If you’re into that breezy, clean, modern California vibe (who isn’t?), you’re going to love what open risers and floating stairs can do.
These two stair styles are some of our most popular requests, and it’s no surprise why. Whether you’re building new or giving your home a fresh update, open riser and floating stair designs offer a light, airy feel that fits right in with California’s love for open-concept living and indoor-outdoor harmony.
What Are Open Risers and Floating Stairs?
Let’s break it down. An open riser staircase is exactly what it sounds like — it skips the vertical board between each step (called the “riser”), leaving a small gap that makes the whole staircase feel lighter and more open. No visual bulk, no blocked light. Just clean lines and an open flow.
Floating stairs, on the other hand, often look like they’re magically suspended in the air. The treads are typically mounted to a hidden steel frame or wall bracket, giving the illusion that they’re just… floating. It’s a sleek, high-design look that still feels effortless and casual when done right.
And yes, we do them right.
Why They Shine in California Homes
We live in one of the most beautiful places on earth — so naturally, we want our homes to make the most of it. Open risers and floating stairs help us do just that.
- They let the light in: These designs don’t block sunlight, they invite it in. If your home gets good natural light (lucky you!), open risers will help carry that light from room to room, top to bottom.
- They create a sense of space: Even in smaller homes, floating stairs keep things feeling open and airy. They help a space “breathe,” making your whole home feel larger and more connected.
- They’re modern without being cold: With the right mix of wood and metal, you can have a staircase that feels sleek and updated but still warm and welcoming.
- They’re made for open floor plans: California homes love open layouts, and these stair styles fit right in. No big visual blocks — just a smooth, modern transition between
Are Open Risers and Floating Stairs Safe?
We get this question a lot — and it’s a good one. The short answer? Yes, they’re safe.
At Beach City Stairs, we build every staircase to meet (or exceed) California building codes. We make sure your open risers are spaced correctly, your floating treads are solid and secure, and your railings are built with safety and comfort in mind. From non-slip finishes to kid-friendly design choices, we’ve got you covered.
Beauty doesn’t have to come at the expense of safety, and with us, it never does.
Custom Designs, Just for You
One of our favorite things about these stair styles is how customizable they are. Want something bold and dramatic? Go for dark-stained treads and a black metal frame. Prefer a softer, beachy vibe? Try light oak and matte white steel.
Here are a few combos our clients love:
- Light wood treads + matte black metal = modern, bright, and coastal.
- Natural oak + white steel stringer = clean, simple, beach bungalow charm.
- Walnut treads + glass railings = sleek, elegant, and high-impact.
And because we’re a small, family-oriented company, we’ll work closely with you every step of the way. From design to install, we’re right there — answering questions, making suggestions, and helping you create something beautiful and functional.
Let’s Build Something That Feels Like Home
Whether you’re remodeling your beach house in Manhattan Beach, building a new place in Santa Monica, or just dreaming about your future forever home, we’re here to help.
At Beach City Stairs, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We believe in custom work that feels like you — stairs that make your home brighter, better, and a little more “wow.” So if open risers or floating stairs are on your vision board (or even just in your head), let’s chat.
We’d love to help bring your dream to life.
