The main staircase, wherever it is, should be interesting, original. She has an important role in creating the interior. It defines the spirit of the whole structure. The decoration of the steps of the concrete staircase should correspond to the decorative features of all those elements that surround the structure. What materials can be used for cladding?
Wood cladding
A tree can become an indispensable assistant in matters of creating a unique design of any room. Accordingly, the steps of a concrete staircase can be finished with this material. What kind of wood to use? There are a lot of options.
Valuable wood
Reinforced concrete structures provide a huge set of opportunities for the realization of any ideas. And among them, lining with valuable wood species should be highlighted. Using soft material, you will achieve a reduction in the noise of concrete to a minimum mark compared to stone or ceramic tile. Finishing the steps of a concrete staircase can be done using a variety of breeds. The choice is wide. Materials such as ash, oak or pine can be used.
Oak or ash will contribute to the fact that the main staircase will get a rich and chic look. Light pine color will visually reduce the bulkiness of the entire structure. The most durable materials are made of elite wood. These include wenge, yaroko, jatobo, dussie, badi.
Use of glued material
What wood can be used to decorate the steps of a concrete staircase? Not everyone is able to afford the use of expensive breeds. However, modern technology comes to the rescue. In the construction market, you can find finishing material, which consists of glued layered wood.
When choosing a material, one should look not at its cost, but at the parameters. It will depend on them how well the wood will meet the requirements of the stairs. Drying of the material should be approximately 8%. Attention should be paid to the absence of various defects (knots, cracks, pigmentation, holes).
Why exactly wood?
Wood staircase steps are quite popular. This is due to the following advantages:
- The material is quite light.
- It is characterized by excellent parameters.
- Easy to process.
- It is possible to combine wood with other types of cladding.
- Wood can fit into the design of any interior.
However, on the street this material is better not to use. Due to exposure to sunlight, temperature extremes and heavy rainfall, the wood will lose its appearance and age faster. Accordingly, the durability will be very, very low.
Laminate flooring
Many people know from their own experience that finishing the steps of a concrete staircase in a house is a difficult task. But since this design is popular, it will not work to get rid of the process of its facing. As the material, you can use the laminate. It is modern, durable and perfect for any design. Moreover, this option is not expensive.
What kind of laminate can I use to finish the stairs? It is important that the material conforms to certain recommendations.
- Durability . This indicator is important, since the steps should contain significant loads.
- The laminate should have an anti-slip layer . This is important for safety when climbing stairs.
- Wear resistance. It is necessary for the design to be durable and attractive over a long period of use.
Finishing the steps of a concrete staircase with a laminate should be of high quality. And for this you will need to purchase 31st grade material.
Sheathing Recommendations
What should be considered when finishing steps?
- The shape of the steps. This indicator can differ quite seriously. Therefore, you will first need to make a template out of cardboard. Due to this, you can correctly and accurately cut the laminate, preventing over-expenditure of material.
- Direct march. There are no particular difficulties. But again, the manufacture of a template from cardboard is required. If this is not done, then a huge amount of facing material can be sent to the waste.
- Decorative function. During decoration, remember that you will need to close the entire structure. Optimum strength will only be guaranteed in this case. And this indicator is very important during operation.
Important Nuances
What to do with the color scheme? You must choose it, guided by your own preferences and tastes. Many people like the classic version that imitates natural wood. The thing is that original and unusual solutions get bored quickly enough. And the finish should not be made for one year.
Facing with a laminate helps to achieve not only beauty, but also protection against various mechanical influences.
It is long and difficult to finish the stairs yourself with laminate. To do this, you will need to try. It is necessary to calculate all the advantages with the disadvantages of this option and decide whether you will do the work yourself or entrust it to professionals.
Tiled steps
The porch plays a connecting role between the house and the street. Accordingly, the facing of its steps must be approached responsibly. You must not underestimate the aesthetic and functional role that the staircase plays in this situation. The porch should look decent, be reliable and comfortable. What materials can be used if it is necessary to finish the steps of a concrete staircase on the street?
The most popular building material is tile. She is beautiful, practical and inexpensive. But which tile is it worth using? There are many options. And you have to make a choice.
A budget option
Concrete tile is an inexpensive material that can be used to decorate the porch. In construction markets, you can find models that match the shapes of the steps. Due to different fillers, it is possible to make steps imitating natural stone. However, ordinary concrete cladding will crumble in extreme cold.
Paving slabs will be the best solution in this situation. Especially if its manufacture took place by vibrocasting method. But she also has a drawback - too slippery material. In such a situation, the decoration of the steps of the concrete stairs with tiles should be accompanied by the installation of special anti-slip pads. Using this material, you can blur the line between landscape and housing. Accordingly, the transition to the house from the street will occur unnoticed.
Ceramic tile
This material is characterized by a large number of colors and textures. Ceramic tiles can be glossy, matte, embossed, imitating wood, made under the mosaic, monochrome. However, compared with other materials, it is quite fragile. And if a large mechanical load is planned, it is better not to resort to such a facing.
Brick tile
Material is manufactured using shale clay placed in a snack, where it is dehydrated and extruded. Due to this technology, the cladding is characterized by high strength and shape. You can find not only simple, but also fancy models. Accordingly, it is possible to make the design original, embodying a variety of fantasies.
Clinker tiles are highly frost resistant. It can not be spoiled with reagents and oil. The material is resistant to mechanical shock. Due to the rough surface, you won’t slip.
Porcelain Tiles
Finishing the steps of the concrete stairs with tiles on the street in this case will be distinguished by high strength. Thanks to manufacturing technology, porcelain tile has wear resistance. It can withstand large mechanical loads. It has a rough surface and does not deteriorate in high frosts and because of reagents. However, the cost of the material is rather big. Despite the fact that in terms of its parameters, porcelain stoneware is practically no different from clinker tiles, it is much more expensive.
Rubber cladding
A fairly convenient and practical option is to use a rubber coating. Pads made of this material may vary in length, thickness and color. They are used if it is necessary to prevent slipping on the steps. In addition, the rubber coating will help to cope with the dirt (if there are special bristles) that gets on the shoes from the street. What other advantages does the material have? It is resistant to frost, wear-resistant, has high strength. In addition, rubber pads are easy to mount.
At the present stage, there is a huge amount of coatings. And the most popular is the material with a large and small tread. The choice must be made, guided by the intensity of movement on the stairs. A large tread will be able to cover the edges of the steps, ensuring complete exclusion of sliding. Small tread is mainly used where traffic is not high.
Depending on what type of linings was chosen, it is necessary to choose fasteners. It can be profiles, tapes with a special coating, double-sided tape, etc.
Finishing the steps of a concrete staircase on the street with a rubber coating can differ in various advantages and disadvantages. However, in any situation, the material will fully meet the conditions of comfort and safety, regardless of the weather.
Conclusion
In this review, the most popular materials with which you can decorate the stairs were considered. We hope this helps you make a choice.