For this refurbishement in Warsash, Southampton, a bespoke WF floating timber staircase was specified to create a light, open route between floors. With only a single window in the hallway, maximising light and openness was essential, making the WF floating design an ideal solution.
The Brief
The homeowner’s requirements included:
A feature staircase with a truly floating appearance
Design that maximised light penetration despite limited glazing
Solid oak construction with a premium joinery finish
A staircase large enough to feel substantial without blocking views
- Side walls were not parallel and no angles were 90 degrees
The stair also had to incorporate a curved handrail at the turn and meet modern building standards for safety and functionality.
Floating staircase project in Southampton – Technical Specifications
| Support Structure | WF Style Staircase |
| Floor to floor height | 2590mm |
| Risers | 185mm |
| Treads | 42mm Oak |
| Stringers | 42mm white timber |
| Balustrade Type | 13mm Ø Stainless Steel Spindles |
| Handrail | 150 x 42mm Oak handrail |
| Newel Posts | 150 x 42mm Oak |
| Finish of Timber | Varnished |
| Additional | L shaped treads, enlarged bottom step, curved handrail |
The Solution
To address the brief we provided a bespoke WF floating timber staircase with:
Cantilevered oak treads supported only by the wall stringer, giving a near-floating aesthetic
Integrated oak down-stand to each tread to comply with safety regulations without detracting from the open look
A curved oak handrail at the turn, creating a smooth, elegant transition between flights and adding visual flow
Balustrade and spindles designed to provide discreet support while keeping the staircase visually light
- Angles of turn custom made to suit to wall
- White wall stringer to further enhance the floating feel.
The result is a staircase that appears to hover in space while delivering the structural performance expected of a bespoke installation.
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