DESIGN & INSPIRATION
Floating Stairs vs. Traditional Stairs:
Which Should You Choose?
July 20, 2026 5 Minute Read
If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re building your dream home or investing in a major remodel. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is your staircase.
Should you stick with a traditional staircase or invest in floating stairs?
After designing and fabricating custom floating stair systems for luxury homes in Southwest Florida, we can confidently tell you this:
“We’ve never had a homeowner tell us they wish they had chosen traditional stairs instead”
In fact, we hear the opposite.
“This floating stair completely transformed our home”.
That’s why we decided to write this article differently. Instead of giving you a generic list of pros and cons, we’re sharing what we tell our clients during their floating stair consultation.
First Thigs first: What Kind of Home Are you Building?
This is the first question we ask every homeowner.
Floating stairs aren’t for every home-and that’s okay.
If you’re building:
A luxury new construction home
A contemporary or modern home
An open-concept floor plan
A high-end remodel
A waterfront home
Your forever home
Then floating stairs should absolutely be part of the conversation.
Traditional stairs may make more sense if you’re building a more traditional or classic style home.
Your staircase should complement the architecture of your home-not compete with it.
ON THIS PAGE
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Why Homeowners Are Choosing Floating Stairs
Floating Stairs vs. Traditional Stairs
The Biggest Difference
Are Floating Stairs Safe for Children?
Our Experience
Should You Invest in Floating Stairs
Final Thoughts
Project Gallery
The Biggest Difference Nobody Talks About
Most articles will tell you floating stairs are “modern” and traditional stairs are “classic”.
That isn’t the biggest difference.
The biggest difference is this:
Traditional stairs are something you use. Floating stairs are something you experience.
When guests walk into your home, nobody walks over to admire your kitchen cabinets o your bathrooms tile.
They immediately notice your staircase.
It’s one of the few architectural elements in a home that naturally commands attention.
If You Only Upgrade One Thing in Your Home…
If a client told us:
“I only have the budget for one luxury upgrade. What should I invest in?”
Our answer would be floating stairs every single time.
Why?
Because your staircase impacts:
Your entryway
Your living room
Your lighting
You home’s architectural appeal
Your home’s perceived value
You home’s first impression
Few upgrades can completely transform an entire space the way floating stairs can.
The Number One Concern We Hear
Almost every homeowner asks us one question:
“Are floating stairs safe if I have children?”
Yes.
This misconception usually comes from Pinterest photos that show floating stairs without railings.
The reality is that floating stairs can be fabricated with:
Glass railings
Cable Railings
Custom metal railings
Solid wood treads
LED lighting for additional visibility
Today’s floating stair systems are engineered to meet building code requirements while maintaining their modern aesthetic.
You don’t have to choose between safety and luxury.
Our Favorite Floating Stair Combinations
If you’re building a luxury home, here are our favorite combinations.
Most Luxurious
Light oak treads
Glass railings
Integrated LED lighting
Most Modern
Light Oak treads
Black cable railings
Black Stainless Steel Structure
These combinations never go out of style and complement both contemporary and transitional homes beautifully.
The Biggest Mistake Homeowners Make
Many homeowners view floating stais as simply another line in their construction budget.
They're not.
They’re an architectural investment.
When planning your staircase, think beyond:
“How much do floating stairs cost?”
Instead ask:
“What do I want people to feel when they walk into my home?”
Luxury homes aren’t defined by how much money was spent. They’re defined by thoughtful design decisions.
A custom floating staircase is one of those decisions.
What Makes Floating Stairs Worth the Investment?
For us, it’s simple.
No two floating staircases are ever the same.
Every project is unique.
Every homeowner has a different vision.
Ando one of our favorite moments is walking through the finished home and watching the homeowner see their staircase for the first time.
It’s always the same reaction.
“Wow”.
That never gets old.
So, Which Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for:
Traditional Stairs
Timeless
Functional
Classic
Floating Stairs
Luxury
Modern
Architectural
Neither option is wrong.
But if you’re building the kind of home you’ve always dreamed about, floating stairs are on of the few features that you’ll appreciate every single day for years to come.
Because at APG Welding, we don’ believe a staircase should simply take you upstairs.
We believe it should become the masterpiece of your home.
