Blog Archives : 2024

LED Lighted Railings and Stairs

LED light cable railing system
March 12th, 2024 Keuka Studios Editorial Team
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Creative, Custom Solutions

Indoors and outdoors alike, LED lighted railings add to both the functionality and ambiance of a given space. Whether you’re hoping to set a romantic mood for your restaurant patio or are looking to light up your interior staircase for nighttime visibility, architectural LED lighting is a stylish solution.

At Keuka Studios, we understand that every project is different and requires some creative engineering. When it comes to lighting, concealing wires and accessing power sources may present a challenge. However, our designers are committed to coming up with innovative solutions for the unique demands of your project.

Explore several railings and staircases with LED lighting designed and fabricated by Keuka Studios for your next project.

Cable Railings with LED Lighting

Cable railing systems designed and crafted by Keuka Studios bring a modern, sophisticated look to decks, balconies, terraces, and stairs. Many of our clients, both home and business owners, request LED lighting for their railings so they can make the most of their outdoor spaces. At Keuka Studios, our engineers can incorporate the LED lighting system of your choice into a custom cable railing system.

How our designers accommodate the lights, wires, and access to a power source will depend on the style and materials you choose for your railing posts and top rail. If you want spotlight-style LED lights, one option is to use aluminum tubing and run the wires through the top rail. Using this method, allows us to craft a rail with custom cutouts for spotlight-style LED lights. Once you have selected your lighting system we custom design our railings to work with the system of choice.

With LED lighting, the options are unlimited. You can opt for classic white lights or colored lights. Also available are dimming or pulsing lights. Whatever your style, Keuka Studios will help you create your perfect illuminated space.

-LED Lighted Cable Railings Top Rail

We worked with a commercial customer who chose the LEDPOD 40 by KLIK Systems. For the deck railings of their Wedding Venue. With this design, light faces down from beneath the top rail and it reflects off the stainless steel cable infill below, illuminating them as well. Most commonly, our clients request under-rail lighting to illuminate the whole perimeter of the space.

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-Terraced Patio Bar with LED Lighted Railings

For this terraced patio bar at the Sequoia restaurant in Washington, D.C. we incorporated LEDpod night lighting into the underside of the round handrail. All of the wires are concealed within the posts and the handrails. The LEDpod lighting has the effect of lighting the walkways while adding ambiance to the dining experience.

Led Lighted railing on exterior bar railing
LED Lighted Top Railing

Staircases with LED Lighting

LED lighting has also become popular with our custom stair customers. To achieve a modern look and to light the way, clients often request built-in lights for stair treads, risers, or stringers. How we incorporate the lights will depend on the style and materials of your staircase. For ideas, take a look at a couple of our staircases with LED lighting systems:

-LED Lighted Spiral Stair Risers

This exterior spiral staircase features LED lights on each riser and connects to a deck railing system with under-rail lights. As shown in the accompanying drawings, the circuit runs up the center column of the spiral staircases, and the wires run beneath each tread to connect the LED lights embedded in the risers. Each light has a custom machined metal diffuser that guides the light downward to prevent glare while ascending the steps. 

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-Zig Zag Stair With Lighted Treads

Keuka Studios designed this zigzag staircase and cable railing system for a client in Greenwich, Connecticut. To brighten the walkway and match the customer’s unique hanging light fixture, we added LED light strips to the underside of each stair tread. A brushed stainless steel riser was used to add a bit of dazzle to the project.

LED lighted zig zag staircase modern staircase.

-Floating Stair With Lighted Glass Treads

We custom-created this lighted glass tread, steel stringer stairs, and cable railing system for the interior of a client’s home in Knoxville, Tennessee. The lighting system for the glass treads is fed up through the wall and into the end of each tread. This creates a warm glow that transitions across the glass tread.

Glass stair treads on metal floating stairs with LED lighting on the treads.

–Floating Stair Stringer with LED Lighting

A client in Ogunquit, ME decided to have LED lighting in their floating stair stringer to provide light for navigating the stairs and add ambiance to the space. We custom-made the steel stringer to conceal the wires of the LED lighting with cutouts to accommodate the chosen lights. The effect is a warm welcoming glow to their home entry and stairs.

floating stair with LED lighting in the stringer

–Handrails with LED Lighting

Our talented design and fabrication team artfully created a unique cable railing system and handrail for an office building in Seattle, Washington. The objective of the design of the handrails was to add LED lighting on both sides of the stairs while hiding the wiring within the railing and posts. The added lighting provides ambiance and light for navigating the stairs.

Open stiarcase with cable railings and LED lighting in the handrails

-Stair Treads with Built-in Light Bar

In the design of this mono-stringer floating stair, a sophisticated LED light bar is cleverly embedded beneath the stair treads, concealing the wiring for the lighting in the treads and stringer. Furthermore, the overall stair design effectively conceals all attachment hardware for the treads, resulting in a streamlined and elegant aesthetic.

