Are Floating Stairs Safe for Kids and Pets? A Complete Safety Guide

Floating stairs are the ultimate “wow” factor in modern homes. Sleek, open, and airy, these staircases—often with open risers and minimal supports—create a striking architectural moment. But with all that beauty comes one big question: are floating stairs actually safe for kids, pets, or even elderly family members? 

The short answer: yes—if they’re built to code and properly modified for safety. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what the building rules say, what safety upgrades are worth adding, and how to keep that clean, modern look while making sure every family member (two-legged or four) can use them safely.

What Are Floating (Open Riser) Stairs?

Floating stairs—sometimes called open riser staircases—get their name because the steps look like they’re hovering in midair. Instead of the usual “boxed-in” design, each step is supported on one side by a wall or a slim central beam, leaving the space underneath completely open. There are no solid risers connecting the steps, which is why you can literally see through them.

This design is loved for its modern, airy feel. It makes small rooms look bigger, lets more light travel through the space, and instantly adds that “luxury home” vibe you see in design magazines. But the same open construction that makes them gorgeous is also what worries families—especially those with kids, pets, or anyone who might be unsteady on their feet.

When properly engineered and built to current building codes, floating stairs are just as strong as traditional ones. The safety concerns aren’t about strength—they’re about gaps, railings, and traction, which we’ll break down next.

Why Floating Stairs Raise Safety Questions

The biggest concern with floating stairs isn’t whether they’ll hold weight—they’re engineered to handle that just fine. The issue is the open gaps between the steps. Traditional stairs have solid risers that block those spaces, but floating stairs leave them open for that sleek, airy look. For adults, this isn’t usually a problem, but for kids and pets, those gaps can be tempting to climb through or easy to slip a foot—or paw—into.

The lack of risers also makes depth perception tricky. As many stair safety experts note, small dogs or toddlers may misjudge where the next step begins, increasing the chance of falls. Add in smooth wood or metal treads, and you have a potential slip hazard, especially if socks, pet paws, or bare feet are involved. These risks don’t make floating stairs unsafe by default—they just mean extra safety measures are smart if you have little ones or pets at home.

Building Code Basics That Make Floating Stairs Safe

When built correctly, floating stairs are no less safe than traditional ones—but only if they follow strict building codes. Safety starts with quality materials and proper installation. Each tread must be securely anchored to support the same weight a standard staircase can handle.

The International Residential Code (IRC) sets specific rules for open-riser designs. According to modern stair specialists, the biggest requirement is the “4-inch sphere rule,” which means no opening between steps can allow a 4-inch ball to pass through. This protects kids and pets from slipping through. Handrails and guardrails also need to meet height and spacing standards, ensuring anyone using the stairs—especially children—has something solid to hold onto.

Building Code Basics That Make Floating Stairs Safe

Floating stairs can be safe—but only when built thoughtfully. That means using reliable materials, clean installation, and strict compliance with the International Residential Code (IRC). Here’s what the code requires:

Riser Gap Limit (4‑Inch Sphere Rule)

Open stair risers must not allow a 4-inch diameter sphere to pass through any opening, including the space under treads more than 30 inches above floor grade. This is a critical allowance designed to prevent children—or pets—from slipping through the gaps.

Handrail and Guardrail Requirements

• Handrails are mandatory on any stairway with four or more risers. They need to be between 34 and 38 inches high, measured vertically from the stair nosing. 

• Guardrails protect open sides and must also follow similar height rules (typically 36 inches minimum), with baluster openings no larger than a 4-inch sphere—except in limited triangular areas that allow up to a 4⅛-inch sphere.

Width, Headroom & Other Specs

• Stair width should be at least 36 inches, with approved clearance requirements if handrails are installed. 

• The stairs must offer a minimum of 6 feet 8 inches headroom. Tread depth needs to be at least 10 inches and riser heights no taller than 7¾ inches, with no more than 3/8-inch variation between steps. 

