ᐅ Interior Concrete Stair Covering – Wood, Vinyl, Natural Stone?
Created on: 30 Jun 2020 08:11
H
Hamburch
Hello everyone,
I will soon be moving into a newly built condominium.
It has an interior staircase (precast concrete) leading to the rooftop terrace.
There was a planned covering for the stairs that I decided to cancel because I wanted to keep my options open.
Now I am torn between different floor coverings. Originally, wood was my clear choice, but I am now considering alternatives. The criteria are:
- Appearance
- Durability
- Low maintenance
- Cost
- ...
Since the staircase leads to a rooftop terrace, the covering needs to handle moisture, dirt, small stones on shoes, etc.
Wood might not be the best solution here.
The apartment has smoked oak parquet, which would also be the wood tone for the staircase.
However, I can also well imagine matte black natural stone with white risers (e.g., painted concrete).
Instead of natural stone, vinyl could also be used, as it is available in many different designs.
From your perspective, considering factors beyond personal taste, what would be the best option?
I will soon be moving into a newly built condominium.
It has an interior staircase (precast concrete) leading to the rooftop terrace.
There was a planned covering for the stairs that I decided to cancel because I wanted to keep my options open.
Now I am torn between different floor coverings. Originally, wood was my clear choice, but I am now considering alternatives. The criteria are:
- Appearance
- Durability
- Low maintenance
- Cost
- ...
Since the staircase leads to a rooftop terrace, the covering needs to handle moisture, dirt, small stones on shoes, etc.
Wood might not be the best solution here.
The apartment has smoked oak parquet, which would also be the wood tone for the staircase.
However, I can also well imagine matte black natural stone with white risers (e.g., painted concrete).
Instead of natural stone, vinyl could also be used, as it is available in many different designs.
From your perspective, considering factors beyond personal taste, what would be the best option?
By the way, well-oiled wood is quite forgiving and can handle small stones and scratches better than you might expect. However, it is more expensive. My only concern with wood would be moisture.
Are tiles not an option? They are probably high up on the low-maintenance and durability scale, and not necessarily that expensive (although, of course, any flooring type can get more expensive). I have seen tiles for 7 EUR/m² (about 0.65 USD/ft²), but not vinyl or parquet at that price.
Are tiles not an option? They are probably high up on the low-maintenance and durability scale, and not necessarily that expensive (although, of course, any flooring type can get more expensive). I have seen tiles for 7 EUR/m² (about 0.65 USD/ft²), but not vinyl or parquet at that price.
P
pagoni202030 Jun 2020 10:09The question is whether the design should be purely functional or also stylish.
In principle, using the same type of wood as your flooring seems appropriate to me. Natural stone or similar materials can be slippery, especially when wet, and tend to feel cold.
If you’re not exposing the surface to water by the bucketful, a little water won’t harm the wood. With oiled or waxed wood, minor damage can be easily repaired. With tiles, for example, that’s more difficult.
I wouldn’t choose vinyl or similar materials; I would prefer a solid building material, also because of the side view.
In principle, using the same type of wood as your flooring seems appropriate to me. Natural stone or similar materials can be slippery, especially when wet, and tend to feel cold.
If you’re not exposing the surface to water by the bucketful, a little water won’t harm the wood. With oiled or waxed wood, minor damage can be easily repaired. With tiles, for example, that’s more difficult.
I wouldn’t choose vinyl or similar materials; I would prefer a solid building material, also because of the side view.
Thank you for your responses.
Usually, the first idea is the best. In theory, parquet flooring could also be an option.
The appearance definitely matters since the staircase will be visible from the living area.
If I decide on wood, there is still the question of whether to use a folded stringer or just mounted treads.
However, I’m afraid a folded stringer would make it very expensive...
Usually, the first idea is the best. In theory, parquet flooring could also be an option.
The appearance definitely matters since the staircase will be visible from the living area.
If I decide on wood, there is still the question of whether to use a folded stringer or just mounted treads.
However, I’m afraid a folded stringer would make it very expensive...
P
pagoni202030 Jun 2020 10:55Of course, it’s a matter of personal taste, but I find a stylish, raised step made of solid, substantial material quite attractive. At the same price, I might also consider a folded structure, but I don’t really like it enough to pay significantly more for it. I’d rather invest that money elsewhere.
You could color or design the concrete side for contrast.
I’m not a staircase expert, but from the side view, with parquet or other floor coverings, you end up with an unattractive look that needs to be covered up somehow, for example with moldings or similar trim.
It’s different with solid wood, making it simpler and more elegant.
I’m also thinking about various options for our staircase soon, but it will probably be a classic design as well. Maybe choosing a specific type of wood or a colored stain.
You could color or design the concrete side for contrast.
I’m not a staircase expert, but from the side view, with parquet or other floor coverings, you end up with an unattractive look that needs to be covered up somehow, for example with moldings or similar trim.
It’s different with solid wood, making it simpler and more elegant.
I’m also thinking about various options for our staircase soon, but it will probably be a classic design as well. Maybe choosing a specific type of wood or a colored stain.
Folded staircases can look very attractive, especially since, for example, white risers tend to require a lot of maintenance. If the house has a more modern and simple design overall, I would definitely choose a folded staircase. And a staircase made of oak wood is very durable!
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