Up close view of an LED light bar uniquely concealed in the bottom of a floating stair tread

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While our engineers create innovative ways to incorporate LED lights into our unique cable railing systems and stairs, every project requires custom accommodations. If you’re interested in railing with LED lighting, we recommend you contact us to discuss your ideas. Interested in LED lighting for your stairs or cable railing? Contact us to discuss your ideas.

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Elevate Your Entrance with a Modern Staircase

Open floating staircase allows natural light through the spindles in a home entrance.
March 10th, 2024 Keuka Studios Editorial Team
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Crafting an exquisite entrance staircase requires a combination of artistry, functionality, and engineering. Your home’s entry staircase is more than just a means to transition between floors, it is also a statement of your personality and style. By blending elements like glass, cable, metal, stone, or wood you can create a variety of staircase styles including modern, contemporary, minimalist, rustic, and formal.

A well-designed staircase not only facilitates vertical movement but also optimizes space utilization. The ergonomics of the staircase, including the rise and tread dimensions, handrail placement, and overall layout, play a pivotal role in ensuring user comfort and safety.

Regardless of whether the staircase adopts a curved, spiral, straight, bifurcated, or multi-level configuration, it must intricately interact with the architectural framework of the building to provide the necessary support for the stairs. As stair builders, we consider your unique existing site requirements during our design process.

Explore several staircases designed and fabricated by Keuka Studios for your next project.

Entrance staircase located in an open concept home that curves from the front door to the upper level. Adorned with cable railings and wood treads.

Open Concept Curved Foyer Stair

The objective of this home remodel was to eliminate the traditional closed-in stairwell by implementing a gracefully curved mono-stringer staircase. We creatively designed and fabricated the curving mono-stringer staircase to be complemented by our cable railing system creating an open spacious atmosphere with light flowing throughout.

The result is an entrance with a minimalist and sophisticated ambiance.

Grand entrance bifurcated staircase that leads to both ends of the upper level living space.

Grand Entrance Split Staircase

This home’s architecture showcases a contemporary central entrance with a split staircase that provides access to the living spaces situated at opposite ends of the home’s second story and the open great room. We built this mono-stringer staircase with our curved Keuka-style cable railing system. The metal stringers and railings complement the exposed structural steel while the thick White Oak treads and handrails add some warmth to the design.

Framed staircase cable railing in the entrance of a modern rustic home.

Refined and Rustic

A Blend of natural and rustic materials with a refined finish creates an inviting ambiance in this home’s entry. The knotty wood floors strike a pleasing balance with the hardwood door and ribboned wood stairs. Keuka Studios fabricated a surface-mounted framed cable railing system that complements the wood staircase as it wraps its way up the stairs.

Framed glass railing wraps the staircase and balcony of a modern home entry.

Modern Minimalist Entry Stair with Glass Railing

Sleek and minimalist, this staircase features slim metal framed glass railing posts and a wooden handrail that gracefully wraps along the stairs and across the balcony. The handrail creates a cascading effect from the top to the bottom of the stairs. The railing posts are ultra-thin and surface-mounted on the thick white oak wood treads. All of the hardware is completely concealed creating a seamless aesthetic.

Grand foyer with symetry, elegance and a center staircase.

Contemporary and Formal Grand Entry

A contemporary home entry features a central staircase. Combining the glamour of glass with symmetry in the architectural design and interior decor. This magnificent foyer combines high ceilings and architectural details creating a modern, refined, and stylish entry. The client requested that the floating stair and railing posts be finished in a color that looks like copper to accent the interior decor.

Modern and artistic vestibule with simple lines and artistic furniture

Modern and Artistic Vestibule

In the seamless fusion of clean lines and simplicity, an artistic and creative ambiance is meticulously crafted. The entrance exudes a captivating sense of symmetry, accentuated by the front door and cable railing system that come together in an aesthetically pleasing harmony. The design narrative unfolds with an exquisite interplay of bold patterns and meticulously crafted artistic furniture, serving to elevate the space.

The cable railing is our Ithaca style with black cables and fittings.

Elegant stair with travertine stone and glass railing.

Elegant Stone and Glass Entrance Stairs

The travertine stone seamlessly conceals the steel support structure of the staircase. Furthermore, a glass railing with hidden hardware enhances the illusion of the staircase appearing to float.

We custom-built the steel support structure to accommodate the stone and glass.

This design results in a contemporary and artistic home entrance characterized by sleek lines.

Grand foyer wtih polished wood floors, mon stringer stair and cable railings.

Formal and Refined Foyer

This formal foyer exudes a warm and welcoming ambiance. Featuring polished Brazilian cherry floors that harmonize with the stair treads and handrails. The high ceilings introduce architectural intrigue as one steps into the home. The open staircase and cable railing allow natural daylight to stream through the windows bathing the two-story foyer in a luminous glow.

Modern floating staircase with spindle railings in grand entrance of moder home.

