ᐅ Cladding a Concrete Staircase with Wood | Experience & Costs
Created on: 18 Aug 2022 20:39
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ConnyJash
Hello everyone,
During the planning of our semi-detached house, we decided on a concrete staircase that we would like to clad with wood. Our inspiration was the staircase of our neighbor, whose semi-detached house was completed about a year ago.
Our idea is as follows:
About a year ago, I budgeted approximately €7,000 for both staircases (materials and installation). This estimate was based on the invoice from our neighbors, who paid about €5,000 at the time. Originally, we wanted to hire the same staircase builder. However, he retired a few months ago, so I am now looking for an alternative. Initial rough estimates from local tradespeople have shown me that this price seems unrealistic. For example, we have received preliminary quotes from two regional contractors. While the first estimate was around €10,000 for beech wood, the second quoted a range of €15,000 to €20,000 (net) for beech. Additionally, there is an offer from a national supplier who manufactures their staircases in Poland, with a price of about €8,500 (net) for ash. All offers include delivery and installation. I expect to receive the exact quotes in 1-2 weeks.
I have little to no knowledge in this area, so I am asking for your advice 🙂
1. What should I consider when cladding a concrete staircase? What criteria should I use to choose the supplier?
2. What should I pay attention to when comparing offers?
3. Is the quality of a staircase from a local craftsman comparable to one made in Poland?
4. Do you have experience with costs and workmanship? What is a realistic price for such a project?
5. Is there anything else I should keep in mind?
Best regards
ConnyJash
During the planning of our semi-detached house, we decided on a concrete staircase that we would like to clad with wood. Our inspiration was the staircase of our neighbor, whose semi-detached house was completed about a year ago.
Our idea is as follows:
- Solid oak tread (40mm (1.6 inches)) laminated in blocks with an overhang
- Riser painted white, for example made of beech (20mm (0.8 inches))
About a year ago, I budgeted approximately €7,000 for both staircases (materials and installation). This estimate was based on the invoice from our neighbors, who paid about €5,000 at the time. Originally, we wanted to hire the same staircase builder. However, he retired a few months ago, so I am now looking for an alternative. Initial rough estimates from local tradespeople have shown me that this price seems unrealistic. For example, we have received preliminary quotes from two regional contractors. While the first estimate was around €10,000 for beech wood, the second quoted a range of €15,000 to €20,000 (net) for beech. Additionally, there is an offer from a national supplier who manufactures their staircases in Poland, with a price of about €8,500 (net) for ash. All offers include delivery and installation. I expect to receive the exact quotes in 1-2 weeks.
I have little to no knowledge in this area, so I am asking for your advice 🙂
1. What should I consider when cladding a concrete staircase? What criteria should I use to choose the supplier?
2. What should I pay attention to when comparing offers?
3. Is the quality of a staircase from a local craftsman comparable to one made in Poland?
4. Do you have experience with costs and workmanship? What is a realistic price for such a project?
5. Is there anything else I should keep in mind?
Best regards
ConnyJash
Hi, yes, the treads and handrail are painted (light gray). This was recommended to us since we wanted a light color, and surfaces subject to heavy use tend to look worn quickly if they are only oiled.
We never really discussed the type of gluing or quality in detail. To be honest, I always assumed the pieces were solid wood, but now I know that is unrealistic. I can't detect any typical finger jointing, so I suspect they are block-glued, but I probably can't judge that accurately.
And I assume that if it’s not specified in detail, A-grade wood might not always have been used for the treads. However, you can’t actually see this, and we are very satisfied with both the price and the workmanship.
Calling the company a manufacturer might be too much; it’s probably just a sales office: Weko Treppen from Berlin.
We never really discussed the type of gluing or quality in detail. To be honest, I always assumed the pieces were solid wood, but now I know that is unrealistic. I can't detect any typical finger jointing, so I suspect they are block-glued, but I probably can't judge that accurately.
And I assume that if it’s not specified in detail, A-grade wood might not always have been used for the treads. However, you can’t actually see this, and we are very satisfied with both the price and the workmanship.
Calling the company a manufacturer might be too much; it’s probably just a sales office: Weko Treppen from Berlin.
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ConnyJash23 Aug 2022 08:58We didn’t put much thought into the staircase beforehand, which is quite 😎 now. We just liked the look of our neighbor’s, and the price we were quoted was reasonable.
How have you handled the edges between the riser and tread on your stairs?
How have you handled the edges between the riser and tread on your stairs?
ConnyJash schrieb:
We didn’t put much thought into the staircase beforehand, which now seems quite 😎 We simply liked how it looked at our neighbor’s place, and the price we were quoted was reasonable.
How have you solved the edges between the risers and treads in your case?We will also clad our concrete steps with wood. From the start, we already gave some thought to how it should look. It will be an oak stair landing with recessed LED lighting (like in the lower picture). My husband really wanted a glass railing. However, since we have two children and I find glass a bit "uncomfortable," we will simply build up the wall of the storage room (under one stair flight) and place an oak wood panel on the parapet. The whole project will be carried out by a Polish master carpenter. Total costs (17 steps in brushed and lacquered natural oak, 4cm (1.5 inches) thick, risers mitered to the treads, LED strip recessed into the step, handrail, travel + labor — we will arrange overnight accommodation for two people) — approximately 7000€.
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ConnyJash23 Aug 2022 10:05@Kati2022 Sounds good. With the stair step lighting and landing, it’s naturally a bit more expensive than our "standard staircase." We will need a total of 28 or 30 steps. €7,000 sounds fair at first. How did you find the stair builder from Poland? Or is it a nationwide company that arranges this?
ConnyJash schrieb:
How did you find the stair builder from Poland? Or is it a nationwide company that coordinates the work? I am from Poland. The stair builder is a very skilled carpenter from my hometown, where my parents still live 😉.
...and speaking of the Poland stairs-windows-tradesmen dilemma. Polish craftsmen are really good. Nowadays, they are not as cheap as they were 10 years ago. Often they don’t want to travel to Germany because they have plenty of well-paid work in Poland. Houses are being built there that we in Germany can only dream of. Mostly through direct contracts and custom-made by interior designers, carpenters, stonemasons, and tilers. Why? Because an academic family in Poland can often afford "more house" than well-paid professionals in Germany. Building land there is sometimes ridiculously cheap—even by Polish standards. Let’s see how the situation develops in the coming months...
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