Custom Modern Staircases for Chicago Homes
Custom Modern Staircases | Chicago North Shore
A Modern staircase is the clearest expression of modern design in a home, with treads that appear to hang in midair, with little or no visible support structure, paired with glass, cable, or minimal metal railings that disappear into the background. It's a striking look, but it's also one of the most technically demanding staircases to engineer and build. Every floating stair must be structurally sound, code-compliant, and visually weightless, which requires careful engineering long before fabrication begins.
HL Stairs designs, engineers, and builds custom floating staircases for homeowners, architects, and builders across Chicago's North Shore, including Winnetka, Lake Forest, Highland Park, Glencoe, Kenilworth, and Wilmette. Most of our floating stair systems use a hidden steel center stringer or side-mounted supports to carry the load, with wood, stone, or metal treads that appear to cantilever directly from the wall. We pair these with glass panel railings, thin cable systems, or minimal black steel rails, depending on the home's interior design.
Project Gallery
Because floating stairs carry real structural and safety requirements, proper tread support, code-compliant rise and run, secure railing attachment, this isn't a project for a general contractor working without stair-specific experience.
We handle the structural design, fabrication, and installation as a single process, working directly with architects and builders as needed to ensure the staircase integrates properly with the home's framing.The gallery below shows floating staircases HL Stairs has completed for North Shore homeowners, architects, and builders. Each project reflects a different take on the floating stair concept, from fully cantilevered wood treads to glass-and-steel hybrid designs.
If you're designing or renovating a home anywhere in the North Shore area and want a floating staircase done right, engineered properly, and built to last, browse the gallery below and reach out to start the conversation.
Work With Us
We collaborate closely with architects, builders, and designers to develop tailored stair systems from concept through installation.
If you’re planning a new project, we’re available to review drawings, discuss feasibility, and provide direction on scope and execution.