Cantilevered staircases aren't for everybody, but they can make a fantastic option in certain households. Otherwise known as floating staircases, they seem to suspend each tread in mid-air, with the supporting structure hidden within each tread and then anchored deeply into the wall.

They are more expensive than normal staircases, and they aren't a great option if you have younger children or want a traditional appearance. That said, they do come with compelling benefits.

Standout styling

By far the most obvious benefit that comes with cantilevered staircases is that they are incredibly eye-catching. Mostly used in designer homes, a cantilevered staircase is going to be a standout feature in your own, and they work particularly well when you need to enhance a sense of modern minimalism.

Perfect for smaller spaces

Traditional staircases take up quite a lot of space, so they aren't ideal when you're working with smaller homes. In such situations, a cantilevered staircase is a good option. With only the treads visible, a lot of space is saved, particularly underneath the stairs. Additionally, their open nature means that cantilevered staircases don't block out sunlight or create shadows, and they create a far more open appearance.

Versatile design

Cantilevered staircases are wonderfully versatile, and in more ways than one. If you need to work around oddly-shaped rooms, you can easily do so since treads can be installed to work around any surface or shape. If, for example, your walls are slightly curved, a cantilevered staircase is ideal. There are also plenty of different materials you can use for the treads, from glass to hardwood.

Easy cleaning

It's common for cool modern designs to make cleaning harder, but that isn't the case at all with cantilevered staircases. It's easy to clean each individual tread since the surface is completely flat, open on three sides, and without any tight corners. Just a quick wipe is all it's going to take. With traditional staircases, dirt can build up in those tight corners, and it's harder to wipe or vacuum each tread.

Individual replacement

Finally, keep in mind that you'll find it a lot easier to conduct repairs if you have cantilevered stairs. If one of the treads gets damaged, it is only that one that will need to be removed and replaced. You'll find that this makes any repairs a lot cheaper, as well as a lot less time-consuming and disruptive.