The evolution of stair renovation — from carpet to composite
The way we renovate staircases has changed dramatically in fifty years. Not only the materials are different — expectations have shifted too. From functional to architectural. From temporary to durable. From cheap to high-quality.
The seventies and eighties — carpet as standard
In the post-war home the staircase was a functional element. Safety and sound insulation were central. Carpet was the dominant choice — warm, cheap, sound-dampening. Drawbacks such as stain sensitivity, dust accumulation and limited lifespan were accepted as part of the deal.
The nineties — laminate makes its entrance
With the rise of laminate as a floor material, the technology soon found its way to the staircase. Laminate overlay treads made stair renovation more accessible and affordable. Laminate offered a cleaner appearance than carpet, but brought its own limitations: a printed top layer, sensitivity to wear on the stair nose and a separate anti-slip provision.
The two-thousands — PVC and HPL
PVC and HPL brought more water resistance and a wider range of designs. HPL became popular especially in commercial buildings for its wear resistance. Yet the principle remained the same: a printed top layer on a plastic carrier, with anti-slip as an added element.
Now — recycled natural stone composite
The most recent step is a material that combines the appearance of real stone with the advantages of a modern renovation system. Recycled natural stone composite has no printed top layer, but a real mineral structure. The anti-slip is integrated into the material, not as a separate strip. And with a thickness of just 4.3 mm, stair noses do not need to be cut back. Where stair renovation was mainly functional fifty years ago, it has now become an architectural choice. For professional applications, EverStep Solid is available with additional technical documentation on slip resistance, fire behaviour and emission performance.
What does this evolution tell us?
The common thread is a shift from temporary to durable and from printed to real. Each generation of materials solved a problem of the previous one: carpet gave way to the cleaner appearance of laminate, laminate to the water resistance of PVC and HPL, and those in turn to the real stone experience and integrated anti-slip of composite. Anyone renovating today chooses not only a finish, but also where on this line they want to stand. Anyone renovating today chooses not only a finish, but also where on this line they want to stand. Read more about that distinction in the difference between Omnistair and traditional stair renovation.
Further reading
Want to explore further? Read also comparing stair renovation systems, which stair renovation suits me? and sustainable stair renovation in 2026. More about the system itself is in what is the Omnistair system and why multiple product lines.
Curious which step suits your staircase best?
Via omnistair.nl you can request an appointment for an on-site assessment and tailored advice.
Frequently asked questions
Carpet was the standard for decades in the post-war home — warm, cheap and sound-dampening, but stain-sensitive and with a limited lifespan.
Laminate offered a cleaner, more modern appearance and was easier to keep clean. It also brought stair renovation within reach of a wider audience.
The older materials work with a printed top layer and a separate anti-slip provision. Recycled natural stone composite has a real mineral structure with integrated anti-slip, and is just 4.3 mm thick.
Generally yes. The emphasis has shifted from temporary, replaceable finishes to materials aimed at long-term use with less maintenance.
Recycled natural stone composite — a material that combines the appearance of real stone with a thin build-up, integrated anti-slip and suitability for renovation without demolition.