Concrete stairs are classic for public buildings. Rarely, this type of stairs can be found in a private house or cottage. Concrete steps have a number of advantages, but some disadvantages as well. In any case, if someone thinks that such a structure will cost less than a classic one and more expensive than a structure from natural log, this is a fallacy. The finishing of concrete stairs with wood is often a forced step, which helps to eliminate gross defects in the concrete structure.
Advantages and disadvantages of a monolithic design
The concrete spans are very popular. Like other designs, they have their positive features and drawbacks.
Advantages
The first thing that comes to mind is strength. Such a structure can stand not only for years, but for centuries. This is, perhaps the last advantages.
Disadvantages
The stairs are hard to install, you will need heavy construction equipment for transport and further installation. When the stairs are already constructed – they should not be exploited until they are “settled”. It should be done to enhance strength properties. When it comes to beauty moments, the eye catches the surface roughness of the steps, and, most offensive – their different height. The difference can sometimes be 3-4 centimeters. And you will have to continue to fight with these factors.
The different types of cladding
This ladder can be lined with:
- tiles;
- laminate;
- tree.
Ceramic tiles: whether to use it for lining stairs
If you are tiling, the process of alignment steps is very time consuming, and its price is impressive. The fact is that you can’t just pour the desired height of the cement on the step and allow it to dry. Alignment of height is necessary, using cement of high strength or — in combination with the method of reinforcement.
It should be noted that the aligning layer often has considerable thickness, which entails raising the floor level. And this is another point of unexpected but significant costs.
If you decorate a design with tile, all this should be added to the cost of the cladding material. T$he cheapest option won’t do for the stairs. In addition, a tiling is considered not the most practical and aesthetically pleasing option.
Laminate or natural wood
If you decorate the stairwell with laminate, this option will probably be the most budget. The price of the material will be much more acceptable comparing with the natural wood. But, given the fact that railings will be made of wood and trim with laminate requires preliminary alignment and a special layer of damping material, the price difference will not be very significant. So, the wood veneer looks more impressive and expensive than the laminate.
The main advantage of wood is natural origin of the material. Due to the proper treatment it will last not less, and even more than other counterparts. It breathes, does not accumulate moisture, do not produce any harmful fumes. In a nutshell, it is a clean eco-friendly material. Modern impregnations and varnishes will help him to stand for decades without losing their external characteristics.
The advantages of this kind of finishing
Another advantage of wood veneer is quite a simple regulation of the height of the stairs. Height, and often the width of the steps can depend on the whim of the owners and interior design, reigns in the house. This flexibility of design and architectural solutions are due to the design, based on logs. That is – strong, thick wooden slats, which keep the upper, front part of the stairs.
In fact, the stairs can literally become unrecognizable. And we should not think that the wooden stairs are in the majority of the same type. The board can have different shades and shapes, thus perfectly fitting into the overall interior.
So, you should pay attention to the ease of use of wooden stairs. Their advantages are especially noticeable if you have children. Such steps will never slide, if desired, the corners can be done rounded, and the stairs can be carefully attached with non-slip material, for example carpet.
In the house where there are small children, concrete stairs, you need to coat only the tree.
Materials that you will you need for work
If you look at the photos of the finished works executed by professionals, it becomes apparent that the necessary basic material is wood. But, you will need some special materials, including varnishes and impregnations for surfaces material and self-leveling cement mix. It is to be used for leveling the surface, and often the height of concrete steps.
In the second case, you will need to make the formwork plywood. This is another material that may be needed.
You will need the logs, anchor, the length of which will depend on the thickness of the lag. Hereinafter, the material for the stairs, fasteners and rails are also in need.
Is it possible to brick stairs yourself?
If there are certain skills in carpentry, or the finishing work, it is better to entrust them to a specialist to make stairs not be the result of a constant source of problems. If the owner is confident in their abilities, you can try to do everything yourself. But you should be prepared for the fact that work will take time and will require a lot of work.
In any case, do not skimp on buying quality materials to make the staircase serve as long as possible.
Highlights of works
In the photo you can see that the veneer wood concrete stairs are almost ready constructions except for necessary supports.
Therefore, the alignment of steps, the installation of log and steps are processes that require special attention. But first of all you will need to carefully measure the height of each step and try to make the same in the original version.
If you liked the article or have any further questions, you can write your review and get detailed explanations from our specialists. More information can be obtained from another interesting article about concrete stairs in the house.