Modern and Simple Spindle Style

The entrance staircase gracefully juxtaposes against the pristine white walls, creating a stunning visual contrast and an open, inviting atmosphere. The minimalist stair design with clean and uncluttered lines was achieved through meticulous engineering and attention to detail. Clever solutions were implemented to make sure the stairs and railings flowed elegantly like a ribbon while discreetly concealing the hardware.

If you like this blog you may also like these:

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Floating stair and landing with cable railings and wood treads located adjacent to a large window
Popular Floating Stair Styles

At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each railing project moves from vision to reality, take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building premium craftsman-quality and commercial-grade cable railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get your project started.

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Popular Floating Stair Styles

floating stiar and cable railing in open concept home with a large window eall
January 10th, 2024 Keuka Studios Editorial Team
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Curious about the latest trends in interior staircases? At the forefront of architects’ visions for residential projects nationwide, we specialize in custom designing and building stairs and railings that elevate the aesthetic of homes. We meticulously tailor our staircases to align with the unique specifications outlined by our clients.

Stair design styles can be crafted in diverse forms, encompassing options such as single or double floating stringers, or cantilevered designs. Railings offer versatility with choices like cable, glass, or spindle styles. Stair treads are available in an array of materials such as wood, and steel or can be made to accommodate a variety of types of stone. If desired, the added touch of LED lighting can be seamlessly integrated into the staircase.

We are sharing these ideas as a source of inspiration for your next interior staircase project.

Take a look at these trending staircase designs.

7 Floating Stair Design Styles

Cantilever Stair with wood treads and glass railings featurign LED lighting

Cantilever Stair with Glass Railing

Creating a striking focal point at the entrance of this home this cantilever stair perfectly combines form with function. The transparency of the glass adds a sense of spaciousness and the sleek design hiding the support structure and hardware adds refinement to the modern contemporary style.

Unique Attributes

-The steel support structure and tread supports are concealed.

-The wood treads accommodate the LED lighting.

-The wood tread caps conceal the glass hardware connections.

See this project in our gallery.

Floating single stringer staircase with spindle railings and wood treads.

Single Stringer Stair with Spindle Railing

Our exquisite single-stringer staircase with spindle railing uniquely blends simplicity and elegance. This stairway features a single, sleek central stringer; not only is it structural, but it also makes a visual statement.

A timeless spindle railing adorns the staircase. The carefully spaced spindles provide a subtle yet stylish enclosure, adding a touch of refinement to the overall aesthetic.

Uniques Attributes

-Spindles and wood top rail flow like a ribbon without interruption along the entire staircase.

See this project in our gallery

Zig Zag double stringer stair with wood treads and cable railings

Zig Zag Floating Stair with Cable Railing

A captivating design this zig-zag double-stringer floating staircase combines innovation with sophistication. The stringers, appear to elegantly slice through each tread. The sleek Ithaca-style cable railing system perfectly complements and enhances the staircase, creating an open and airy ambiance.

Unique Attribute

-The steel zig zag stringer seamlessly cuts through each tread.

Floatng Stair and Landing with cable railijngs

Floating Stair and Landing with Cable Railing

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this floating staircase and landing features a single, sleek mono stringer and cable railing. The beauty of this design lies in its simplicity and the illusion of weightlessness, creating a breathtaking floating effect. Showcased in the heart of the great room with a window wall the natural light flows throughout the space.

Unique Attribute

-The landing appears to be floating with a minimal support structure

-Cable railing system is the Ithaca Style

See this project in our gallery

Double Stringer stair with hidden hardware and glass railing

Hollow Form Style Stair with Glass Railing

Crafted with precision and innovation the hollow form style of the double stringer adds a touch of architectural refinement to the staircase. The hidden hardware of the stair treads adds to the clean lines and simplistic appearance. Adorned with a glass railing it allows for natural light to flow throughout the space.

Unique Attribute

-The hardware to attach the treads is concealed within the wood. offering a super clean look.

Cantilevers Stair with cable railing and hidden support structure in stone wall

Cantilever Floating Stair with Cable Railing

Our contemporary cantilever staircase boasts a sleek and simplistic design. Each step gracefully extends from the concealed support structure, crafting a minimalist aesthetic that seemingly defies gravity. The hidden ingenuity seamlessly infuses a touch of architectural sophistication; moreover, slender cables ensure an uninterrupted view, thereby adding to the staircase’s modern allure

Unique Attribute

-The wood treads conceal the tread supports.

-The wall conceals a hidden support structure.

-The cable railing system is the Ithaca style.

See this project in our gallery

Glass railing with brass handrail on floating stair with traverting treads

Floating Stair with Glass and Brass Railing

Sophistication and elegance combine in the aesthetic of this modern floating stair. The custom-made brass handrails and glass standoffs add a touch of opulence to this staircase. Each tread is crafted from travertine and the glass railing adds to the open atmosphere.

Unique Attribute

-Custom-made brass handrails and glass standoffs

-Tread supports made to accommodate the weight of stone treads.

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At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each cable railing project moves from vision to reality, take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality and commercial-grade cable railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get your project started.

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6 Types of Stair Treads – What to know before choosing various types.

