At M-Tech Engineering, we’re proud to be recognised as leading staircase specialists, delivering bespoke metalwork and stair solutions that fuse exceptional design with engineering precision.

Our latest project, developed in partnership with stone staircase expert Ian Knapper, is a perfect example of what happens when craftsmanship, collaboration, and compliance come together.

This unique installation included a statement stone staircase, a custom-designed internal balustrade, a handcrafted spiral stair, and a frameless external glass balustrade system.

In this article we will cover how our team of staircase specialists brought this vision to life.

Teaming Up with Trusted Staircase Specialists

We’ve had the pleasure of working with Ian Knapper, master stone staircase specialists, on a number of projects. Their expertise in traditional stonework paired perfectly with our capability in custom metal fabrication.

For this project, Ian Knapper created the main stone staircase, while M-Tech Engineering designed and installed complementary metalwork that enhanced the structure’s modern aesthetic.

 

Turning a Vision into a Compliant Design

As staircase specialists, we’re often tasked with transforming client concepts into safe, buildable realities. In this case, the client provided a reference image for their ideal balustrade. Our in-house design team adapted it into a compliant solution, meeting all relevant UK building standards without sacrificing the original look.

The final balustrade system included:

→ Powder-coated mild steel laser-cut panels – combining durability with a sleek visual style.

→  Chrome-plated brass handrails and base covers – adding a luxurious contrast and refined finish.

→ This design not only met regulations but also elevated the overall space with a bold, architectural feel.

 

A Spiral Stair with Custom Detail

Beyond the main feature stair, we also crafted a bespoke spiral staircase. It was built using:

→ Hand-cut central columns – offering strength and precision.

→ Mild steel handrails and spindles, all painted on site for seamless integration with the interior.

This curved stair element provides both functional flow and sculptural elegance, reinforcing the home’s high-end character.

 

Frameless Glass Balustrade, Perfectly Contoured

Externally, the project called for a frameless glass balustrade system. To maintain both safety and aesthetic integrity, we manufactured custom-formed mild steel glass channels, precisely shaped to follow the curves of the building. These were galvanised and painted for longevity and weather resistance.

This minimal, uninterrupted glass feature provided an elegant, strong, and visually clean style to the outdoor space.

 

Why Choose Professional Staircase Specialists?

This project showcased our strength in blending diverse materials – stone, steel, brass, and glass – into one cohesive design. From adapting the client imagery to shaping on-site details, M-Tech Engineering proved once again why we’re trusted staircase specialists on bespoke architectural builds.

Our ability to collaborate with clients, designers, and fellow traders ensures the final result is not only visually impressive but also expertly engineered and regulation-compliant.

 

Planning a Custom Stair or Balustrade Project?

Whether you’re starting from a concept image or need full design and fabrication services, M-Tech Engineering is here to help. As dedicated staircase specialists, we take pride in crafting high-quality staircases, balustrades, and laser-cut metalwork for residential and commercial clients.

Call us on 0115 979 4448 or reach out via our online enquiry form to get started on your next staircase project.

When it comes to contemporary staircase design, material selection is everything. The materials you choose don’t just influence how your staircase looks — they also affect durability, maintenance, budget, and how well the design blends with the rest of your space.

From sleek steel to elegant timber, each material brings its own personality and function. In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular materials used in contemporary staircases and give you practical tips on how to choose the right combination for your home or commercial property.

 

1. Steel Staircases: Strength Meets Sleekness

Steel is a cornerstone of modern staircase design. Its strength allows for open, minimalist styles like floating treads or mono stringer configurations that wouldn’t be possible with wood alone.

Why choose steel for your contemporary staircases?

→ Excellent structural integrity

→ Ideal for bold, industrial or minimalist interiors

→ Often used as the core framework for hybrid designs

Pros:

✅ Extremely strong and long-lasting

✅ Clean, sharp lines that suit modern spaces

✅ Can be powder-coated for colour and corrosion resistance

Cons:

❌ May feel cold or stark on its own

❌ Requires professional fabrication and installation

❌ Bare steel will need to be regularly maintained.

