Is a natural stone staircase slippery?
Many people find natural stone beautiful, but immediately ask the same question: "Won't a natural stone staircase be slippery?" A staircase should not only be beautiful, but above all safe. Yet the idea that every natural stone staircase is automatically slippery is incorrect. Safety is determined not only by the material, but also by the surface texture, the finish and the application.
Short answer
No, a natural stone staircase is not automatically slippery. Safety depends on the surface texture, the finish, anti-slip provisions, maintenance and the situation of use. Modern stair systems can be executed with integrated anti-slip structures, so safety and appearance go together.
Why do people think natural stone is slippery?
This comes from the association with polished marble floors, glossy natural stone and wet stone surfaces. A staircase, however, is designed and finished differently from a floor.
What determines grip?
The surface texture plays the biggest role: more relief provides more grip. Soiling matters, because dust, sand and moisture can affect grip. Footwear also plays a role. And maintenance is important: a well-maintained staircase stays safer.
Structure often matters more than the material
A smooth finish can provide less grip than a surface with an integrated relief structure. Professionals therefore look at surface texture, anti-slip values and the situation of use. For intensively used and project-based staircases where anti-slip must be demonstrable, an execution with EverStep Solid (tested in accordance with NEN 7909) is relevant.
How is a staircase made safer?
With integrated relief structures, anti-slip surfaces and mineral surface textures. Large anti-slip strips are not needed for this.
Suitable for
Families, children, older people (provided anti-slip, contrast, lighting and a handrail are present) and pets. Owners' associations and professional applications set additional grip requirements.
Maintenance and safety
Maintenance plays a bigger role than many people think. A soiled staircase has less grip. Removing dust and sand and cleaning regularly keeps the staircase safer.
Summary
A natural stone staircase is safe, provided it is executed with a suitable surface texture and maintained correctly. Modern natural stone stair renovations combine appearance, durability and safety. Read more about anti-slip in which stair renovation has the best anti-slip.
Stone appearance within the portfolio
Within the Omnistair portfolio, EverStep and Signature provide a natural stone appearance. For situations where anti-slip must be demonstrable, EverStep Solid is relevant.
Want to be sure your staircase is executed safely and with anti-slip?
Have your staircase assessed.
Frequently asked questions
No. Safety depends mainly on the surface texture, the finish and maintenance, not on the material alone. Modern systems can be executed with integrated anti-slip structures.
The surface texture, maintenance and the situation of use. More relief provides more grip, while dust, sand and moisture can reduce it.
Yes, provided safety is considered: anti-slip, contrast, good lighting and a handrail. This keeps the staircase accessible even with reduced mobility.
Moisture can affect grip, as with other materials. An integrated relief structure and good maintenance limit that effect.
Yes. For intensively used and project-based staircases where anti-slip must be demonstrable, an execution with EverStep Solid (tested in accordance with NEN 7909) is relevant.