Blog>Ideas>Level-up your home with these metal staircase ideas
Last updated: 1 September 2023
Level-up your home with these metal staircase ideas
Metal staircases have grown in popularity this year, with searches increasing by 200% for metal staircase experts on Checkatrade this year*! Take your staircase game to the next level with these versatile metal staircase ideas from fellow homeowners!
Out with the old and in with the new metal staircase. If your home needs a fast-forward into the 21st century, a modern metal staircase can be the way to go.
Robust, stylish, versatile metal staircases are a contemporary and practical addition inside and outside any home. Metal staircases have become popular over recent years, with homeowners stepping away from old-fashioned wooden and carpeted staircases.
Whether an intricate spiral staircase with spindles, bare minimalist or industrial design takes your fancy, a metal staircase will look fantastic in your home.
Types of metal staircases
Metal staircases are often made from sturdy steel, wrought iron, or aluminium, making them extremely weather, fire and flood-resistant. Unlike timber, outdoor metal staircases do not suffer from warping, contraction or expansion, making it a safe choice for Architects and Structural Engineers.
Although metal staircases are useful in industrial and commercial settings, metal staircases aren't just for emergency exits or commercial buildings.
Metal staircases also commonly provide access to;
Store rooms
Warehouses
Outbuildings
Apartment buildings
Homes and apartment buildings
Even tree houses
Can I build my metal staircase?
Although some metal staircase manufacturers provide DIY self-assembly metal staircase kits, we always recommend using a professional to install a metal staircase. Installing a new staircase of any material is a large and potentially dangerous job if done incorrectly.
But modernising your home is easy with a bespoke metal staircase. More homeowners than ever are moving away from traditional timber staircases and opting for high-quality metal staircases designed and installed by a professional tradesperson.
Check out this article if you've got an ancient staircase to revamp.
Metal staircase design ideas
When choosing a metal staircase design, be sympathetic to your home and install a metal staircase that matches the overall aesthetic of a space. Here are some popular metal staircase choices to get you started.
1. Keep it simple
Lofts converted to a high standard with a sleek and modern design deserve a matching contemporary steel staircase. This simple white-painted metal staircase with black railing complements this modern renovation perfectly.
But, a clean and straightforward metal spindle and railing is the easiest way to achieve a stylish and classic feel to any home.
2. Go for drama
For small or neutral spaces, create an eye-catching statement piece in your home with a dramatic black spiral metal staircase like the one below. There are many more spiral black metal staircase ideas online today.
If you want to know what a spiral staircase might cost you, check out this spiral staircase cost guide.
3. Be sympathetic
If you've converted any old commercial or old period property, it's important to be sympathetic to that renovation.
Add original materials within or near the metal staircase if renovating an old warehouse, church, cottage, or farmhouse. This gorgeous staircase boasts black metal spindles, a light wooden railing, and tread to create a period look.
4. Home office staircase
There is nothing wrong with a modern and bare metal staircase to match your ultra-modern interior design. Combine this grey-painted metal staircase with an under-the-stairs home office to utilise the space, like the one below.
5. Spiral staircases for small areas
Maisonettes, terrace homes, annexes and holiday homes like tiny homes can significantly benefit from the addition of a spiral staircase.
For contemporary interior design themes, a combination of dark wood and a white-painted metal spiral staircase creates a practical statement piece. Or, for period homes, opt for a black spiral staircase with intricate metal spindles like a bohemian metal spiral railing staircase for a more dramatic and romantic effect, like the one above.
If you have an old metal spiral staircase you'd like to breathe life into, try white, grey or bold blue metal paint for a stunning effect.
But always consider you'll get your furniture upstairs before installing your new metal staircase.
6. Staircases with metal spindles
Metal spindles are staples of metal staircases. Metal spindles can be incredibly versatile, from sleek and modern to ornate and romantic to industrial and classic.
When you need something practical for an office stairwell, a store room, or an apartment building, a plain, industrial-looking metal spindle is a top option. These straight spindles are sturdy, easy to clean and hard-wearing.
Metal and wood staircase ideas
Using a combination of materials for your home or exterior staircase is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your home and impress visitors. See our top metal and wood staircase ideas below.
