Custom Staircases in Austin, TX

3 Cords Stairs & Railings

In any custom home, the staircase is the first thing guests see when they walk through the front door. It sets the tone for everything that follows: the materials, the proportions, the level of craft. At 3 Cords Stairs & Railings, we design and build custom staircases in Austin, TX and across Central Texas that function as true architectural centerpieces: structurally precise, visually stunning, and built to last for decades.

Our team brings over 25 years of combined experience to every project. We work directly with homeowners, custom home builders, architects, and interior designers to create staircases that integrate seamlessly into the broader design vision, from early concept through final installation. Whether you’re starting from a blank floor plan or renovating an existing home, we have the expertise and the in-house fabrication capabilities to bring your vision to life.

Types of Custom Staircases We Build

We specialize in four primary staircase styles, each available in a range of materials and finish options:

Traditional Wood Frame Staircases

Our traditional wood frame staircases combine time-tested structural methods with the natural warmth of hardwood. These staircases are ideal for transitional and classic interiors, and they offer significant flexibility in species selection, from white oak and red oak to walnut, maple, and hickory. We custom-mill treads and risers to your specifications, matching existing flooring or introducing a complementary contrast. Traditional designs can be paired with virtually any railing style, from painted wood balusters to contemporary metal and glass.

Best for: Traditional, transitional, and farmhouse-style homes. New builds and renovations alike.

Steel Frame Staircases

Steel frame staircases offer unmatched structural strength and a distinctly modern aesthetic. Our fabricators weld and finish each steel stringer in our Austin-area shop, ensuring precise fitment before installation begins. Steel frames accept wood, concrete, tile, or glass treads, making them highly versatile for both residential and commercial applications. Powder-coated in any color or finished with a raw industrial look, steel frame staircases make a bold architectural statement.

Best for: Modern, industrial, and contemporary homes. Multi-story commercial and mixed-use projects.

Floating / Mono Stringer Staircases

A floating staircase (also called a mono stringer staircase) uses a single central spine or hidden wall attachments to support treads with no visible side structure underneath. The effect is dramatic: steps that appear to float in mid-air, with open risers creating sightlines straight through the staircase. These designs require careful structural engineering to meet IBC and IRC load requirements while maintaining that signature open, airy look. Our team has engineered and installed floating staircases in homes throughout Austin, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Round Rock, and the Texas Hill Country.

Best for: Open-concept floor plans, contemporary interiors, showpiece entries. Homes where vertical sightlines are a design priority.

Spiral Staircases

A spiral staircase is the most space-efficient solution for connecting levels where square footage is limited or a secondary staircase is needed. Our custom spiral designs go well beyond stock catalog units, and we fabricate each component to your specified diameter, rise, material, and finish. Spiral staircases can also serve as functional accent pieces in wine cellars, loft conversions, or pool houses, and they pair beautifully with wrought iron or cable railing systems.

Best for: Tight footprints, secondary access points, architectural accent elements, outdoor and semi-covered applications.

Materials We Work With

Material selection is one of the most consequential decisions in any staircase project. It affects durability, maintenance, cost, and, perhaps most importantly, how the staircase integrates with everything else in the space. We work with:

  • Hardwoods: White oak, red oak, walnut, hickory, maple, ash, and more. Available in custom widths and thicknesses.
  • Steel: Structural mild steel, stainless steel, and Corten for exterior applications. Powder-coated or raw finish.
  • Glass: Tempered and laminated glass treads for floating designs. Available in clear, frosted, and tinted options.
  • Concrete: Precast or poured-in-place concrete treads paired with steel or hidden support structures.
  • Mixed materials: We frequently combine wood treads with steel frames, or concrete with glass railings, for a layered, custom result.

Our Process: From Concept to Completion

Every staircase project at 3 Cords follows a structured, collaborative process:

  • Design consultation: We meet with you, your builder, or your architect to review the space, discuss style preferences, material options, and budget parameters. We take site measurements and assess structural conditions.
  • Engineering and design drawings: Our team produces detailed drawings for your approval. For complex structures, particularly floating and steel frame designs, we coordinate with structural engineers to ensure code compliance and safety.
  • In-house fabrication: We build in our Cedar Park shop, which means tighter quality control and faster turnaround than contractors who outsource fabrication to third parties.
  • Delivery and installation: Our installation crews are experienced with coordination on active job sites. We work directly with your general contractor and your GC’s schedule to minimize disruption.
  • Final inspection and warranty: We conduct a thorough walkthrough, make any needed adjustments, and back every project with a warranty covering materials and workmanship.

Why Austin Homeowners and Builders Choose 3 Cords

We’ve earned recognition from the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin — including the HBA MAX Award for Skilled Trade Company of the Year in 2025 — because of our commitment to doing things the right way. That means transparent communication, precise timelines, and a final product that exceeds expectations every time.

Unlike larger contractors who treat custom staircases as a side offering, staircases and railings are everything we do. That singular focus translates to deeper expertise, better supplier relationships, and a team that has seen and solved every site challenge imaginable.

We serve Austin, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Dripping Springs, Lake Travis, Bee Cave, and surrounding areas throughout Central Texas.

Let’s Build Something

Beautiful Together

Your vision deserves craftsmanship that lasts. Whether you’re planning a bold staircase, custom railings, or an entire project, our team is ready to bring it to life. Connect with us today and let’s start building something beautiful together.