C.O.R.S designs, fabricates, and installs open riser staircases across Ontario. Open riser means no riser panel between treads — the space between steps is open, light passes through, and the structural system becomes the visual design element. Every C.O.R.S open riser staircase is designed to Ontario Building Code Part 9 requirements before fabrication begins.
Open Riser Configurations Available
Straight mono-stringer: Single central steel beam, white oak treads, frameless glass railing. The most specified configuration in Ontario. Cost: $14,000-$20,000 installed.
Straight double-stringer: Two side beams, suitable for wider staircases over 1,100 mm. Cost: $11,000-$16,000 installed.
L-shaped open riser: Quarter-turn with landing. Same material and finish specifications available. Cost: $17,000-$25,000 installed.
Floating cantilever: Treads wall-mounted with no visible stringer. Requires structural wall preparation. Cost: $18,000-$28,000 installed.
OBC Requirements for Open Riser Stairs in Ontario
- Minimum tread depth: 250 mm (nosing to nosing)
- Maximum open gap: 100 mm in any infill opening
- Minimum clear width: 860 mm
- Rise range: 125-200 mm per step
- Handrail height: 865-965 mm above nosing
- Guardrail height: 920-1,070 mm
Why Open Riser Dominates Contemporary Ontario Staircase Projects
Open riser designs let light pass through the staircase structure, visually connect adjacent spaces, and make the staircase read as a deliberate architectural element rather than concealed infrastructure. In open-concept Ontario homes where the staircase is visible from the kitchen, dining, and living areas simultaneously, the open riser design is the only configuration that works visually from multiple angles.
Service Areas
C.O.R.S installs open riser staircases in Barrie, Innisfil, Collingwood, Orillia, Midland, Alliston, Bradford, Newmarket, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Toronto, Markham, and surrounding Ontario communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are open riser staircases compliant with Ontario Building Code?
Yes. OBC Part 9 permits open riser staircases with minimum 250 mm tread depth and maximum 100 mm clear infill gap. C.O.R.S confirms OBC compliance for every open riser design before fabrication begins.
Are open riser staircases safe for young children?
Yes, when designed to OBC requirements. The 100 mm maximum infill gap prevents a child from falling through. For households with very young children, vertical baluster or glass panel railing systems are recommended over horizontal cable systems, which can serve as footholds.
How much does an open riser staircase cost in Ontario?
Straight double-stringer with steel baluster railing: $11,000-$16,000. Straight mono-stringer with glass railing: $14,000-$20,000. L-shaped mono-stringer with glass railing: $17,000-$25,000. Contact C.O.R.S for a project-specific written quote.
→ Book a free on-site consultation with C.O.R.S – we assess your floor plan and provide a written quote within 5 business days.
Related: Read our full Ontario Building Code staircase compliance guide →