What Is the Floating Calculator?
Plan modern floating (cantilever) stairs with our free calculator. Floating stairs feature treads that appear to hang in mid-air, supported by hidden steel brackets, a mono-stringer, or wall-mounted carriers. This tool calculates bracket spacing, structural loads, and material requirements.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter total rise, tread depth, and stair width.
- Specify the tread thickness and bracket type.
- Review the calculated cantilever loads and bracket spacing.
- Verify that the wall structure can support the concentrated loads.
Why Accurate Floating Calculations Matter
Floating stairs impose concentrated point loads on the wall structure rather than distributing weight through stringers. Each tread bracket may need to support 300+ pounds of concentrated load per IRC requirements. The supporting wall must have adequate blocking or steel reinforcement.
Building Code References
Related Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Are floating stairs safe?+
Yes, when properly engineered and installed. Each tread bracket must support a 300-pound concentrated load per code. A structural engineer should review the wall framing and bracket design.