Zigzag stairs with American red oak treads and top rail.
November 29th, 2023 Keuka Studios Editorial Team
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Know your options before selecting the perfect stair tread for your project.

Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, designing a staircase to fit your design style and lifestyle is an important consideration. Once you have decided on a type of stairs it is time to decide what type of stair tread to choose. There are plenty of tread styles and materials to choose from to complement your home’s design. Whether your home is modern, contemporary, rustic or traditional there is a style to fit your requirements.

At Keuka Studios, we design our staircases to accommodate your preferred style of stair treads.

What types of stair treads are there?

Various Types of materials are available and include – Wood, Glass, Tile, Composite, Stone, and Steel.

1. Wood Treads

With wood, it is important to consider if your project is for the interior or exterior of your home.  Many wood species do not hold up well in the outdoor weather elements so choosing an appropriate type of wood should be carefully considered. In addition, it is important to consider the wood grain, how it is sawn, and the construction of the stair tread.

For interior staircases, there are a variety of woods available to choose from for your project that will add different aesthetics to your decor. Some of the more popular varieties are Red Oak, White Oak, Hard Maple, Walnut, and Distressed Woods.

Red Oak is readily available has a reddish-brown appearance and is considered hard and heavy with medium bending strength. It adds a sense of warmth to the decor.

Floating stair treads against stone wall. Treads are Red Oak with Steel stringer structure.

White Oak is slightly lighter in color than red oak and is a heavy hardwood with medium bending strength.  White Oak has become very popular in modern design as it tends to have a straighter more linear grain than red oak. Using white oak lightens up a room. It is not recommended for aesthetic outdoor tread applications as it turns black quickly with weather (although it does resist rot quite well). 

Keuka Studios custom stairs and railing made with white Oak Treads and glass railing.

White Oak stair treads crafted using a lock-mitered box-style construction to discreetly conceal the steel support structure for the cantilevered staircase project. As an alternate style of stair tread construction that can be used depending on the application.

Hard Maple is a creamy white with a slight reddish-brown tinge and is generally straight-grained it has a high resistance to abrasion and wear making it a good solid choice for stairs and landings.

Maple staircase with maple handrail.

Walnut is a tough hardwood, the sapwood is creamy white, while the heartwood is light to dark brown. The dark wood is typically the most sought after so expect to pay more as much of the sapwood will be unusable.

Distressed Wood is often just reclaimed lumber from an old barn or factory where years of heavy use have added some character to the wood. Alternatively, it could be newer wood that has been mechanically stressed and finished to give that distressed look. Either way, it can add a textured, rustic appeal. This can be desirable in a high-traffic area as any additional wear over time will just add to the character of the wood.

Distressed wood treads on rustic industrial staircase.

Brazillian Cherry is a very strong hardwood that is considerably harder than most woods. It is a mostly straight-grained hardwood with rich color and reddish undertones that adds warmth and elegance to any room. With time and exposure to light, the wood may darken. It is not recommended for damp or high humidity environments due to the natural ability of the wood to store water.

Cherry Wood Treads on stairs, landing and hand rail

In addition, it is popular to whitewash or bleach wood to give it an antique distressed look while lightening the surface of the wood. Sometimes pigment is added prior to the finish coat allowing the natural grain to pop more.

Antiqued knotty pine was selected for the treads on this staircase to complement the wide-aged pine board flooring on this Nantucket home. Pine is a softer wood that will more easily wear over time than hardwoods.

For exterior staircases, ironwoods are recommended such as Ipe or Cumaru. Additionally, although much softer redwood and cedar are good options since they stand up better than other species to the elements. To maintain the natural beauty of these woods they require regular oiling and care, or they can be left exposed to the elements to age to a grayish appearance.

Keuka Studios can provide stair treads and landings in your wood of choice, to be finished on-site by your contractor.

2. Glass Treads

Choosing glass stair treads with a steel floating stair stringer system will create a stunning architectural element in your home. There are dozens of varieties of colors, patterns,  textures, and finishes available in glass. One important consideration is to choose a tread that has a non-slip surface. In addition, would you prefer LED lighting for the treads? The combination of glass tread combined with LED lighting can add a dramatic effect to the overall aesthetic of the staircase. At Keuka Studios we have the capability to create steel stair stringers to accommodate glass treads and hide the LED lighting wires. 

Glass Stair Treads on floating steel stringer stairs with led lighting.

Ladder Stair to rooftop deck glass treads and LED lighting

3. Tile Treads

Tile stair treads can be a beautiful and durable alternative to wood. They have the advantage of not needing oiling or ongoing maintenance since they won’t decay or attract insects. Many of today’s tiles simulate the look of wood. We can design and fabricate steel stair tread pans to accommodate the selected style tile tread or pavers.

tile treads with custom stair support and stringers.

4. Composite Treads

Composite materials resist fading, scratching, and mold, they don’t rot, crack, or splinter. They are durable and require minimal maintenance. For this project below to accommodate composite decking on floating stairs, we designed a steel support system for the treads and the railing posts connect to the steel stringer below the steps.

