Concrete Vs Timber Stairs Debate

Msmaloney26

Hi all,

I am looking at now installing stairs for newbuild(two storey) My intention from the beginning of my project was the installation of concrete stairs.It is now being recommended to me that instead of installing concrete stairs and finishing with timber facing etc that I install a oak/solid stairs straight off.( I have a concrete first floor installed.)
The argument being that facing a concrete stairs with wood finish would be as costly as an install of timber stairs? I am awaiting return of quotes to verify...again I am aware this will be influenced by material choice also oak/walnut/deal etc

I would however appreciate any direction/advice here, from anyone who has been there, done that or works in this area.I know it is all down to preference of finish/style to house as I have also looked at option of marble finish to concrete stairs, anyone done this?

I have read the previous threads and discussion on the forum however any new input or advice I would appreciate greatly.

yosemite_sam

I am a joiner, and can tell you if you put in a concrete stairs you will spend more than the cost of timber stairs dressing the concrete to look like timber.

sydthebeat

yosemite_sam wrote: »

I am a joiner, and can tell you if you put in a concrete stairs you will spend more than the cost of timber stairs dressing the concrete to look like timber.

agreed!

but id argue its pastiche to try to make a concrete stairs look like a timer stairs. allow it to be what it is.

mickdw

Concrete stairs will take alot of finishing. There are a great idea together with the concrete first floor but you should know what type of finish you are looking for. You would generally be looking at a completely different finish compared to the timber stairs.

krissovo

I am finishing concrete stairs at the moment and I have found a happy medium in my opinion. The handrails are stud walls and will plastered and topped with a stainless hand rail. The stairs are simply painted and tread plates are walnut.

Its a contemporary look alright but once complete will great.

yosemite_sam

krissovo wrote: »

I am finishing concrete stairs at the moment and I have found a happy medium in my opinion. The handrails are stud walls and will plastered and topped with a stainless hand rail. The stairs are simply painted and tread plates are walnut.

Its a contemporary look alright but once complete will great.

A great look when done right

mickdw

yosemite_sam wrote: »

A great look when done right

Yes I agree. Getting it done to a top class finish is critical.

TheMammy

Hi krissovo,
really like the sounnd of your stairs and exactly what i was thinking of putting in. Would you mind telling me what skirting, arcatrave, flooring, doors etc you are going with to complete this look?? trying to get a plan together! Are you afraid of the walnut gettingg damaged?
thanks!

Mellor

Why would the walnut get damaged.
and, maybe prick out some doors, skirting, architrave that you like rather than a copy

TheMammy

Mellor, obviously i will pick out ones i like....thought this forum was about sharing ideas. was only looking to see other ideas.
Walnut is a relatively soft wood that can scratch easily. was just seeing if Mellor had a varnish or something that might help against that