This state-of-the-art residence includes all the essential features of a modern, monochromatic home. As seen in the photo above, the home has a sleek appearance and minimalist feel. All throughout the house, the interior designer incorporated metals, glass, and clean lines. For the foyer, Keuka Studios fabricated a custom zigzag floating staircase with cable railing. The railing features stainless steel posts and a white oak top rail, giving the stairwell a cool, chromatic look. To add another modern touch to the staircase, we integrated an LED lighting system into the stair treads.
4. Modern Farmhouse
This chic kitchen features exposed Douglas fir beams with wood flooring and island cabinets to match. To complete the room’s modern farmhouse look, the homeowner chose simple white walls and cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and black quartz countertops. The kitchen sits adjacent to a floating staircase with cable railing designed and fabricated by Keuka Studios. The homeowners wanted the stairs and railing to perfectly match the kitchen’s style and the existing architecture. To achieve this, we designed the cable railing system with “Raven Black” powder-coated steel posts and a maple wood top rail. The staircase features steel stringers and maple treads.
5. Tropical Modern
Located on the island of Maui, this luxurious home was designed by the world-renowned architecture firm, Olson Kundig. In order to embrace the home’s incredible natural surroundings, the architect designed transitional spaces that blur the lines between the home’s interior and outdoor living spaces. The living room pictured above embodies this design and seamlessly transitions into a cable railing deck with a view of the ocean. Our Kauai Style cable railing with black powder-coated posts and a wood top rail melds perfectly with the living room decor that extends out onto the deck. The space features all the hallmarks of tropical modern design including geometric wood furniture, natural fabrics, and rich textures.
6. Contemporary
Keuka Studios designed and fabricated a complete cable railing system for this Long Island residence, including a railing for the interior balcony. The second-story balcony overlooks the great room which features high ceilings and large windows that face Great Pond. To match the openness of the space and the streamlined design of cable railing, the homeowners opted for a contemporary interior design scheme. They achieved this look by embracing natural lighting, choosing neutral colors, and utilizing textured fabrics. Furthermore, the homeowners chose furniture with metal accents that complement the “Sparkle Silver” powder-coated steel posts on the balcony railing.
7. Rustic
Complete with a half-sized basketball court, this open-concept “party barn” is the ultimate entertainment space. The barn has a luxurious feel and many state-of-the-art features. Nevertheless, the barn maintains a rustic aesthetic. Architect James Dixon achieved this look by incorporating a reclaimed barn board ceiling and exposed timbers. In order to match this worn appearance, we designed a cable railing system with a white oak wood top rail. In addition, we designed and built floating custom staircases with white oak treads.
8. Minimalist
When it comes to minimalist interior design, less is more. The owner of this California home wanted to create a modern, sparsely decorated space that embodies simplicity. In order to achieve this look, they opted for a few statement pieces of art and furniture and left the remaining space open. The kitchen/dining room features white walls and light wood flooring, creating a crisp, airy atmosphere. For the interior staircase, Keuka Studios designed a minimalist Ithaca Style cable railing system with slender end and intermediate posts. The homeowner chose polished stainless steel for the railing to match the sharp, clean look of the room.
9. Traditional
Traditional style has endured the test of time and remains a popular interior design scheme. For example, our clients in Wisconsin created their dream kitchen that embodies sophistication and comfort. The staircase, flooring, and cabinets all have a gorgeous cherry hue that brings warmth to the kitchen and second-story balcony. When the homeowners contacted us about designing a railing for the balcony and stairs, they asked if we could craft a cable railing system with an elegant feel. In order to match the room’s traditional decor, we designed a railing with our intricate Chicago Style posts powder-coated bronze, stainless steel cable infill, and a wood top rail. Additionally, for even greater grandeur, we included a custom newel post at the bottom of the railing.
10. Open Concept
Open Concept design refers to a floorplan of a home with a minimal amount of barriers or walls between functional areas of the home. Thus, creating a spacious open great room for families to live and interact with each other. This large open space allows for several activities to take place while keeping families connected in one area. Multiple furniture arrangements and area rugs can make a large room feel cozier and define separate spaces. The open-concept design approach is great for people who love to entertain since guests can visit and mingle easily throughout the great room.
Our client desired a floating stair and cable railing for the home’s entry that would maintain the open flow and spaciousness. To accomplish this, we designed an open gracefully curved floating mono stringer stair with cable railings that wrap the stair and upper-level balcony. We provided custom-machined maple treads made to fit each step.
11. Rustic Chic
Rustic Chic combines elements of rustic design with a more refined and polished aesthetic. It often incorporates natural materials like wood and stone, with a touch of elegance through the use of sleek lines, neutral color palettes, and curated decor. This style strikes a balance between the warmth and charm of farmhouse design and the clean, sophisticated lines often associated with modern interiors. Rustic Chic spaces are comfortable and inviting while still maintaining a sense of sophistication and elegance.
Our client chose the framed Ithaca-style cable railing system for the staircase because of its slim posts and sleek design. To strike a balance between a sophisticated aesthetic and a rustic charm, they chose to include escutcheon plates to conceal the hardware.
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Every Keuka Studios design project is custom-built for your space. To learn more about how each cable railing project moves from vision to reality, take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality and commercial-grade cable railings for interior and exterior applications.
Hardness, Durability, Grain, and Lamination Explained
What is the best Wood for Stair Treads?