Composite treads on floating cable railing staircase.
Exterior Deck Staircase with composite decking.

5. Stone Treads

Bluestone Treads are the most common stone tread currently trending for outdoor stair applications. Bluestone treads have a grayish-blue color and are typically 2 inches thick. They add durability and beauty to any outdoor staircase with minimal maintenance required. In addition, they blend naturally with the adjacent landscape. 

Limestone Treads can be used for interior and exterior stair projects. It is a natural stone that can be easily shaped and cut to any size. Limestone is highly durable and is widely available. It is available in a variety of color variants ranging from honey creams to grays. Limestone can be polished to the desired finish. It is important to seal limestone to prevent staining.

Limestone treads on a steel stair with keuka curved cable railing system

Travertine Stone Treads on the interior floating stairs of this home add a dramatic and beautiful elegance to the decor. Travertine is durable and has a natural non-slip textured surface, making it an excellent choice for stair treads. Travertine is more porous than many other stones, therefore it is important to seal it to resist staining. Paired with a glass railing, brass handrails, clamps, and kick plates result in an exquisite staircase.

Interior floating stairs with travertine treads, brass hand rails and glass standoffs

6. Steel Treads

Metal stair treads are strong and offer rustic industrial styling. Steel treads pair beautifully with open beam architecture and are often preferred on spiral staircases. With metal treads, it is important to provide some sort of slip protection. This could be in the form of a diamond plate surface, metal grating or a series of hole patterns in the treads.

Spiral staircase with steel treads.

If you like this blog, you may also like these:

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At Keuka Studios, we custom-fabricate stairs and railings to fit your style and space. We make our stair stringers to accommodate the type of treads you choose. We can provide you with wood, glass, and steel treads for our staircases. All you have to do is choose your style.

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Inspiring Hamptons Stair and Railing Projects

Living room with modern floating spindle stairs and window wall
October 10th, 2023 Keuka Studios Editorial Team
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Modern stairs and railings crafted for Homes in the Hamptons

The Hamptons located on Long Island is made up of a variety of beach towns and award-winning vineyards with a rural atmosphere, and historic charm. Widely known as an exclusive summer destination to escape from the city, and viewed as a summer playground, or a place to relax and enjoy the pristine waters. The architecture of the area boasts a variety of charming homes from traditional colonial styles to modern mansions. We have designed and fabricated a variety of stairs and railings for homes in the Hamptons.

These projects will inspire your next renovation or new build. See something you like? Contact us for a quote.

East Hampton

Floating Spindle Stair and Railing Project

Quarter turn stairs and railing project with pencils spindles

A work of art this floating staircase flows elegantly between floors with a continuous oak handrail. The steel stringers appear as if they float in thin air, and each spindle is perfectly placed. This streamlined railing is constructed of powder-coated steel with thick white oak treads and handrails.

Floating stairs with pencil railings.

Placed directly in front of a two-story window the vertical lines of the staircase balustrade blend beautifully with the modern aesthetic of this cube-style home.

Deck Cable Railing System

Deck Cable Rail System made with slim posts on modern beach house

This beach house was designed with a low profile, and clean lines to sit in harmony with the natural surroundings. The Ithaca Style cable railing system was chosen for this project since it perfectly complements the simplistic lines of this modern beach house. The posts and top rail are made of matte black powder-coated aluminum. The cable railing system is custom-made to transition along the deck, second-story decks, and stairs up to the crow’s nest.

Bridgehampton

Black Cable Railings

Timber frame structure with floating staircase and cable railings in center of home.

A truly unique stairwell design combines rustic and refined elements in this modern farmhouse. The reclaimed wooden beams add a weathered texture, contrasting with the smooth white oak treads and handrails. The cable railing is made with black cables and fittings. The Ithaca Style railing posts are a custom powder-coat color to match the home’s window trim.

Modern farm house with black cable railing system on floating stairs and balcony.

Striking in its simplicity the slim straight balusters and linear design of the railings accent the home’s neutral pallet.

Stainless Cable Railing

Covered master bedroom deck with stainless steel cable railing system and gray posts overlooking pool area.

The crisp clean lines of the master bedroom balcony railing with thin railing posts provide the required functionality while seeming to disappear from the view. The cable ends are attached to the home’s structure with our unique fittings eliminating the requirement for additional posts. The same railing style is used for the interior and exterior creating synergy in the design of the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Westhampton

Floating Stairs and Landings with Cable Railings

Open dining room with large windows and floating stairs.

This Westhampton residence was meticulously planned to feature spacious, interconnected rooms with a seamless flow and plenty of natural light. Therefore, they chose an open stair design that includes floating stairs and landings with open risers and the Ithaca Style cable railings.

Montauk

Exterior Stair and Balcony Cable Railings

Cable railings for entrance stairs and upper level balcony.

