There are several types of location of this element. The riser can be aligned along the edge of the step or recessed directly under the step. Alignment of the riser to the edge of the step is used when installing the indoor staircase. The reason is that with such arrangement, the seam between the step and this element will not be protected from moisture. In this case, the seam can be quickly destroyed because of temperature fluctuations, which will lead to deformation of this part of the staircase. Therefore, this method can’t be used for building the outdoor stairs.

When installing a flight of stairs outside of the house or any other building, the riser should be recessed under the step. It is recommended to make a drip for additional protection of the structure from moisture. A drip is nothing more than a slot (cut), located in the lower part of the tread (in its protruding edge), a few centimeters from the seam between these elements. This drip prevents water from entering the seam area. This protective element is invisible from the outside, which means that it can’t spoil the appearance of the entire structure. In conditions of temperature differences, this inconspicuous but very important cut allows you to use the stairs for a long time without carrying out repair and restoration work and saves the funds necessary for this.

What is skirting board used for?

A plinth is used when installing overhead elements in the interior (especially when the latter is used outside to hide the joining of steps and walls). Installation of this element:

  • makes the transition from the step to the wall smoother and more harmonious, since the material of the walls usually differs from the stone both in color and in texture used on the stairs;
  • prevent the ingress of moisture into the seam between the joints;
  • masks the unevenness and allows to indicate the geometry of the step.

Profiles and chamfers of the protruding elements

The end profile is the protruding part of the step, which is given a certain shape to make this element look more aesthetically pleasing. In addition, it gives the entire step the appearance of a finished product. The profile not only performs an aesthetic function, but also protects the edge of the step from all kinds of mechanical damage (such as chips or cracks). In most cases, the profile of this part of the step has the same texture as the staircase. However, if the surface of the step is heat treated or sawn, the profile can be polished and used in the outdoor stairs. Only the visible part of the end is subject to processing. The treatment of this part depends on the type and shape of the staircase. The chamfer can have a standard factory shape or be made to order.

Main advantages of this facing material

Positive sides:

  • The slabs are lighter than one-piece objects, which makes an installation easier.
  • Possibility of fine adjustment of elements to the required size due to the relatively small thickness, which allows correcting the length and in width of the slab.
  • The minimum number or absence of seams, explained by the possibility of manufacturing elements to fit the size of the base, which in turn increases the strength of the entire structure, and on the other hand, improves an aesthetic appearance of the finished staircase.
  • A wide variety of decorative solutions: this type of steps can be made in different designs, textures and colors. With low design costs, you can order slabs of natural stone with the necessary texture, color and size to create an original designer staircase.
  • Possibility of combining different types of stones and textures (you can even mix different textures in one stone).
  • Arrangement of different stones in polishing.

Price

The cost depends directly on the number of steps, as well as the thickness and type of stone, the types of processing required for manufacturing and the need for anti-slip elements.