Mesh it up
Black metal and wood staircases are modern, striking and durable. This black metal mesh and timber tread mixed with simple metal balustrade and railing create an impressive centre-piece in this open-plan living space.
Combine metal spindles with timber tread.
This staircase with intricate metal spindles below combines beautifully with the light oak tread and railing to create a clean, crisp stairway to a welcoming space. Painting the staircase base white to match the skirting and door frames of the surrounding area is pure genius.
If you're a minimalist or essentialist, you cannot deny this spiral staircase's sheer, clean beauty.
Metal and wood staircase ideas have become increasingly popular over recent years. Some of the most popular timber and metal staircase combinations include;
Combining Scandinavian-inspired pale woods with a matt black finish for a fresh and youthful
Mixing simple and narrow balusters to complement oak treads with a smooth, continuous handrail
Combining a simple wood and metal staircase design results in a timeless and contemporary look that will last you decades.
Metal with glass staircases
Another increasingly popular trend is metal with glass staircases. If clean, light and airy how you like your home, a metal with glass staircase is for you.
Balustrades made from glass let much-needed light into your home without knocking through windows. Try pairing a glass balustrade with grey-painted metal railings, skirting boards, and door frames painted grey for an industrial look.
This single staircase's glass and metal balusters lead to a matching double staircase to perfectly complement this modern home. This contemporary home is saturated in light as the light floods through the glass from the nearby windows.
Modern metal with glass staircases generally works well in open and contemporary spaces like the one below.
For offices or commercial buildings wanting a super trendy metal with a glass staircase, this slightly curved design constructed of metal railing, glass balustrades and glass tread is a must. This metal and glass staircase design adds a contemporary look to what otherwise would have likely been a dull lobby.
But don't be fooled; this glass and metal staircase would add a light and contemporary feel to any home, even on a smaller scale.
Don't be afraid to combine all three materials to create a metal, timber and glass staircase design for a striking contemporary look. Oak, glass and brushed chrome or steel is a stunning combination. Add soft LED lighting like the one below for a truly modern yet ambient vibe.
Floating metal stairs with glass and LED strip lighting
This is one way to liven up any open space. Stylish, classy and sophisticated, this floating metal and glass staircase is stunning from Kutch Engineering.
They may have beautiful bi-fold doors in this home (didn't see them, did you!?), but it's the metal stairs that catch and keep your attention. You won't lose focus and trip up these steps because you won't be able to take your eyes off them as you wander up!
The classy lighting plays a part in keeping your attention, while adding a touch of elegance.
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Outdoor metal staircases
Because metal staircases are weather- and temperature-resistant, they're a popular choice against the natural elements. Metal staircases are hard to beat for garden, garage, loft and balcony access.
Outdoor metal staircases are also an excellent option for business owners needing to update their exterior staircases to factories, warehouses, and other commercial sites.
When choosing your exterior metal staircase, be as adventurous or as essential with the design. External metal staircases are often more practical than aesthetically pleasing. However, if you want to go down the more ornate path for your garden, why not?
Here are some of our favourite outdoor metal staircase designs, starting with Metalworker and Blacksmith CSJ Steel Fabrication based in Feltham, Middlesex.
1. Outdoor metal and timber staircase
A simple metal four-step timber and steel balustrade staircase is sometimes all you need to access your garden. The dark stained wood complements nicely with the dark brick in the walls.
2. Outdoor silver metal staircase
A top option for landlords looking to add access to a first-floor apartment, also by CJS Steel Fabrications, is a simple silver metal staircase that is both practical and sturdy.
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3. Outdoor spiral metal staircase
In contrast, this sturdy but impressive black outdoor spiral metal staircase is a perfect access route to any first-floor doorway.
4. Black outdoor metal staircase for side entrances
A simple and effective black metal staircase with a long landing is all you need for side entrances. Kutch Engineering Works Ltd, a Blacksmith and Metalworker based in London, shows us how it's done with this classic and long-lasting option/
Whichever metal outdoor staircase you choose, ensure you find a trusted blacksmith or metalworker who can complete your new staircase installation to the best possible standards.
We always vet our members, so you don't have to. Find out more by filling in our Checkatrade tradesperson search below.
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*Checkatrade.com website search data in 2023 vs 2022 (January - August '23 vs '22 same period)
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