Contemporary stairs.
A modern style building allows plentiful options when it comes to stair design. Unlike traditional staircase structures, ideas for contemporary stairways include an extensive range of materials, shapes, and structural alternatives. Modern staircases are most often made of some combination of wood, metal, or glass. Renewable and eco-friendly materials such as bamboo and reclaimed wood are also popular selections for stairwells.
When planning a contemporary staircase design, there are several parts to consider. The tread is the portion of the stairs which is stepped upon while the riser is the upright section between each step. In modern stairways, the riser area is sometimes omitted for a floating stair appearance.
The railing system, sometimes called a balustrade, is the other major element of contemporary stairs. A balustrade consists of the railings along with balusters which add to the safety and function of the staircase. Railings follow the upward slanting angle of the staircases as it rises toward the next floor. These stair railings are also termed handrails or banisters depending on the builder. Modern stairwells may even be erected without handrails for a truly minimalist style. This look is often paired with floating stairs for further emphasis on the discreet ultra modern design.
