What is the difference between stair covering, stair renovation and Omnistair?
In the world of stair improvement, several terms are used interchangeably. Stair covering, stair renovation, overlay treads — and then there is Omnistair. What does each term mean and how do they relate to each other?
Stair covering
Stair covering is the umbrella term for all materials applied to a staircase as a finishing layer. That includes carpet, laminate, PVC, wood, stone and composite — any form of covering the tread. Stair covering is not a method, but a category. It says nothing about the quality, the thickness or the way of application.
Stair renovation
Stair renovation is the process of renewing the visible finish of an existing staircase. The structure remains intact — only the covering is replaced or renewed. Stair renovation is broader than stair covering: it also includes preparation, installation, finishing of connections and quality assurance.
Overlay treads
Overlay treads are the specific elements placed over the existing tread during a stair renovation. They are available in various materials: laminate, PVC, HPL and recycled natural stone composite. How these systems relate to each other is covered in comparing stair renovation systems.
Omnistair
Omnistair is the manufacturer of a specific system of overlay treads based on recycled natural stone composite. The Omnistair system includes several product lines.
EverStep is the standard overlay tread — 4.3 mm thick, in Stone Naturel, Stone Blend and Terrazzo. EverStep Solid is the heavy-duty version, available with additional technical documentation on NEN 7909, fire class Bfl-s1 and emission performance at Indoor Air Comfort Gold level. Signature is the seamless bespoke finish, built up on site. And GripStep is the anti-slip system for the stair nose, in GripStep Home for residential use and GripStep Pro for professional use. What the Omnistair system is at its core and why multiple product lines exist side by side can be found in Omnistair's background pages.
Omnistair sells exclusively through selected dealers and installers. Are you active in the construction or interior sector yourself? Then read how to become a stair renovation dealer via the Omnistair dealer network.
Unsure which term — and which system — fits your situation? Then start with which stair renovation suits me.
Have your staircase assessed
Would you like to know which Omnistair system suits your staircase? Via omnistair.nl you can request an on-site assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Stair covering is the category of materials on the tread. Stair renovation is the full process of renewing the stair finish.
Elements placed directly over the existing tread without removing the tread itself.
Omnistair is the manufacturer of recycled natural stone composite overlay treads — the only overlay-tread system in recycled natural stone composite on the Dutch market.
Both: Omnistair is the brand name and the company that develops, produces and distributes the system via dealers.
No. Omnistair works exclusively through selected dealers and installers.