What types of staircases are there?
Anyone considering a stair renovation must first know which type of staircase they have. Not every stair shape requires the same approach — and not every system is suitable for every stair shape.
Straight staircase
The most common stair shape in the Netherlands. All treads lie in a straight line, from bottom to top. Simple to execute for almost all renovation systems. Shortest installation time.
Quarter-turn staircase (L-shape)
A staircase with a 90-degree turn. At the point of the turn there are corner treads — wedge-shaped treads that take up the rotation. The corner treads require bespoke work.
Double quarter-turn staircase (S- or Z-shape)
Two 90-degree turns — the staircase makes two changes of direction. More complex than a single quarter-turn, but still well renovatable with overlay treads provided the corner treads are properly handled.
Half-turn staircase (U-shape)
A staircase with a 180-degree turn. Has a landing or corner treads halfway. Requires more bespoke work than a straight staircase.
Spiral staircase
A staircase that turns completely — every tread is wedge-shaped. The inside of each tread is narrow, the outside wide. Requires maximum dimensional flexibility. Overlay treads are harder to apply here — a seamless bespoke solution (Signature) is more appropriate.
Open staircase
A stair construction without risers. The space between the treads is visible. Can occur in any of the above shapes. Requires a finish that also covers the front of the tread. Read more in renovating an open staircase.
Floating staircase
An open staircase where the treads appear to float — usually fixed to a wall or central frame without visible construction. Design-intensive. Renovation requires specific expertise.
What does this mean for renovation?
Straight and quarter-turn staircases are the most renovatable with overlay treads of recycled natural stone composite. Spiral and floating staircases require a bespoke approach such as Signature.
Further reading
Want to explore further? Read also which stair renovation suits me?, renovating an open staircase and comparing stair renovation systems. More about the system itself is in what is the Omnistair system and why multiple product lines.
Curious which system suits your stair shape?
Via omnistair.nl you can request an appointment. An installer with system knowledge assesses the stair shape and advises the most suitable system.
Frequently asked questions
The straight closed staircase — short installation time, suitable for almost all overlay-tread systems.
Yes, but it requires a bespoke solution. Overlay treads are hard to apply. Signature is more appropriate here.
The wedge-shaped treads at the point of a turn on a quarter-turn or half-turn staircase. They require extra bespoke work during renovation.
Yes. The system must then also cover the front of the tread. EverStep and EverStep Solid have an integrated stair nose.
Via an on-site assessment by an installer with system knowledge.