The design objective of this modern home with floor-to-ceiling windows and a distinctive wide main entry stair was to maintain the open views. Cable railings were chosen to ascend the stairs and wrap the porch and balcony. The Ithaca Style railing is made with thin posts and a wood top rail which maximizes the views.

Glass Interior Stair Railings

Glass railing balustrade on floating stairs.

A free-standing modern straight staircase with glass railing balustrades and metal posts gives this railing a transparent appearance. Placed adjacent to the window it seamlessly brings the outdoors, indoors and allows for streaming sunlight throughout. The posts include escutcheon plates to hide the mounting hardware. The glass balustrade is mounted to the posts with stainless steel clamps.

If you liked these ideas, see the links below for more ideas!

Cable Railing system on deck as seen from the home looking toward the water
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New jersey Cable Railing and Stairs
Beach House Cable Railings
Floating Stair Ideas

At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each cable railing project moves from vision to reality. Take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality and commercial-grade stairs and railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get started on your project.

Request a Quote

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Remarkable Modern Metal Railings

Modern round bar railing on home exterior deck and stairs
July 29th, 2022 Keuka Studios Editorial Team
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Modern metal railings are trending in home design for interiors, and exteriors. Metal railings that are artfully designed and expertly handcrafted add a streamlined aesthetic, modern flair, and sleek lines to any home. Our bespoke railing systems offer unique solutions that are not available anywhere else. We work with the challenges of each space to create elegant solutions resulting in railings that are sculptural works of art.

You can select from a range of styles, colors, finishes, and base materials that can be mixed and matched to fit your desired aesthetic and functionality.

Styles – There are a variety of styles available for metal railings including horizontal and vertical spindle railings or flat bar railings

Materials – Metal railings can be fabricated from a variety of materials including steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, with a variety of finishes available to choose from.

Finishes – Each type of metal may be finished in a variety of ways. Stainless Steel is usually brushed or polished to achieve a shiny appearance and has the option to also be powder coated. Aluminum is available as clear anodized which gives it a silver-looking appearance and has the option to be powder coated. Steel is available in a variety of powder coat colors, and can also be in galvanized for better weatherability

Get inspired for your next project with these remarkable modern metal railings we’ve created for our clients.

Horizontal Bar Railings

Modern Metal Railing with Mono stringer floating stairs, horizontal round bar railings and wood treads located adjacent to expansive windows.
Horizontal Round Bar Railing – Scarsdale, NY

Modern Metal Floating Stair with Round Bar Railing

The client for a modern cube home chose horizontal round bar railings for the interior and exterior of their new home. The railings wrap the multilevel stairs and balconies on the interior. For the exterior, the same railing style is used on the rooftop deck, covered porch, and stairs. The modern metal railings have a minimalist appearance. The posts are mounted below the flooring to hide the hardware resulting in a streamlined appearance. The lines of the railings beautifully complement the modernist architecture of the home. These railings are made of powder-coated steel with white oak top rails.

Modern Metal Railing with horizontal flat bars and unique double bar posts on floating stairs. The treads and top rail are antique oak in a rustic setting.
Flat Bar Railing on Floating Staircase, Keuka Lake, NY

Flat Bar Railing on Modern Floating Stairs

Refined and rustic this project remodel was a labor of love for our clients. The objective was to take a tightly closed stairwell and give it a larger, spacious, open feel. To accomplish this, the closed stairwell was removed and replaced with a floating mono stringer stair and a modern metal flat bar railing. The railing is uniquely designed with horizontal flat bars and double bar end posts. The railing top rail and stair treads are made of antique white oak, creating a space with a rustic yet, refined style.

Vertical Bar Railings

Modern Metal Railing with vertical spindles on a multi level floating staircase. In a modern setting.
Spindle Railing on Floating Stairs – Hamptons, NY

Round Bar Railing aka Pencil Rod Railing

Careful engineering and design, and clever solutions were required to achieve the simplicity and clean lines of this modern stair railing. The hardware for the spindles is hidden beneath the floor for an uncluttered appearance. The railing and wood top rail flows seamlessly and elegantly like a ribbon as it ascends from floor to floor. Uniquely designed to achieve rigidity and a slender floating appearance. The stair stringer and spindles are made of powder-coated steel with white oak top rail and treads.

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At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each cable railing project moves from vision to reality, take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality and commercial-grade cable railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get started on your project.

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Amazing Before and After Stair Makeovers

July 10th, 2021 Keuka Studios Editorial Team
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Stair and railing before and after images are a great place to start when trying to do a remodel or create a new project. Some people have an eye for design, however, for those who have difficulty imagining the transformation of a project these pictures will help you see the vision. Not only do stairs function as a way of transitioning between levels, and railings provide safety they also set the tone for the interior design style. Many staircases are located at the entrance of a home and are the first thing guests encounter when entering your home. Your stairs make your home’s first impression so why not make it great!

