Open-Riser Steel Staircases That Bring Light Into Interiors

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An open-riser steel staircase leaves gaps between the treads, so daylight and sightlines pass through the stair instead of being blocked by solid risers. Steel frames keep the structure slim, which helps the stair feel light and lets interior designers keep circulation areas open and bright.

Why Open Risers Change How a Space Feels

Solid risers turn a staircase into a wall that cuts a home or office in two. When the riser is removed, the eye can travel through the stair to the windows, skylights and rooms beyond it. Light from one floor reaches the next, and the hallway around the stair stops feeling like a dark corridor.

For interior designers working on circulation spaces, this is one of the most effective tools available. A stair becomes a visual feature rather than a barrier, and the surrounding walls can stay lighter in tone because less surface is in shadow.

Steel Structures Suited to Open Designs

Steel carries loads with far less material than solid construction, so the stringers, supports and nosings can be thin and precise. This slenderness is what makes an open-riser design work visually. Common approaches include:

Steel stringers with treads fixed between them
Central spine structures with cantilevered treads
Flat or profiled steel plates for the tread surfaces

Each option changes how much light passes through and how the stair reads from different angles, so the choice should follow the design intent of the space.

Safety Considerations Behind the Open Look

Open risers must still be safe. The gap between treads and the design of the railing are both controlled by the building requirements, and the Israeli railing standard SI 1142 sets the general framework. The exact dimensions depend on the project, so they should be confirmed with the structural engineer before drawings are finalized.

Good railing design is part of the open look. Slim balusters, glass infill or cable systems can keep sightlines clear while meeting the required strength and guard heights.

Finishes That Reflect and Diffuse Light

The finish of a steel staircase affects how much light it returns to the room. Powder-coated surfaces come in a range of matte and satin tones, while hot-dip galvanizing gives a durable base that can be finished to suit the design. Lighter finishes help reflect daylight deeper into the interior, whereas dark finishes create contrast and a sculptural presence.

Treads can also be paired with timber or other materials, but the choice should be coordinated with the overall palette of the space.

The Process From Inquiry to Installation

A typical project begins with photos and a short description of the space. Next comes an on-site measurement, followed by a drawing and a written specification that the client approves. Production takes place in our factory on Rival Street 37 in Tel Aviv, where each stair is cut and welded to measure. Finishing, such as galvanizing or powder coating, is completed before the stair is delivered and installed on site.

Working this way lets designers review the details before anything is built, which reduces surprises on site.

Planning Your Circulation Space With a Stair Designer

Open-riser stairs work best when they are planned early, alongside lighting, ceiling heights and wall finishes. Consider where daylight enters, which views you want to keep, and how people will move through the space. Sharing a floor plan and a few reference photos at the start makes it easier to balance openness, safety and budget decisions.

Early coordination with the structural engineer and the building committee, where relevant, also helps the project move forward smoothly.

Frequently asked questions

Are open-riser steel staircases allowed in residential buildings?

They can be, but the gap sizes and railing heights must meet the applicable safety requirements. The exact values should be checked with the engineer for each project.

Does a steel staircase let more light into a hallway?

Yes. Without solid risers, daylight from windows or skylights can pass through the stair and reach other floors and surrounding walls.

Which finish works best for brightening a space?

Lighter matte or satin finishes reflect more light than dark ones. The best choice depends on the overall palette and the look you want.

How long does the process take from first contact to installation?

The process runs from photos and on-site measurement through drawing, approval, production and installation. The timeline depends on the project, so it is best discussed directly with the factory.

Common mistakes to avoid

Designers often skip checking railing and gap requirements until drawings are almost complete, which forces redesigns. Measuring on site before specifying the stair prevents most fit problems.

Our recommendation

Share your floor plan, ceiling height and daylight sources early so the stair can be designed around the light rather than added afterward. Ask the engineer to confirm gap and railing details before the drawing is approved.

Summary

Open-riser steel staircases let daylight and views move through interior circulation spaces while remaining strong and slim. Early planning with measurements and engineering checks gives the best result.

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