Stairs are the most heavily worn areas in estates and walk-up buildings, and the most common location for slip accidents. Renovation cannot be only about restoring appearance; it must address slip resistance, nosings and structural safety, and plan how residents move around during the works.
If the existing stone is structurally sound and only worn or dull, grinding and crystallisation restore it at lower cost and shorter programme. Hollow areas, cracks, broken nosings or a loose substrate require partial or full re-laying. Always begin with a site assessment.
Specify slip-resistant finishes (flamed, bush-hammered, fine-sand) and anti-slip grooves, especially at the nosing. Public stairs should target R11 to R12; residential stairs balance grip against cleaning. Where existing treads are too slippery, add anti-slip strips or coatings.
The nosing, or leading edge, is the most chip-prone area: inspect and repair it during renovation, using a bullnose, chamfer or anti-slip insert. Finish edges with matching stone or metal trims so water and dirt cannot collect.
Public stair renovation is usually phased to keep one route open for residents. Walk-up buildings have narrow stairs and no lift, so handling and access need planning. Grinding and polishing typically take one to two days per floor; re-laying takes longer.
It depends on structure. Surface wear and dullness can be ground and polished; hollow areas, cracks or a loose substrate need re-laying. A site assessment comes first.
A slip-resistant finish such as flamed or bush-hammered plus anti-slip grooves at the nosing; public stairs should target R11 to R12. Anti-slip strips or coatings can be added to existing slippery treads.
Public stair works are usually phased to keep one route open, depending on stair width and building management requirements. A plan is issued before work starts.