Hello everyone,
We are currently in the detailed planning phase of our house and have the following question: In the living/dining area, we plan a concrete wall approximately 2m (6.6 feet) wide, 0.35m (14 inches) deep, and 8.5m (28 feet) high. Next to this is our staircase leading to the upper floor. The idea was to have both elements made with exposed concrete. However, visually we prefer a smooth plaster finish, as the rustic look of true exposed concrete doesn’t quite suit us and that option is more expensive. A plaster finish on the staircase is probably more difficult to achieve. The exposed concrete wall and the staircase should look exactly the same.
So, the question is what would be the most sensible approach considering costs and design aspects?
We also thought about integrating a surface heating/cooling system into the exposed concrete wall. From your perspective, is this a good idea technically, aesthetically, and financially?
Thank you very much for your help.
Best regards,
Andreas
We are currently in the detailed planning phase of our house and have the following question: In the living/dining area, we plan a concrete wall approximately 2m (6.6 feet) wide, 0.35m (14 inches) deep, and 8.5m (28 feet) high. Next to this is our staircase leading to the upper floor. The idea was to have both elements made with exposed concrete. However, visually we prefer a smooth plaster finish, as the rustic look of true exposed concrete doesn’t quite suit us and that option is more expensive. A plaster finish on the staircase is probably more difficult to achieve. The exposed concrete wall and the staircase should look exactly the same.
So, the question is what would be the most sensible approach considering costs and design aspects?
We also thought about integrating a surface heating/cooling system into the exposed concrete wall. From your perspective, is this a good idea technically, aesthetically, and financially?
Thank you very much for your help.
Best regards,
Andreas
Hi, in the meantime I have consulted our architect for recommendations. His advice is to leave the wall as exposed concrete without further finishing (this does not add much cost). For the concrete stairs, he suggests installing an oak wood covering. I estimate the material cost at about 100€/step. Labor costs will depend on the carpenter. Having the concrete stairs finished with a seamless look is relatively expensive (>200€/step). However, it looks very elegant. If I were you, I would ask for offers for both options and compare.
We recently saw a great solution at friends’ house. I’ve been to their house several times and had always assumed they had a concrete staircase.
They used large tiles measuring 1.20 x 0.60 meters (4 feet by 2 feet) with a concrete look. The tiles are then cut lengthwise. This way, each tile essentially forms one step with no visible joints. The homeowner couldn’t explain exactly how the front edge was finished, but the transition is only visible upon very close inspection.
I have to say, I usually find tiled steps quite unpleasant, but this really looks fantastic!
They used large tiles measuring 1.20 x 0.60 meters (4 feet by 2 feet) with a concrete look. The tiles are then cut lengthwise. This way, each tile essentially forms one step with no visible joints. The homeowner couldn’t explain exactly how the front edge was finished, but the transition is only visible upon very close inspection.
I have to say, I usually find tiled steps quite unpleasant, but this really looks fantastic!
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