Stair Before and After Creative Ideas

1) Traditional Stair to Modern Glass Floating Stair

BEFORE – The owners of this coastal Connecticut home realized that the location of their large traditional stairs blocked the home’s main wall facing the ocean. In addition, the limited amount of windows resulted in a dimly lit entrance. The goal of this project was to create an open and inviting space with lots of natural light and open up the view. They completely gutted the entrance and changed the direction of the stairs to achieve this transformation from traditional style to a modern light and airy aesthetic with a floating staircase.

AFTER – To achieve the objectives of this project, floor-to-ceiling windows were added to allow for the flow of natural light throughout the entrance. When transcending the stairs the glass window wall allows for stunning views of the ocean. To maintain the openness without blocking the views, our engineers designed a mono stringer floating stair with glass railings. The single stringer is made of steel and powder-coated black, the treads are 3-inch thick white oak and we used 3/8 in thick starfire glass panels for the railings. The result is an open, modern, and light-filled room.

What stair and railing is this? Keuka Studios mono-stringer floating stair made of steel with glass railing.

Learn more about types of stairs on Keuka Studios

2) Colonial Spindle Baluster to Modern Cable Railing

Before makeover traditional white spindle stair railinging

BEFORE – Located in Webster, NY this couple wanted to add a touch of their own personality to their new home so they opted to replace a colonial spindle baluster railing. The existing stair just wasn’t their style, since they were inspired by a modern minimalist style they decided on a cable railing system. Also, because they have small children one of their project requirements included adding matching gates to the stairs.

AFTER – Our client selected our Ithaca-style cable railing system with its narrow posts and distinctive modern style to replace the colonial stairs. They added matching gates and modernize the stairs with thick wood treads.

What railing is this? Keuka Studios Ithaca-style cable railing system made of steel with matching gates, wood top rail and stainless steel cables.

Learn about our cable railings and why they are the best.

3) Contemporary Wood Spindles to Sleek Stainless Steel Railing

Before wood contemporary railing with carpet on stairs

BEFORE – This client decided to remodel their outdated heavy wood contemporary, carpeted, and dark, stairs. Their vision for their stairs was to create a modern style that would be open and minimalist. In keeping with today’s design trends, they opted for a sleek stainless steel cable railing system.

After image stairs with stainless steel cable railing

AFTER – Their remodel objectives were realized by updating the carpet and adding a stainless steel cable railing system. This client chose our Ithaca-style railing system for its sleek streamlined design. They also opted for the posts to be made of stainless steel and included our escutcheon plates to cover the post hardware. Exquisitely crafted by our talented team this railing system has an impressive, refined, and sleek appearance.

What Railing Is this? – Keuka Studios Ithaca Style cable railing in stainless steel with stainless steel top rail and escutcheon plates.

4) Shaky Spiral Stair Update to Switchback Stair

ShakysSpiral stair with winder treads.

BEFORE – This beach house on Fire Island, NY had a shaky spiral stair with narrow winder steps that made it difficult to maneuver up and down the stairs. The objective of this project was to design a stair that would fit into this tight space while eliminating all winder steps to make it a safer transition between floors. It was also important to our client to improve the stability of the steps and keep the stairs open to the rest of the room. We started by measuring the site with a FARO 3D laser scanner to understand the dimensions we were required to work within. This allowed our engineers to create a custom stair that would fit in the allotted space and meet the customer’s objectives.

Updated switchback stairs with landings and wood treads

AFTER – We solved our client’s dilemma by replacing the rickety spiral stair with a mono-stringer floating switchback staircase. This eliminated all of the winder treads and by adding landings the access to the upper level is much safer and easier. Combined with the cable railing system the stairs maintain an open aesthetic and fit within the available space.

What type of stair is this? Keuka Studios switchback mono-stringer stair made of steel with Ithaca Style cable railing system.

5) Office Space Colonial Stair and Railing to Floating Stair and Curved Cable Railing

Before Office Spindle stair railing and balcony

BEFORE – Located in Burlington, NJ this office building entry interior design was stuck in the ’80s. The staircase boosted colonial wood spindle railings accented with pink and turquoise decor. The objective of this project was to makeover the dated space into today’s modern style. It was also important to create an open space by adding floating stairs and include ADA-compliant handrails.

AFTER – To bring this entry into the present and meet the requirements for this project our engineers designed a mono-stringer stair with our curved Keuka style cable railing system. The cable railing seamlessly transcends the stairs and wraps around the upper-level balcony. The stairs have thick treads and include an ADA-compliant handrail. The color palette was changed up using neutral colors with dark accents. The result is a complete modern makeover.

What railing is this? Keuka Studios curved Keuka Style cable railing system with ADA compliant handrails.

Learn more about ADA handrail ideas.

6) Enclosed Condo Stairwell to Floating Stairs and Railing

Before of closed stairwell with dated wood spindle stairs

BEFORE – Located in Hartsdale, NY this condominium had an enclosed stairwell with a heavy wood, old-school contemporary railing. The space was dark and dated. With an eye for detail, the vision of this client was to give the space a refresh. The objective included creating a space that would feel larger and more open. This was accomplished by removing the stairwell walls adjacent to the living room and allowing for natural light throughout the space.

