What is the material in a stair renovation?
A stair renovation is about the finishing layer of the staircase — the treads, the risers and the connections. The material used for this determines the appearance, the durability, the anti-slip and the maintenance needs.
Below are the most commonly used materials.
Laminate
An HDF core (compressed wood particles) with a printed decorative top layer and a protective wear layer. The best-selling overlay tread in the Netherlands.
Properties: wide colour choice, relatively low price, moisture-sensitive, printed appearance, anti-slip as a separate addition.
PVC (Luxury Vinyl)
A plastic core with a printed decorative top layer. More water-resistant than laminate, but still a plastic appearance.
Properties: water-resistant, wide colour range, plastic feel, printed appearance, anti-slip as a separate addition.
HPL (High Pressure Laminate)
A compressed high-density plastic sheet. More wear-resistant than standard laminate. Widely used in the commercial sector.
Properties: higher wear resistance than laminate, printed appearance, anti-slip as a separate addition.
Recycled natural stone composite
A composite of recycled stone residual streams bound in a matrix. 4.3 mm thin. Real stone structure — not a print.
Properties: high inherent scratch resistance in the material itself, real stone appearance, anti-slip integrated into the mineral surface, 4.3 mm thin, EverStep Solid with anti-slip in accordance with NEN 7909 and fire class Bfl-s1.
Which material suits which situation?
Private home, limited budget: laminate or PVC.
Private home, stone appearance, long-term investment: recycled natural stone composite.
Homeowners' associations, commercial and care settings: EverStep Solid — with anti-slip in accordance with NEN 7909 and fire class Bfl-s1.
Design interior, bespoke: Signature.
Which stone appearance suits you is covered in choosing Stone Naturel, Stone Blend or Terrazzo. And how real composite compares to a printed plastic is covered in real natural stone versus stone-look PVC.
Frequently asked questions
Laminate is the best-selling material. Recycled natural stone composite is the highest-quality segment.
Laminate has a printed appearance and a moisture-sensitive core. Composite is real stone — no print, a high inherent scratch resistance, integrated anti-slip.
PVC is more moisture-resistant. But the appearance is also printed and the feel is plastic.
Recycled natural stone composite — significantly more wear-resistant than laminate, PVC or HPL, because the hardness is in the material itself and not in a top layer.
Yes. EverStep Solid meets NEN 7909, fire class Bfl-s1 and has emission performance at Indoor Air Comfort Gold level.
Have your staircase assessed
Curious which material suits your staircase and situation? Through Omnistair you can request an appointment for personal advice on site.