These sound technical—but they exist to make sure every step is predictable and safe. When floating stairs are installed according to these standards, with railings that meet spacing and height rules, they’re every bit as safe as regular stairs.

Real Risks for Kids and Pets

Floating stairs are structurally sound when built to code, but their open, minimalist design creates everyday hazards for curious kids and pets. The two biggest risks are slips and missteps caused by smooth treads and the gaps between steps.

Slip and Fall Hazards

Polished wood or metal treads can be slippery, especially for kids in socks or pets with small paws. Stair safety experts note that even a slight misstep can lead to falls because open riser stairs don’t visually “block” depth like closed ones do. According to home design guides, adding anti-slip treads or carpet runners is one of the easiest ways to reduce accidents without ruining the modern look.

Gap & Climbing Risks

Open gaps between treads can tempt kids to climb or cause pets to misjudge step depth. Small dogs and toddlers are most at risk. One Reddit user shared: “Our 10 lb dog… head nearly fit between treads—I stapled fabric to fill gaps until we added guards.” (ddclondon.co.uk)

Even when stairs meet code, pets and toddlers can still slip a paw or leg through the gaps. Adding clear panels, mesh, or other guards creates a safer barrier without taking away the open look.

How to Make Floating Stairs Safe (5 Key Fixes)

Floating stairs don’t have to be risky. With a few smart upgrades, you can keep their modern look while making them much safer for kids and pets.

• Install Plexiglass or Mesh Guarding: Clear acrylic panels or sleek mesh screens can close off open gaps without ruining the airy design. Many homeowners on Reddit have used temporary fabric or mesh until they could install permanent guards.

• Use Anti-Slip Treads or Carpet Runners: Thin carpet runners or peel-and-stick anti-slip strips add traction and feel better underfoot—especially for pets or kids running around.

• Add Child or Pet Gates: A simple gate at the top or bottom keeps little ones and pets off the stairs when you can’t supervise.

• Upgrade Handrails & Lighting: Motion-activated LED strips under each tread improve visibility, while sturdy handrails with a comfortable grip give kids and adults extra stability.

• Choose Wider Treads or Closed Risers: If you’re still designing, opt for slightly deeper steps or partially closed risers to reduce the chance of slips and missteps.

For professional installation or safety upgrades, talk to the experts!

Floating vs Traditional Stairs — A Safety Face-Off

When it comes to safety, floating and traditional stairs play by very different rules.

Traditional stairs are the safer choice by default. They have closed risers and solid treads that leave little room for mistakes. There’s no risk of small feet slipping through gaps, and the uniform design makes it easier for kids, pets, and elderly family members to judge each step.

Floating stairs, on the other hand, are all about style. Their open risers and airy design look incredible in modern homes, but they demand more planning to be family-friendly.

Homeowners often need to add plexiglass panels, anti-slip treads, or gates to make them as safe as their traditional counterparts. They’re not unsafe by nature, but they rely heavily on strict building code compliance and thoughtful upgrades to reach the same safety level.

So, if you love the floating look, be ready to invest a bit more in safety features—especially if you have kids or pets racing up and down.

Ready to Enjoy Floating Stairs Without Worry?

Floating stairs can absolutely be safe when they’re built to code and paired with a few smart upgrades. Proper gap spacing, sturdy railings, anti-slip treads, and discreet guards all make a big difference—especially if you have kids or pets. You don’t have to give up that modern, airy look to feel confident about using them every day.

The real key is thinking ahead. If you’re installing new floating stairs, work safety features into the design from the start—wider treads, quality materials, and solid railings that meet code will make daily use easier and safer. If you already have floating stairs, simple add-ons like clear panels, mesh guards, or motion-activated lighting can dramatically improve safety without changing the look you love.

Contact Carlo Carpentry if you’re considering floating stairs and want them designed to be both beautiful and safe.