2. Glass Staircases: Light, Open, and Modern

Glass is often used in balustrades or stair panels, offering a clear, light-enhancing solution that keeps sightlines open — perfect for open-plan homes or feature staircases.

Why choose glass for your contemporary staircases?

→ Creates a sense of space and light

→ Works beautifully with steel or timber accents

→ Modern and minimalist in appearance

Pros:

✅ Visually light and elegant

✅ Toughened or laminated glass is very safe

✅ Low visual clutter in compact spaces

Cons:

❌ Requires regular cleaning to stay fingerprint-free

❌ Higher initial cost for premium finishes

 

3. Timber Staircases: Warmth and Timelessness

Contemporary doesn’t have to mean cold. Timber adds natural warmth and character, especially when paired with steel or glass. It’s perfect for treads, handrails, or even as a feature wall alongside the staircase.

Why choose timber for your contemporary staircases?

→ Adds balance and softness to hard materials

→ Highly customisable — choose from rustic to ultra-smooth finishes

Popular woods: Oak, walnut, ash, beech, birch

Pros:

✅ Naturally beautiful and timeless

✅ Comfortable underfoot

✅ Easily refinished or stained to suit interior style

Cons:

❌ Can scratch or dent over time

❌ Needs occasional maintenance

 

4. Concrete Staircases: Raw, Industrial Appeal

For those leaning into industrial or brutalist styles, concrete delivers. It’s bold, minimalist, and virtually indestructible when done right.

Why choose concrete for your contemporary staircases?

→ Ideal for ultra-modern or architectural interiors

→ Often used in commercial and high-traffic environments

Pros:

✅ Extremely durable and fire-resistant

✅ Solid, grounding aesthetic

✅ Can be polished or textured for different looks

Cons:

❌ Very heavy — requires strong substructure

❌ Less forgiving in terms of design changes once installed

 

5. Stone Staircases: Luxury and Lasting Impact

Natural and engineered stone (like marble, granite, or quartz) is a premium option used in high-end residential or boutique commercial spaces. It’s sophisticated, long-lasting, and visually impactful.

Why choose stone for your contemporary staircases?

→ Offers a luxury, timeless feel

→ Works well in feature staircases or paired with minimalist balustrades

Pros:

✅ Durable and elegant

✅ Resistant to wear and fire

✅ High-end finish and feel

Cons:

❌ Expensive to source and install

❌ Very heavy — needs careful structural planning

 

How to Choose the Right Material for Your Contemporary Staircase

Choosing the right material (or combination) depends on several factors. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Consider Your Interior Style

A minimalist home might benefit from floating timber treads with glass balustrades. An industrial loft? Think black steel and exposed concrete. Match the material to your space’s personality.

2. Think About Usage

Busy households or commercial spaces need durable, low-maintenance options like steel, engineered timber, or composite. For light-use feature staircases, you can prioritise aesthetics more freely.

3. Evaluate Your Budget

Some materials — like glass and stone — carry a premium cost. Others, like engineered wood or powder-coated steel, offer a great balance between look and value.

4. Blend for Balance

The best contemporary staircases often combine 2–3 materials for contrast, comfort, and practicality. For example: timber treads on a steel frame with glass balustrades.

5. Consult an Expert

Custom staircase builders like M-Tech Engineering can help you select materials based on your structural needs, design goals, and budget.

 

Final Thoughts

Contemporary staircases are more than just a way to move between floors — they’re a design statement. And the materials you choose are key to getting the look, feel, and performance just right. By understanding your options and working with the right team, you can create a staircase that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

 

Need Expert Advice on Materials?

At M-Tech Engineering, we’ve designed and built hundreds of custom staircases using a wide variety of materials — each tailored to our clients’ vision and space.

Whether you’re renovating a home or planning a commercial fit-out, we can help you choose the perfect mix of materials to bring your staircase to life. You can view some examples of contemporary stairs we’ve created in our portfolio section.

Contact us today for a free consultation.