Microcement stairs

Why microcement suits stairs

Microcement stairs turn a functional element into a continuous architectural form. Treads, risers, stringers and solid balustrades can all be finished in one material, so the eye follows the line of the stair rather than the joins between its parts.

The thin build-up is a practical advantage. At 2–3 mm, microcement adds very little height to each step and little weight to the structure, which helps when an existing stair is being refinished rather than rebuilt.

Stairs are also where a change of material is most noticeable. Carpet, timber or tile on the treads often stops abruptly at each landing, whereas a continuous finish lets the stair and the floors around it read as one.

Which staircases are suitable

The key requirement is a stable, rigid structure. Cement-based stairs are common candidates, and existing tiled stairs can be suitable when the tiles are firmly bonded. Metal can also be a suitable substrate, provided the stair is rigid and does not flex underfoot. Solid balustrades can be finished with the treads for a monolithic look, while glass or metal balustrades and handrails are coordinated so their fixings meet the finish neatly.

Timber staircases are generally not advised as a base. Every stair is assessed for stability, level and humidity below 5% as the first stage of our process, and the article on microcement and cracking explains why movement matters.

Edges, traffic and slip resistance

The front edge of each tread takes the most wear on any staircase. Softened or rounded edges are generally more forgiving than sharp corners, and the edge detail is agreed before application so the finish wraps each tread cleanly.

On stairs, slip resistance comes down to texture, sealer and how the stair is used, and the requirement is set for each project with the builder or relevant professional. External stairs bring weather exposure into the picture, which is reviewed on site.

Colour and light on a staircase

Stairs are often lit from above or by a single window, and each tread catches the light differently, so colour and texture read strongly. Graphite and Gris Marengo give a stair sculptural weight, Plomo and Alaska keep a stairwell bright, and Centeno is a deep, warm brown that pairs well with timber handrails. Lighting set into the wall or beneath each tread is best positioned before work starts, because low light across a step highlights both its texture and its edges.

If the surrounding floors are also being finished, choose them together. The microcement floors page covers preparation and sheen for the areas around the stair, and you can compare samples on colours and textures.

Caring for microcement stairs

Sweep or vacuum treads regularly, because grit on a stair is ground in with every step. Damp-mop with a pH-neutral cleaner, avoid abrasive pads, and keep traffic light in the first week where possible while the finish continues to harden. The sealer on the busiest treads can be maintained over time, as the cleaning and maintenance guide describes.