Open Stairs Matter
Stairs are more than a way to move between floors—they’re the architectural handshake between living levels. They connect spaces, draw in light, and set the tone for how a home feels as you move through it.
Yet many builders close off staircases with full walls to save a few thousand dollars in materials and labor. The result? A home that feels boxed-in and disconnected. Those walls cut off light, sightlines, and that natural sense of flow that makes a home feel open and alive.
My team member, Andrew Kubinski, experienced this firsthand in his own home. The original design featured walled-in stairs—one separating the main-level foyer from the upper landing, another closing off the lower-level family room. His recent renovation removed both walls, replacing them with open railings and a U-shaped design that visually connects all three levels.
The transformation was dramatic. Light now spills through every level, the foyer feels twice as large, and the family room finally feels like part of the main living space. The cost for the project came in at $22,000—a worthwhile investment for how completely it redefined the flow, energy, and aesthetic of the home.
Open stairs don’t just look better—they make a home live better.
📸 Left: The foyer and staircase have a sheetrock half-wall that open into the formal dining; 📸 Center Left: The stairs leading upstairs has a half-wall to the landing; 📸 Center Right: A view from the foyer looking up and down the stairs where a full wall divides the U-shaped stairs; 📸 Right: Looking from the family room to the staircase, a full wall fails to invite and connect the living spaces.
📸 Left: Construction begins in the foyer removing the previous full wall that divided the staircase; 📸 Center: Carpenters install wood banisters on an ankle-high design leaving the railing and newel post to be stained; 📸 Right: Looking from the family room to the staircase, the stairs now open into the family room but a support beam is deemed to be too expensive to remove.
📸 Above: The main level foyer and staircase now open into the formal dining room while the previous half wall on the U-shaped stairs has been replaced with open banisters and the lower level stairs now flows into the lower family room.
The Big Design Approaches
Stairs are not just stairs. They’re one of the first focal points a guest notices—and a major design opportunity many homeowners overlook. I’m a big believer in open staircases for how they invite you into a space and transition you seamlessly between levels. Let’s explore three key parts of the decision: design approaches, material choices, and whether or not to carpet.
Open Staircase Options
• Traditional Open Treads
Classic balusters + handrail. Familiar, cost-effective, and available in every style from farmhouse to modern. Downsides: less daring compared to glass or slats, and a splurge if you opt for custom ironwork. (My personal favorite—though often skipped because of cost.)
• Low Walls (“Pony Walls”)
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Ankle-High: Anchors the stairs without blocking sight lines.
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Knee-High (30–36”): Most common; capped with wood, stone, or drywall.
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Half Wall (42–48”): Waist-high, offering privacy when stairs run alongside living space.
Budget-friendly and solid, but they trade away some openness.
• Slat / Screen Wall
Vertical wood, glass, or metal slats, often floor-to-ceiling. Defines the stair while still letting light flow through. The drama is undeniable, but if not executed cleanly, it can overwhelm.
• Fully Open Riser
Floating steps with no risers, supported by a hidden stringer. Sculptural, airy, and undeniably modern. Drawbacks: dust drops through, safety concerns with kids, and strict code requirements. And then there's the price, get ready for tens of thousands for a single staircase.
📸 1: Traditional Open Treads; 📸 2: Low Walls (ankle-high); 📸 3: Slat/Screen Wall (vertical wood); 📸 4: Fully Open Riser
Material Approaches
• Wooden Balusters
Classic balusters and handrail. Familiar, cost-effective, and adaptable—from ornate, turned spindles to minimalist squares. A timeless choice, though custom ironwork or premium wood can add cost.
• Cable or Rod Rail
Stainless steel cables or horizontal rods between posts. Sleek, modern, even nautical. They maintain openness but can sag over time—and kids will absolutely test them like a jungle gym.
• Metal Railing
Powder-coated steel or wrought iron. Strong, low-maintenance, and versatile—from industrial modern to elegant traditional. Less transparent than glass, but a durable statement piece.
• Glass Railing
Panels of tempered glass framed or frameless. Crisp, contemporary, and almost invisible—perfect for showcasing stair materials or dramatic lighting. Downsides: fingerprints, cost, and frequent cleaning.
📸 Left: wood square banister; 📸 Center Left: wood candlestick banister; 📸 Center Right: wood pin top and ornate banister. (four designs built by Elevation Homebuilders)
📸 Left: cable design (Bedrock Builders); 📸 Center: rod design (Frakes Construction); 📸 Right: glass design (Frakes Construction)
📸 Left and Right: metal design (Elevation Homebuilders & Frakes Construction)
📸 Above: metal design (Elevation Homebuilders)
The Carpet Question: To Cover or Not to Cover?
Hardwood stairs are gorgeous, but they come with two issues:
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Safety – hardwood is slick (falls on stairs are one of the most common household injuries).
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Cost – stair treads must be cut to within 1/16” for a seamless fit, adding significant labor expense.
That’s why carpet or runners are often worth it. They soften noise, add traction, and give you a chance to go bold—since stair carpet doesn’t need to match other flooring, it can act as an accent piece.
Material Matters:
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Wool: The gold standard for luxury and durability, but also the most expensive (think $15,000+ for a typical staircase).
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Synthetics: Durable, easy to clean, and far more affordable (about $1,000 installed).
📸 Left: synthetic carpet material (Elevation Homebuilders, $1,200); 📸 Right: wool carpet material (Elevation Homebuilders, $10,500)
👉 My go-to: loop-pile synthetic carpet for both performance and style.
Adam’s Quick Picks
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Best Value: Pony Wall – Budget-friendly, solid, and blends into most homes.
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Safest - Carpet Runner is a 'Yes': Carpeted Runner – Quiet, grippy, family-proof.
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Timeless Classic: Traditional Open Tread – Always works, always elegant.
Final Thoughts
Your staircase sets the tone for the house. Whether you lean classic with open rail, budget-friendly with a pony wall, or bold with floating treads, make the design intentional. Then choose materials and finishes that reinforce your vision—and finish it off with (or without) carpet that tells your design story.
📸 Above: my personal house featuring open treads, ornate wood banister, and synthetic carpet. For contrast, I had the railing and newel post stained to match the treads while the banisters and risers painted white.
📸 Above: Custom metal railings in a black powder coat finish by Newport Fabrication on ankle-high walls with synthetic carpet. This was a whole-house remodel project where I had the lower level stairs wall, photoed on the right two photos, opened from a prior wall. The small space now feels more open and inviting.
📸 Above: Ankle-high railing design for cost savings but since the treads were added flanking the runner, this design addition removed any cost savings (v open treads) due to the intense labor. Finished with a synthetic carpet. Design by Brooke MT Interiors, built by Manley Construction Inc.
