Solid wood
Treads and stringers made of solid timber feel pleasant to the touch and are easy to repair: a worn tread can be sanded and refinished. Wood reacts to humidity and dry heated air, so well-dried stock and a stable indoor climate matter.
Materials
Materials
A staircase's material shapes not only how it looks but also the sound of footsteps, the feel underfoot and how much attention it will need a few years on. Wood is warm and forgiving, metal makes light structures possible, stone and concrete are calm and long-lasting, and glass makes a balustrade almost invisible. Each option has its strengths and its own care requirements.
When choosing a material for the treads, picture not a magazine photo but a winter evening: wet slippers, a bag in your hand, a child behind you. That is what the staircase has to cope with.
How this section works: we describe the main materials for staircases and their finishes in general terms, covering what they offer and what to watch for. Load capacity, cross-sections and fixing methods are determined by the designer, and the application and care of a finish by the manufacturer in its technical documentation.
Stair materials
Six groups of materials most often found in staircases in private houses and two-level apartments.
Laminated panels
These panels are assembled from glued strips, so they warp less than a solid board of the same size. They look close to solid wood, with a calmer grain pattern. They are cared for in the same way as wood.
Metal
Steel is used for stringers, spiral stair frames, cantilever bolts and balustrades. Metal makes a structure look lighter, but it booms underfoot if the treads are not isolated. Exposed parts are protected from corrosion with a coating.
Concrete and stone
A cast concrete staircase or one clad in natural or engineered stone is a strong, quiet option that keeps its shape for decades. Polished stone can be slippery, so treads often get a textured finish or anti-slip inserts.
Glass balustrades
Glass balustrade panels let light through and make a staircase look lighter. Special safety glass is used, and its thickness and fixings are set by the design. Handprints show up on glass, so expect to wipe it often.
Tread finishes
Lacquer, oil, wax, paint, carpet and rubber stair pads change both the look and the grip between sole and step. Gloss lacquer is beautiful but slippery; oil is easier to touch up in places; pads soften footsteps and noise. Choose a finish intended for floors and stairs.
Article catalogue for English-speaking readers
This is where the magazine's standalone articles about staircases in the home will appear for English-speaking readers. The editors write them specifically for this edition of the site rather than translating them from other languages.
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Topics the editors are planning
- Why wooden stairs creak and what you can safely do about it
- Stair gates for babies and toddlers: where to fit them and how to use them
- Carpet runner or bare treads: comfort, grip and upkeep
- Lighting a staircase: switches on both floors, night lights and shadows
Editorial rules
- Articles in this catalogue are written separately for each language version and are not translations.
- Some articles link to third-party websites, including gaming services; we do not control their content, prices or terms.
- We do not publish manufacturer or shop advertising, rankings, prices or reviews.
What matters in a material
| Material | Strengths | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Solid wood | Warm to the touch, repairable, suits both classic and modern interiors | Sensitive to humidity swings, may creak, the finish wears at tread edges |
| Laminated panels | More stable than a solid board, calm grain, familiar care | Quality of gluing and sanding, a finish suited to stair treads |
| Metal | Light silhouette, complex shapes possible, strong frame | Corrosion protection, footstep noise, a cold handrail without a wooden cap |
| Concrete and stone | Strength, quietness, a long-lasting surface | Slippery when polished, weight of the structure, cold underfoot |
| Glass balustrades | Plenty of light, a visually light staircase | Safety glass to the design only, frequent cleaning of handprints |
| Tread finishes | Protect the base and change the grip underfoot | Rated for floors and stairs, abrasion resistance, how slippery it is |
Related sections
- Care
Caring for lacquered and oiled wood, metal, stone, glass and carpet treads, plus a seasonal check.
- Ideas
Straight, landing, winder, spiral and cantilevered stairs, space-saving solutions for the attic, plus a little history.
- Tools
What comes in handy for staircase care and small repairs, with no brands, plus protective gear.
Sources
- Manufacturers' technical documentation for finishing materials
- Encyclopedic sources on the history of architecture
Information about staircases is given in general terms, based on works on architectural history, encyclopedic sources, manufacturers' technical documentation for finishing materials and EMERCOM of Russia safety leaflets. The specific requirements for the staircase in your home are set by building codes and your designer, and the care of a finish by the manufacturer's instructions.