We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work on this clean NW Contemporary home. Due to its remote location, our goal was to pre-fabricate as much as possible and shorten the installation time on site. We were able to cut and pre-fit all the glue-laminated timber frame structural elements, the Douglas Fir tongue and groove ceilings, and even the open riser Maple stair. The pictures mostly speak for themselves; but it is worth noting, we were very pleased with the final result. Despite its simple modern aesthetic with exposed concrete walls and miles of glass on the view side, the wood ceilings and the warm lighting give a cozy, comfy feel to the spaces. The owners were very involved with the design and build, including swinging hammers with us, so it was a real labor of love. The owners, and ourselves, walked away from the project with a great pride and deep feeling of satisfied accomplishment. Design by Level Design Photography by C9 Photography

This home is designed to be accessible for all three floors of the home via the residential elevator shown in the photo. The elevator runs through the core of the house, from the basement to rooftop deck. Alongside the elevator, the steel and walnut floating stair provides a feature in the space. Design by: H2D Architecture + Design www.h2darchitects.com #kirklandarchitect #kirklandcustomhome #kirkland #customhome #greenhome #sustainablehomedesign #residentialelevator #concreteflooring

Anice Hoachlander, Hoachlander Davis Photography
Staircase - 1960s wooden straight open staircase idea in DC Metro

Olson Photographic
Example of a large classic wooden curved metal railing staircase design in New York with painted risers

Ben Benschneider
Staircase - contemporary wooden staircase idea in Seattle with metal risers

This staircase makes a bold design statement through restraint and precision. Thick squared-off white oak treads appear to float between dramatic, black-painted stringers, while horizontal 1/2" round bars create an open, minimal balustrade. The uniform open risers allow natural light to cascade down to the basement level, transforming the stairwell into a light-transmitting vertical shaft. The design thoughtfully responds to the surrounding spaces, connecting levels without interrupting sightlines or blocking light flow. The result is a staircase that feels almost sculptural in its simplicity, proving that sometimes less truly is more. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

For our client, who had previous experience working with architects, we enlarged, completely gutted and remodeled this Twin Peaks diamond in the rough. The top floor had a rear-sloping ceiling that cut off the amazing view, so our first task was to raise the roof so the great room had a uniformly high ceiling. Clerestory windows bring in light from all directions. In addition, we removed walls, combined rooms, and installed floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall sliding doors in sleek black aluminum at each floor to create generous rooms with expansive views. At the basement, we created a full-floor art studio flooded with light and with an en-suite bathroom for the artist-owner. New exterior decks, stairs and glass railings create outdoor living opportunities at three of the four levels. We designed modern open-riser stairs with glass railings to replace the existing cramped interior stairs. The kitchen features a 16 foot long island which also functions as a dining table. We designed a custom wall-to-wall bookcase in the family room as well as three sleek tiled fireplaces with integrated bookcases. The bathrooms are entirely new and feature floating vanities and a modern freestanding tub in the master. Clean detailing and luxurious, contemporary finishes complete the look.

Glass treads at the stairway allow light to travel all the way to the lower level. Photo: Jill Greer
Staircase - large contemporary glass u-shaped open staircase idea in Minneapolis

A modern staircase designed by AVID Associates. Michael Hunter
Staircase - mid-sized contemporary wooden u-shaped open staircase idea in Dallas

Twin solid black-painted stringers support thick oak treads in this contemporary Maryland home, creating a bold floating effect enhanced by the open risers. A horizontal blade railing system maintains the clean, modern aesthetic, topped with a wood handrail that matches the oak treads and landings. Metal posts anchor the structure at key points. Every element was carefully chosen to complement the home's unique lighting, wall colors, and trim. Together, the metal and wood create a beautifully bold architectural statement while seamlessly integrating into the home. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Mid-sized cottage wooden l-shaped staircase photo in Other with wooden risers

This is one of our signature stair designs. The stainless stringers are out of this world as far as looks and exclusivity. No one has 4"x12" stainless steel tube stringers. The glass treads are 3 layers of 1/2" thick clear tempered panels, laminated to a thickness of over 1-1/2". The stairs are made to accept many different types of stair treads. We can easily replace the glass with Metal, Wood, Stone, Granite, Marble, and Precast Concrete, The stainless railing with the glass panels just make the whole thing work.

Centrally located stair sits adjacent to dining room which is framed by a large window opening to an outdoor garden. Living room and front entry beyond Photo by Dan Arnold

This staircase makes a bold design statement through restraint and precision. Thick squared-off white oak treads appear to float between dramatic, black-painted stringers, while horizontal 1/2" round bars create an open, minimal balustrade. The uniform open risers allow natural light to cascade down to the basement level, transforming the stairwell into a light-transmitting vertical shaft. The design thoughtfully responds to the surrounding spaces, connecting levels without interrupting sightlines or blocking light flow. The result is a staircase that feels almost sculptural in its simplicity, proving that sometimes less truly is more. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

We maximized storage with custom built in millwork throughout. Probably the most eye catching example of this is the bookcase turn ship ladder stair that leads to the mezzanine above. © Devon Banks

Vertical wood siding on the walls of this three-story stair extend the open volumes of the entry, basement and second floor. The open central cor spills natural light from above through all three levels. Open risers and narrow railings contribute to the openness of the space and offer an invitation to explore.

Lower level open-plan living room of a new construction home in the Berkeley Hills, CA. The full room composition captures the home's complete material palette. Floating walnut open-riser stair with black steel stringer and glass railing with black steel balustrade rises to the right, anchored by the custom geometric laser-cut birch plywood panel. Architecture by CB Architecture + Design in collaboration with Timbre Architecture.

This multistory Craftsman staircase brings warmth and simplicity to the home. Clean horizontal lines define the design, from the rectangular wood treads to the custom newels, balusters, and handrail system. These lines create a warm open flow that connects each level with natural elegance and timeless simplicity. 1976-2025 © Century Stair Company

To create a more open plan, our solution was to replace the current enclosed stair with an open, glass stair and to create a proper dining space where the third bedroom used to be. This allows the light from the large living room windows to cascade down the length of the apartment brightening the front entry. The Venetian plaster wall anchors the new stair case and LED lights illuminate each glass tread. Photography: Anice Hoachlander, Hopachlander Davis Photography