Custom Side Stringer Stairs
Side stringer, also known as “Pan-Stair” or “Pan Style,” are a versatile and contemporary style of straight staircase. They can be made to serve as an architectural element of your home or office, or act as simple stairs for a garage, deck, or industrial application. The stringers trap the treads in on the sides which allows the treads to be set in between.
The term ‘Pan-Stair’ is used when a staircase has treads that are like a pan or dish that will receive a fill, often cement, tile, or stone. Their treads are typically flanged up in the front and back to create the “pan” look, but if they are flanged down in the front, we will be able to fit this stair with any type of tread material.

Stair Configurations
Our side stringer staircases can take on various shapes to meet the needs of your space. We can discuss your vision and choose the configuration that will work best for you, like:
- Straight-line
- L-shaped
- U-shaped (aka switchback stair or scissor stair)
- Geometric winder treads
- Combined with curved or spiral stairs

Tread & Riser Options
Thanks to their versatility, side stringer stairs can accommodate practically any kind of tread and/or riser making designing for your unique space that much easier. Side stringers can come with either open or closed risers, and you can choose from a variety of tread options including:
- Cement (the most popular option)
- Stone
- Tile
- Wood
- Diamond plate steel
If the stairs have open risers, we can provide riser space limiters to help reduce the space to less than 4″. We can also flange the back edge of the tread up as a cost-efficient way to reduce the riser space.
Side Stringer Stair Designs
Let our team of designers help you plan the perfect staircase for your home or office. With decades of experience designing and building for unique spaces, our team has the skills and expertise to create a side stringer staircase that works for your place. From concept to completion, we’ll work with you every step of the way ensuring all specifications, code requirements and expectations are met. Give our team a call at 845-765-8600 to learn more about working with us on your next custom project. We can walk you through our processes, talk about your ideas, and answer any questions you may have about building your dream staircase.
What are side stringer stairs?
Side stringer stairs are a type of staircase where the stringers, or the support structure, are placed on the sides of the stairs instead of under them. This design gives the stairs a clean, open look and can be customized to fit many different styles and spaces.
What are the advantages of side stringer stairs?
Side stringer stairs are visually appealing and flexible. They can be made to fit a variety of designs, including straight, L-shaped, U-shaped, and geometric configurations. The open design makes them a great choice for modern and minimalist spaces. They also allow for more design options with the treads and risers.
Can side stringer stairs have open risers?
Yes, you can opt for open risers with side stringer stairs. Open risers create a more open, airy feel, and we can help ensure the spacing meets safety regulations. If needed, we can add riser space limiters to keep the gap between risers under 4 inches, which complies with building codes.
What materials can be used for side stringer stairs?
Side stringer stairs can be made from a wide range of materials. Some of the most popular choices include wood, stone, cement, tile, and steel. You can choose the material that best matches your home or office décor, giving your staircase a unique look and feel.
How wide can side stringer stairs be?
Side stringer stairs can be customized for wider staircases. For example, if your space requires a stair width of more than 48 inches, we can design the stairs with two stringers set apart to support the additional width and provide a sturdy structure.
How do I start the process of building side stringer stairs?
To begin your project, simply reach out to us with your design ideas or space requirements. We will provide you with a personalized quote and guide you through every step of the process to create the perfect staircase for your space.
What exactly is a side stringer stair system, and how does it differ from traditional stair designs?
A side stringer stair system supports the stair treads by running the structural support along the sides rather than underneath or in the middle. This design creates a clean, modern aesthetic with open space beneath the treads, which many homeowners prefer for its sleek appearance. Unlike traditional staircases that use a central stringer or multiple supports, side stringers emphasize structural integrity on the sides, offering both strength and design flexibility. This is ideal for spaces where visual openness and minimalism are desired without compromising safety or durability.
How customizable are the side stringer stairs from Acadia Stairs?
Acadia Stairs offers extensive customization options, including material choices (wood, metal, steel), finish colors, tread styles, widths, and riser heights. Customers can select from various modern and classic designs to fit their interior or exterior spaces. Because side stringer stairs are highly adaptable, they can be tailored to both residential and commercial projects. This flexibility extends to modular sizing and configurations to accommodate unique layouts, ensuring the stairs perfectly match your space, style, and building codes.
Are side stringer stairs suitable for outdoor use, and how does Acadia Stairs handle weather resistance?
Yes, side stringer stairs can be designed for outdoor use. Acadia Stairs utilizes weather-resistant materials like galvanized steel and treated wood, along with powder-coated finishes, to protect against corrosion, moisture, and UV damage. Proper sealing and maintenance recommendations are provided to ensure longevity. Their outdoor stairs are engineered to withstand seasonal changes common in Fishkill, NY, and nationwide climates, providing safety and durability while maintaining their aesthetic appeal over time.
How does the installation process work, especially for customers outside Fishkill, NY?
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What are common challenges homeowners face with side stringer stairs, and how can they be addressed?
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Can side stringer stairs accommodate heavy foot traffic or commercial use?
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How do side stringer stairs impact the perceived space and lighting in a room?
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Are side stringer stairs more expensive than traditional staircases?
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What maintenance is required to keep side stringer stairs looking and functioning well?
Maintenance varies based on materials but generally includes regular cleaning, inspection of fasteners and joints, and refinishing or repainting as needed. For outdoor installations, sealing exposed wood and checking for corrosion on metal parts are crucial to prevent deterioration. Acadia Stairs provides customers with detailed maintenance guidelines tailored to their specific stair system, helping prolong lifespan and maintain aesthetic quality with minimal effort.