The Concrete Trend You Didn’t Know About: Floating Concrete Steps

Does concrete float? Well… not exactly. However, this trend in concrete design is turning heads wherever it’s installed.

Floating concrete steps appear to rest in mid-air. In fact, they may look like a magic trick or an optical illusion, but they are structurally sound.

This post will discuss this under-appreciated trend in concrete design, including the following:

  • Modern & Popular Design Ideas
  • Benefits of Floating Concrete Steps
  • Disadvantages of Floating Concrete Steps
Concrete floating steps

Modern & Popular Design Ideas

Some install floating concrete steps as part of a Japanese-style garden scheme, while others use them indoors to accent an ultra-modern aesthetic design.

For a garden, you can have concrete steps that appear to float above the gravel, grass, or wood chips below. If you have a grassy slope in the garden, concrete steps become an organic part of the design.

Indoors, floating steps are the epitome of elegant beauty. They are monolithic, in a sense: geometric, sheer surfaces that speak volumes despite an understated profile.

Floating concrete steps designs can also include stamped, stained, or stenciled concrete. While most examples feature an austere grey or white and pursue a spartan ultra-modernity, you can jazz up your floating concrete steps in circular or other shapes. If you add a splash of color, you can let your true aesthetic shine. You might opt for exposed aggregate, which will add a layer of organic texture to your design.

Benefits of Floating Concrete Steps

Floating concrete steps are not only beautiful and add more to your architectural design, but they are incredibly strong and supportive. Some materials and designs have been rated to bear a load of over 700 lbs. The steps can also take a beating. Where wooden steps can be easily dented or marred, concrete steps will withstand luggage, bumps and bruises from moving furniture, and the general ravages of time.

Concrete steps can also change appearance to suit changing trends in interior design. They can be painted or covered with carpet. You may even wish to clad them in wood. When added to the inherent durability of concrete, the versatility of these two materials together makes for a winning combination.

On top of all this, floating concrete steps can be installed in no time. The concrete is precast; then, all workers need to do is pop them into place at your home or business. There’s no need to wait for the concrete to cure or dry

Disadvantages of Floating Concrete Steps

One chief disadvantage to floating concrete steps is their tendency to settle. This is more the case when they are installed outdoors. New construction can have this problem, as the soil may not be firmly packed when the steps are installed. Discuss this with your concrete contractor if you would like floating steps in your garden.

Another problem with floating concrete steps is the fact that it’s nearly impossible to attach railings to them. This can be overcome, however, if you attach a railing to the adjacent wall, or install a glass wall with an attached railing.

Contact GWC for Your Concrete Needs

Floating concrete steps add a new level of design to your home, garden, or business. Sleek, stylish and modern, they’re a great option for anyone looking to add a daring design element in their home or garden. They will surely impress your friends and family. Contact GWC Decorative Concrete to explore floating concrete steps, or any of your other concrete needs.