7 Common Myths About Staircases
Have you ever wondered what ordinary staircases looked like a few centuries ago? Thanks to rapid progress, today we can observe staircases that fulfil all major parameters, including aesthetics, functionality, and safety. On the other hand, the great leap in technology has provoked low awareness among people about staircases.
As a result, a lot of myths have been spread on the Internet. Some people tell untrue facts due to a lack of knowledge or improper use of the construction. This can confuse or even scare newcomers or homeowners who have planned to install stairs. We did a study, revealing the most popular myths about ladders in 2025. That’s why we’d like to share and dispel seven common staircase myths with you in this article!
Myth #1. You Can’t Combine Materials in a Single Construction
The first myth we often see from dubious experts and novices is that you can’t mix multiple materials in a staircase. This myth is based on the notion that mixing staircase materials compromises durability or appearance. In fact, a proper combination of materials makes a staircase not only reliable but also visually striking. Here are popular combinations:
- Metal + wood.
- Glass + stone.
- Stone + wood.
Modern technology makes it possible to combine different materials in one construction without problems, while maintaining safety and durability. Moreover, it is common to mix even 3 or more materials in one staircase.
Myth #2. Floating Staircases Aren’t Safe
Many people think that floating staircases are just a beautiful illusion and that they are not strong enough for everyday use. Particularly sceptical is the lack of support under the steps. In fact, such stairs are designed taking into account all building regulations. The design is attached to load-bearing walls or a hidden frame, which provides high strength and stability. Their safety is confirmed by calculations and tests, not just visual aesthetics.
Myth #3. Helical Staircases Take Up Too Much Space
A common misconception is that helical staircases require a lot of space and are cumbersome to install. People avoid such solutions, believing that they are not suitable for compact interiors. In fact, spiral staircases are one of the most space-saving options. They rise vertically and take up minimal space compared to other analogues.
Myth #4. A Staircase Can’t Be Perfectly Fitted into the Interior of a Room
Most people think that building a staircase from scratch is a complicated process, so it is impossible to achieve the best functionality and aesthetics. Partly they are right, because it is indeed a complex process that requires time, knowledge and experience. However, professional staircase builders know how to combine your existing interior with the functionality of the design.
Would you like to see real examples of staircases that blend perfectly with the overall interior? Just take a look at the Kensington staircase project made of natural stone, aluminium and stainless steel. This design perfectly fills the space of the room, responding to the overall interior. Moreover, the gold plated balustrades add extra sophistication to this design.
Explore our other projects → check the V.PSTAIRS portfolio
Myth #5. Only Wooden Stairs Can Make Squeaks
Many people believe that squeaking is only a disease of wooden constructions. It is believed that over time the wood dries out and begins to make characteristic sounds when loaded.
In practice, any staircase can squeak, regardless of the material. Even metal and concrete structures can make sounds if they are incorrectly assembled or if the fasteners are deformed. The source of squeaking is not the material, but assembly and construction errors. Qualitatively installed wooden stairs can serve for decades without a single sound.
Myth #6. Professional Help is Expensive – It’s Better to Build a Staircase Yourself
Sometimes it seems that the services of a designer and craftsman are too expensive, and it’s easier to save money by making the stairs yourself. This myth is attractive to those who like DIY projects. We talked about why turning to professionals is the best solution in our article.
However, the staircase is not just an interior element, but an important structural unit, on which safety depends. Mistakes in calculations, slope or fixing can lead to injuries and costly repairs. Calling in the professionals allows you to get a result that is not only safe, but also aesthetically pleasing. And in the long run, it saves time, money and nerves.
Myth #7. Steel Staircases Rust Quickly
The last misconception is that a steel staircase is a short-lived solution, as metal quickly rusts when in contact with moisture or air. Because of this, refuse such designs, especially in private homes.
In fact, modern treatment methods – powder coating, galvanising, anti-corrosion primers – reliably protect steel from oxidation. It is important to know how to care for staircases: periodically check the coating, avoid mechanical damage and clean with mild means. If these conditions are met, steel stairs will last for decades without signs of corrosion.
Stay Informed with V.PSTAIRS
Would you like to know more interesting facts and useful information about staircases? As the leading staircase experts in the UK, we are happy to share all the necessary information with our readers. At V.PSTAIRS, we design and install works of art, and we are ready to share this with you.
That’s why you can always contact us if you need professional staircase help. Layout creation, design, measurement, construction, and installation – we work on every step of the way, providing a full service. Just contact us in any way that is convenient for you, whether it’s a call, online request, or email. We will provide a free consultation and find the best solution for you!
3 Comments
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Jack Collins
Having owned a metal staircase for over 5 years, I can confirm that squeaks are not only a disease of wood construction. I heard the first unpleasant sounds while walking on my stairs a few years ago. I believe that the culprit is a thin layer of metal, which is squeezed under my weight of more than 90kg.
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Jack Mitchell
The “stairs are just stairs” myth is hilarious. It’s basically the first thing you see when you walk into our house, so yeah… it matters.
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Lucy Palmer
I actually believed most of the myths described in this article. Thank you for your work!