After Open floating stairs with cable railing system

AFTER – To accomplish the objective of opening up the stairwell we crafted a mono-stringer steel staircase with floating treads and our Ithaca-style cable railing system. The treads are thick wood with a matching top rail. As a result, the interior of the condo feels larger and more spacious.

What stair and railing is this? Keuka Studios mono-stringer stair with Ithaca style cable railing system made of steel with wood treads and top rail.

Browse More about Stairs on Keuka Studios

How much do custom floating stairs cost? Custom stair Designs How to measure stairs

At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each cable railing project moves from vision to reality. Take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality and commercial-grade stairs and railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get started on your project.

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What are Cantilever Stairs?

Floating cantilevered stairs with platform
October 17th, 2020 Keuka Studios Editorial Team
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Cantilever stairs are made to have the stair treads appear to be floating in the air without support. To achieve this look the stair treads may have a hidden steel structure within or below the treads for support. Also, the steel support structure and stringer may be concealed in the wall, or be exposed. Thus, creating a refined or an industrial appearance. The stringer and steel structure are typically located on one end of the treads. Understanding the required weight-bearing load on the treads is critical to engineering a cantilever stair system that is properly designed to minimize flexing. Expertly engineered and artfully designed a cantilevered stair can add an element of interest and spaciousness to your home.

Floating cantilever stair treads against a stone wall.

1) Hidden Cantilever Stair Stringer and Structure

This project was designed to hide the stringer and structure inside the wall. There are three structural steel tube posts that run from floor to ceiling hidden in the wall with an 8-inch steel stringer attached to it on a diagonal. at the top of the stairs, an additional square steel framework was created for the landing and encased with wood. Each Tread has a double steel structure wrapped with oak to hide the steel system within it, resulting in a genuine work of art.

Drawing showing the structure of the one story cantilevered stair with interior support structure.

Creating cantilevered stairs starts with measuring the site, understanding the structure of the building, and existing load-bearing walls. To accommodate a cantilever staircase it may be necessary to build more strength and support for the stairs into the walls. Once this is understood it is important to make an exact drawing for the fabrication of the stairs and it may be necessary to run stress analysis on the structure. Understanding the site and the construction of cantilever stairs makes it possible to create a unique structure that will have optimal performance, safety, and style.

Exposed stringer on one end of cantilever steps with cable railing

2) Exposed Stair Stringer with Cantilevered Landing

This staircase was custom crafted with the steel stringer partially exposed through the shiplap finished wall. Each stair tread is supported by an exposed structure to create an industrial styling that appears to zig-zag up the wall. To create the platform landing the stringer wraps around the corner while maintaining the exposure. Each railing post is designed to slice through the treads to hide the attachment hardware below the tread.

Drawing of cantilevered stair that wraps around the landing and transitions to the next floor.

Additionally, steel attachment plates were added to the top and bottom of the stairs and hidden in the floor and wall. This adds strength to stairs while providing the function of resisting torque. By understanding the torsional load on the wall a number of techniques can be used such as adding hidden attachement plates.

Exterior biased cantilever staircase with stone steps and steel supports

3) Partial Cantilever Stair with Stone Steps

This staircase leading from a garage entry to an upper-level pool and patio was designed with the stringer biased to one side along the concrete wall. Thus, establishing the look of a cantilevered stair while maintaining the strength and resistance to the torque that is required.

Rendering of stone steps on biased cantilever staircase.

When using a stone stair tread the strength of the staircase can not depend on the stone tread to add support and resist the torque of the staircase. Therefore, each tread support required a sufficient steel structure to prevent the stone step from cracking. Each tread support was designed with threaded rods welded to the support and projecting upwards into the predrilled stone tread. This approach solidly anchors the tread to the steel tread support.

Exterior Deck with Cantilevered staircase and IPE treads.

4) Fully Exposed Exterior Cantilever Staircase

A fully-exposed cantilevered staircase was designed for this home to transition from the deck to the yard. Choosing a thin Ipe tread for this staircase required the steel structure to be strong enough to support the thin treads. In addition, to support the stringer the deck structure was reinforced. Also, note that the stringer switches sides at the platform level to use the same steel support post and cantilever the landing.

Rendering showing the structure of cantilever stairs

Cable railings were chosen to maintain the open appearance and connect to the steel tread supports. The deck and steel posts are further supported by additional footers below ground.

Mesh image of stairs with rendering image for visualizing the finished product.

5) Digitally Measuring, Rendering and Analysis

Digitally measuring the site provides accurate scan data detail. This detail will provide critical pieces of information such as how parallel the building walls are to the floor. Using these measurements ensures the cantilever staircase will fit and function as required. Creating a rendering of the finished stair before fabrication allows for the visualization of a variety of decorative finishes before creating the final product.

Stress analysis of cantilever stair exaggerating deflection

At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each cable railing project moves from vision to reality, take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality and commercial-grade stairs and railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get started on your project.

Request a Quote

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