There are several factors to consider when selecting wood for stair treads that will be used on floating steel stringer stairs. They include the speciesof wood, the method of sawing the wood, and the construction of the stair treads. The species of wood selected will vary in hardness, durability, and grain. In addition, how the wood is sawn will affect the appearance of the grain, and the construction or lamination of the tread will have an effect on the appearance of the finished product. In addition, the construction of the wood tread must take into consideration the code requirements for open risers.
Wood Hardness
The hardness of wood is measured using the Janka scale. This scale helps you to understand a wood’s relative hardness.
Why is wood hardness important? Softer woods are more prone to dents or dings than harder woods. Also, softwoods are not suitable for use as handrails since they may not hold up under the typical forces required to meet building codes.
The chart below shows the Janka Scale rating for several of the popular types of woods our clients choose for their stair and railing projects. IPE is one of the hardest of the hardwoods and Eastern White Pine is among the softest.
Janka Scale Rating of Several Types of Wood
Durability
Durability is the wood’s ability to resist natural elements of decay. Durability is critical when choosing wood for an outdoor application. Environmental elements that affect the degradation of wood include fungus, destructive insects, and weather. For exterior use, the wood’s ability to resist weathering such as photodegradation from UV rays, contraction and expansion, warping, surface checking, and decay will affect the longevity of the wood. The wood’s durability is based on the use of the heartwood. It is important to note that sapwoods are not durable. Hardwoods like Teak and IPE are among the most durable woods for outdoor use.
Note: Shown in green in the chart above are woods recommended for outdoor use.
Wood Grain
The grain is the natural cell pattern of the wood. The natural pattern of the wood combined with the method used to cut the wood will affect the overall look of the finished product.
Straight Grain – runs in a single direction parallel to the axis of the tree.
Wavy Grain – runs in irregular directions from the vertical access of the log.
Spiral Grain – follows a spiral twist around the axis of the tree
Interlocked Grain – spirals around the axis of the tree and reverses direction resulting in the alternating of direction.
Irregular Grain – is many different patterns of the grain as it twists or swirls. Often times it is the result of knots deformed growth, or crotch wood.
Examples of Flat Sawn, Quarter Sawn and Rift Cut Lumber
What is the difference between Flat Sawn, Quarter Sawn, and Rift Cut Lumber?
There are three main methods for cutting lumber and each method has a different appearance of the finished board. Flat Sawn is the most common and has a flame appearance. Quarter Sawn results in a straight grain appearance with a flame effect. Rift Cut results in a straight grain pattern.
Flat Sawn
Also known as plain sawn is the most common method of milling logs and the least expensive. The boards are cut from the log in a way that maximizes the use of the wood and minimizes the amount of waste. Flat Sawn wood is more likely to cup and warp over time.
Flat Sawn wood boards result in a flame look.
Quarter Sawn
Just as the name implies the log is cut into quarters then it is flat sawn. This method is more expensive than flat Sawn wood since it requires more labor and produces more waste. Quarter Sawn wood is more resistant to warping, cupping, and twisting than flat sawn wood.
Quarter Sawn wood results in a straight grain pattern without the flame effect on the front of the board. The oak will show flecks or rays in the grain on the face of the board.
Rift Cut
The boards are cut radially around the center of the log. Rift Sawn lumber is the most stable and the most expensive since it does not utilize the entire log, therefore, having the most amount of waste.
This method results in a straight grain pattern with a clean consistent look on the front of the board.
Note: Wood is a natural product, therefore the grain does not always grow in one direction. This may result in some boards having variations in pattern and appearance.
Wood Tread Construction Solid, Laminated and Boxed
Solid Wood Treads
As the name implies are made from a solid piece of wood, they are generally considered timbers and are often difficult to source. As the piece of wood gets thicker, it becomes less available and more expensive. Solid wood although beautiful, is more likely to twist or crack than laminated wood.
Laminated Wood Treads
Laminating is a method used to create a thicker piece of wood. It is made of multiple layers to improve overall strength and stability. Shown below are two wood stair tread styles with two different lamination styles Butcher Block and Random Stack.
Box Stair Tread Construction
This example of a box stair tread construction has lock mitered corners on the edges and a layered laminated plywood core for stability. This technique of construction makes it possible for all the faces of the tread to have the same grain pattern. In addition, a boxed tread can be constructed to hide the stair stringer mounting attachments, resulting in a minimal refined appearance. Concealing the steel stair tread supports makes the wood treads appear to float in thin air.
End View of Boxed Stair Construction
Floating Stair Rise Construction Requirements
It is also important to understand the code requirements for floating stairs when choosing your tread material and construction. The open risers on floating stairs are required to be a space of 4 inches or less. There are a variety of ways to design the stairs to meet this requirement. They include Solid treads, L-shaped treads, and added L-shape toe kick on the tread. Examples are shown below.
Now that you have an understanding of various wood characteristics and construction techniques for wood stair treads it should be easier for you to make a selection for your Keuka Studios floating stairs.
If you found this helpful, you may also like the following blogs.
6 Types of Stair Treads – What to know before choosing various types
Types of Stairs Advantages and Disadvantages
Floating Stairs and Railings You’ll Love
At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairsand railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each stair and railing project moves from vision to reality. Take a look at our custom stair design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality and commercial-grade stairs and railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get started on your project.
