Design Ideas · Staircases
Indoor Stairs Design Ideas
A staircase doesn't have to be purely functional — plywood treads, risers and balustrade panels give a lot of design flexibility at a fraction of the cost of stone or solid timber.
Function First, Then Design
Stair treads take constant foot traffic and impact, so whatever design direction you choose, the plywood grade underneath still needs to be rated for that load — BWR or BWP grade is worth the extra cost here more than almost anywhere else in the house.
Four Ways to Design a Plywood Staircase
Floating Wood Treads
Treads that appear to float, fixed to a hidden support structure, give a light, modern look while the plywood core does the structural work out of sight.
Staircase With Built-In Storage
Drawers or shelving built into the space under the stairs turn otherwise-wasted volume into genuinely useful storage.
Open-Riser Design
Skipping the riser panel between treads lets light pass through the staircase, making a stairwell feel less enclosed in a compact home.
Wood + Metal or Glass Accents
Pairing plywood treads with metal railings or glass balustrade panels balances warmth with a lighter, more contemporary visual weight.
Getting the Grade Right for a High-Traffic Surface
A staircase is one of the highest-wear surfaces in a home, so treat the tread material choice the way you would a kitchen counter, not a decorative panel. See our plywood interior design ideas guide for more room-by-room inspiration, and our bookcase designs for small spaces guide if you're planning to build storage into the space under the stairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plywood grade is best for stair treads?
BWR or BWP grade is recommended for stair treads, since they take constant foot traffic and impact and benefit from the extra durability and moisture resistance those grades offer.
Can storage be built into the space under a staircase?
Yes — under-stair space is commonly converted into drawers, shelving or even a small closet, making good use of what would otherwise be an awkward, unused volume.
Is an open-riser staircase safe for homes with young children?
It can raise a safety consideration since gaps between treads are larger — a partial riser or safety gate is often added in homes with young children or pets.
Do floating stair treads need special support?
Yes — floating treads rely on a hidden support structure fixed into the wall or a central stringer, so the design needs to be planned carefully by whoever builds the staircase.
Can plywood staircases be combined with glass railings?
Yes — a plywood tread and riser structure pairs well with glass or metal balustrade panels, combining the warmth of wood with a lighter, more open visual feel.
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