Can a Steel Staircase Be Designed with Open Risers?

What open risers mean in a steel staircase

An open riser staircase has no solid panel between one step and the next. You can see through the stair, and the treads appear to float. In steel construction this is achieved by fixing each tread to a strong stringer or central spine, so the tread carries the load on its own supports rather than resting on a closed riser.

Open risers suit steel well because steel allows slim, strong members. The result is a staircase that takes up little visual space and lets light pass through to the floors below.

Safety points to check before choosing open risers

Open risers change how the staircase looks and how it feels underfoot, so a few points deserve attention:

• The gap between treads should be limited so that feet and objects cannot slip through.
• Treads need a non-slip surface, especially in homes with children or elderly residents.
• The railing and its infill must follow the Israeli railing standard SI 1142, which covers guard heights and openings.

Exact dimensions are confirmed with the engineer for each project, not assumed from a general rule.

Design options that keep the airy look

There are several ways to combine open risers with a strong structure. A central steel spine with cantilevered treads gives the most floating effect. Side stringers with flat or bent steel treads offer a more traditional frame. Glass or slim-bar railings add to the open feeling, while keeping the view clear.

The right choice depends on the space, the load the staircase must carry and the style you prefer, from industrial to modern minimal.

How we build a steel staircase at our factory

Our process starts with your inquiry and photos, followed by on-site measurement at your home. We then prepare a drawing and a written specification, which you approve before production begins. The steel is cut and welded in our factory at Rival Street 37, Tel Aviv, to your exact measurements.

Finishing, such as hot-dip galvanizing or powder coating, is applied before the staircase is installed on site. Because everything is made to measure, the open-riser design fits your floor height and opening precisely.

Who benefits most from open risers

Open-riser steel stairs work well for homeowners who want more light and a sense of space, especially in narrower homes or in stairwells that are central to the layout. They are also popular with architects and interior designers who want a clean, contemporary element that does not block the room.

If the staircase is in a busy household with small children, we recommend discussing the railing and tread design in detail at the planning stage.

Planning your staircase step by step

A good starting point is to send us photos of the space and the floor-to-floor height. We measure on site, then suggest a suitable structure and appearance. Discuss your priorities, whether that is maximum openness, a particular material finish or a specific railing style, before the drawing is finalized.

This early planning avoids changes later and ensures the staircase looks as intended once installed.

Frequently asked questions

Are open-riser steel stairs safe?

They can be safe when the design limits gaps, uses non-slip treads and includes a compliant railing. Safety details are checked with the engineer for every project.

Do open risers make a steel staircase weaker?

Not when the structure is designed correctly. Each tread is supported by strong steel members, so the staircase carries the load without a solid riser.

Which railing works best with open-riser stairs?

Glass or slim steel-bar railings keep the view open and suit the airy look. The railing must meet the Israeli standard SI 1142 for height and openings.

Can an existing staircase be changed to open risers?

It depends on the current structure and the space available. We assess this during the on-site measurement and advise on what is possible.

Common mistakes to avoid

A common mistake is choosing open risers without checking gap size, tread grip and railing requirements. Skipping the on-site measurement can also lead to a staircase that does not fit the floor height.

Our recommendation

Start with the floor-to-floor height and the intended use of the stairs, then have the design checked by an engineer before production. Choose non-slip treads and a railing that matches your household's needs.

Summary

Steel staircases can have open risers for a light, airy look, provided the design is structurally sound and meets safety requirements. Careful planning and measurement make the difference.

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