The staircase takes an important place in the construction and decoration of buildings, premises for various purposes. Its cladding, as well as the design solutions used in this case, are able to give the interior unique and inimitable properties.
The creation of staircase structures involves the use of various materials. A very common option in private houses, office buildings, shopping centers is the use of concrete flights of stairs. And the task comes to the fore, the solution of which answers the question - how to finish a concrete staircase.
Advantages of concrete stairs
- Speaking of monolithic blocks, first of all, I mean that it was poured entirely at a time. Therefore, such blocks do not have connecting seams and slots, as a result of which the ladder acquires strength and reliability. That is why there will never be any unpleasant creaks on such a staircase.
- Forms for the manufacture of monolithic blocks can be anything you like.
- Despite the massiveness of concrete, it can be used to create rather elegant structures, for example, screw ones.
Graceful spiral staircase, you won't immediately say that it is concrete - Concrete is fireproof, strong and durable.
- Concrete has excellent moisture resistance, which is used in the construction of stairs in entrances and basements of buildings.
- Concrete stairs are decorated with many materials. This material can be wood, stone, tiles, as well as concrete structures can be painted or covered with carpet.
Features of finishing concrete structures
When the question arises of how to decorate a concrete staircase, a number of serious factors must be taken into account. Among them is how the flight of stairs is located, what is the height of the steps, a characteristic of the general design of the room. It is also important who will move up these stairs and, of course, what will be the wishes of the owner.
In the case of a straight concrete structure, the choice of material is varied. For such a finish, it is possible to use almost any product used for facing concrete surfaces.
Note!
If the run-in steps of the stairs are finished, then it is not recommended to use materials that require cutting in place.
These include tiles or stone.
On the contrary, laminate, linoleum or carpet are recommended for finishing.
These materials are also well suited for families with small children or older people. Carpet in staircase decoration is able to soften falls, which is important for our children.
When choosing a concrete staircase facing, it is worth considering the issue of soundproofing characteristics. Laminate or carpet has excellent sound absorption so that noise is not propagated. Porcelain stoneware or tiles, on the contrary, only amplify the sound.
Tip: Set aside the finishing of the staircase in the event that the interior decoration of the room is not finished.
As a result of falling building materials or tools on it, the cladding can quickly become unusable.
Budget options for finishing concrete structures
Painting
In choosing how to finish a concrete staircase in a house, an important role belongs to the economic component of the process, in other words, the price of the material is important. And that's why painting stairs - the most acceptable option in this case.The presence of a wide range of colors provides great space for imagination.
Painted steps keep the concrete cool and at the same time have a strict ascetic look. Of course, such a coating cannot be called durable, because over time, paint abrades.
But at the same time, it is not so difficult to restore the original state of the surface. Painting can also be used as an intermediate finish, in the event that the steps in the future will be finished with a different material.
Carpet finishing
Concrete staircases located in residential areas will look great when tiled with carpeting.
Tip: When choosing a material, remember that it will have to be cleaned.
Therefore, it is better if the carpet has a short pile.
Acrylic does not have good wear resistance, therefore a coating with polyamide or polypropylene fibers is recommended. Carpets with a thick felt backing are not appropriate for stairs. It is better if it has a rubber base.
When approaching the choice of material with special care, be guided by those rolls that are marked with a special pictogram. The carpet is laid using battens and glue.
Parquet or laminate
Also popular finishing concrete stairs laminate or parquet. Structures finished with these materials are able to give the feeling of antiquity.
Likewise, those who appreciate modern design are happy to use them. Both laminate and parquet are surface mounted using parquet adhesive, liquid nails or self-leveling compound.
Ceramic tile
Each building has an entrance or front staircase. Its finish needs careful preparation and must be moisture and frost resistant. And exactly stair tiling concrete is most suitable for these purposes.
Such cladding is quite durable, and it is not affected by many environmental factors, including ultraviolet light, temperature changes and humidity. It often happens that steps need to be restored and tiling of concrete stairs is a great way to restore.
Such material as tiles has a wide assortment, and a variety of colors and textures can bring many ideas to life. If the steps are located in the open air, then the tile should have a corrugated surface to eliminate slipping.
We decorate the stairs with tiles
Instructions for decorating concrete steps using ceramic tiles with your own hands:
- The surface is cleaned from dirt and dust... After that, an estimate of the whole tile is performed, the measurement of those parts that need to be cut off, adjustment to the protrusions.
- A layer of glue is applied, either cement-based, or special, tiled.
- If the concrete structure is located inside the house, then ordinary tile adhesive is used. If on the street, then it is necessary to use a special frost-resistant glue, and the same grout.
- Pressing the tile, using the building level, its location is checked, if necessary, make adjustments using a rubber mallet. The thickness of the adhesive layer is practically determined and depends on the degree of curvature of the plane. The smoother the surface, the less glue will go away.
- Then lay out the next tile, leaving a gap, the width of which depends on the size of the tile and the resulting pattern. The recommended gap thickness is 2-5 mm.
To make the seam the same along the entire length, use special plastic crosses. Adhesive escaping from the seams is immediately removed with a soft cloth.
Tip: When laying tiles in places where people constantly walk, first finish one part of the staircase, and after it dries, the second.
Don't forget to put up a fence.
- After the glue has dried, grout the joints.This is done with a rubber spatula, and the grout can have colors contrasting with the tiles, or a little lighter or darker.
- After the grout has dried, the tiles must be washed with warm water using a soft light-colored cloth.
The process is simple, but painstaking, requiring a certain amount of patience and perseverance.
Output
The modern construction market presents a large number of finishing materials that can serve to satisfy any, the most sophisticated taste. In the video presented in this article, you will find additional information on this topic.
And even better if at home such a structure is covered with carpet. Whatever matte tiles are, and the nose is less likely to break on a soft carpet.
A staircase is a rather complex element in construction, therefore, in the manufacture of a staircase, you need to show maximum effort. When finishing the stairs with tiles or porcelain stoneware, it is better to use not glossy but matte materials so as not to fall.
I agree with Nikolaich. do not cover the steps of the stairs with glossy materials. it is easier to wash them, but their danger is many times higher. I will be covering the stairs with carpet. and warm and safe. 111
I made myself a concrete staircase and finished it with carpet. It looks good, my wife certainly wanted me to make a laminate, but I was against it. carpet, as needed, can be changed to any other color, it is not expensive, unlike laminate.