Customized stairs or staircase kits: how many shapes and how the self-supporting stair case is made

26 March 2025

Nowadays the range of stairs on the market to be inspired is really wide, for types, structures, materials, finishes, tailored stairs or staircase kits etc. so as to offer a great possibility of customization, in terms of structural requirements and personal taste; thanks to responsible designs it is really possible to achieve wonderful installations that enhance the interior in a significant way. Among these we take into account the self-supporting stair case and its characteristics.

In the world of modern stair cases, and among these within the range of self-supporting stairs for interiors there are many variants. But before any further investigation can be undertaken, the meaning of the term self supporting stair case must be clear.

What is the meaning of a self-supporting stair case?

Let me start by immediately pointing out: the definition of a self-supporting stair case carries with it a kind of ambiguity. In fact, the self-supporting vocation clearly communicates a concept of staircase that does not need any anchorages and relies only on its own structure to fulfill its function.

This concept is not entirely honest, if we can say so: the self-supporting stair case always needs at least points of support and arrival, and not only. Precisely because of the same improper term, a misunderstanding is created: in the common imagination it is thought that the various types of self-supporting internal stairs – whatever their structure in plan – do not need to lean on an external support. This does not correspond to the reality of things, or at least it corresponds only partially to what can be noticed at first impact, and only in certain cases.

Actually in a self-supporting stair case there are always supports, and the project is always fully compliant with safety standards (during the passenger boarding safety comes first) and local building regulations. Let me explain. 

The supports of a self-supporting cantilevered stair case

Although many stairs are extraordinary for aesthetic impact and design (e.g. a spiral staircase with a unique structure), the design and technicalities necessary to install a standard structure have nothing magical, but all stair parts, including the stair case railing, are the result of study and analysis. In fact, it is a consequence of the ambiguous term self-supporting the erroneous thought that some types of hanging stair case hold themselves in total autonomy.

Whether straight, U-shaped, L-shaped or with other configurations, the self-supporting staircase also needs to be supported by various supports, perimeter walls, anchors. Whether it is a self supporting iron stair case, or a freestanding wooden stair case changes little.

These are the aids, especially present in the corner points, that allow the usability of the stair case and its solidity, and this is true for every self-supporting cantilever stair case, including suspended stairs that seem pure magic!  The real specification of a certain type of self-supporting stair case (the most self-supporting of all: the suspended stair) we find it in the case of steps that do not lean on a base below, as for example would happen in a masonry staircase, but which are locked inside a side wall on which they rest. 

Characteristics and strengths of a self-supporting cantilevered staircase

So you will ask me: what is characterized by such a self-supporting staircase, which besides really self-supporting is not? It’is easy to explain:

First of all, we can say with certainty that this type of stair case has nothing to rival others in terms of safety and stability. On the contrary, the external supports mentioned above are involved in structural static holding. 

Versatility of shape/size is an important aspect: among the self-supporting stairs for interiors you can choose not only the structure that suits you best, whether it is a spiral, straight ramp etc. but also customize the materials, their combinations, finishes. You can create the perfect stair case for your interior, even a staircase kit, for example a wooden staircase, an iron stair or a steel self-supporting staircase.

Cantilever stairs are highly flexible from a structural and design point of view, perhaps among all the types they are the most versatile to design and integrate into an environment, whatever style it embodies. The final aesthetic result is not affected by the need for anchor points that, thanks to an expert design and a good eye, will be scaled down to the minimum necessary without consequences.  

The support structure is the hinge around which the customization of the cantilevered stair case revolves 

The open stairs or ramp stairs, also called ambiguously self-supporting cantilever stairs, all have the characteristic of revealing the support structure (only the suspended stair case hides the cantilevered steps anchorage).

A support structure is present without exception, whether it is placed sideways or below the steps; the design changes a lot depending on the location of this support structure, and can completely change the final design of our self-supporting staircase.The structure may be:

• single-beam central or double-beam central
• central but modular
• side (double) band

Excluding the masonry staircase that is built in conjunction with the construction of the building, the self-supporting stair case can be designed tailored, installed when we want and above all it fits well to any customization. Once the stair case is fully compliant with the standards and regulations for safety of passenger boarding, you will be able to range and characterize your installation with the materials and finishes that best suit your needs.

The most frequently chosen materials and combined together for self-supporting stairs are metal, wood, stone, plastic and even glass, not only for balustrades, but also as a structural element itself. Glass and high-tech plastics are the challenge of modern design.

While the self-supporting wooden stairs for have always been chosen even in classic contexts, they never fail to transmit the warmth of this natural material, the stone is evocative of luxury and elegance; opting instead for a self-supporting iron or steel stair case seems to be the choice that relies on the most flexible material, metal, and among the most customizable also thanks to the variety of finishes available.         

The most spectacular one: the suspended staircase 

We have already talked about the suspended stairs, those among the freestanding stairs for interiors seem the most theatrical: the image refers to a ramp of steps that seem to float in mid-air; and it seems so crazy that they hold themselves more weight than those who ride them.

Instead, the suspended self-supporting stair case is simply the result of good design and a feasibility study given that the steps must be anchored directly to the wall and, whatever material is chosen for structure and coating, it must be able to support the weight.

The reference wall should be tensioning and a specific type of anchor will be designed according to its composition; in the absence of a load-bearing wall (for example, reinforced concrete or brick) an iron structure must be provided as the core of the wall, either visible or concealed; in any case this is obviously a solution which must necessarily be provided before the work is completed. 

In any case, the result will be a truly surprising cantilevered stair case, which creates a sense of lightness and buoyancy, of essential and very modern style. In short, there is a lot to choose from and a lot to evaluate; but whatever your choice, an open stair case or self-supporting stair case, staircase kit or a custom project, it will achieve exceptional design results and customized on your needs, become the heart of style in an interior.

Focus on the stair case step

Steps are the building blocks of stairs, whether they are staircase kits or custom-made and handmade installations; we talked about suspended stairs, and the step element results central even at first impact.

A step of a stair case is composed, in turn, of several fundamental elements that determine both its aesthetics and functionality. The two main components are the tread planes, the horizontal surface where the foot rests, and the raisers, the vertical part that connects one step to the other. To ensure safety and comfort, the tread must be deep enough to support the whole foot, while the raiser must maintain a uniform height adequate to facilitate the step. 

Other important elements may include the stair nose, the edge of the step, often finished with slip resistant materials, and the edge which can be chamfered for aesthetic or safety reasons. Materials range from wood and stone to metal and glass, each with specific characteristics in terms of strength and design of the entire stair case project. 

Discover the modern self-supporting stair case by Officine Sandrini

If you want to transform your spaces into unique environments full of character, stairs can become the perfect distinctive element. Functionality and aesthetics are combined in these installations, essential for modern and contemporary interior design. Discover stair case ideas that blend innovation and style.

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