Granite staircases

Why granite suits stairs and steps

Stairs wear out faster than almost any other surface. Granite is hard, so constant footsteps do not wear it down. It is dense, so it keeps sharp edges that softer stones lose.

A granite staircase also looks grand. Whether it is a hall, a shop front or a garden, it gives your steps a solid, confident feel.

• Hard-wearing: it keeps its edges and surface under heavy use.
• Exact: it can be cut to exact sizes and shapes for straight, curved or winding stairs.
• Even look: tops (treads) and fronts (risers) from the same lot keep the same colour and pattern up the stairs.
• Fire safe: stone does not burn.

Anti-slip finishes, thickness and safety

A polished step top looks great, but it can be slippery, mostly in socks or with wet shoes. Honed, leathered or flamed tops grip better, so they are the anti-slip granite finishes to ask for. A polished front on a honed top gives you both looks.

• Step tops (treads): usually 25–30 mm, fully bedded. The gap between the supports helps decide the thickness.
• Step fronts (risers): usually 15–20 mm.
• Open or floating stairs: these need much thicker stone and a designed support. This is specialist work.
• Non-slip: add grooves or a rough strip near the front edge, mostly on polished stone.

Front edges and fixing

The front edge of each step (the nosing) wears the most, so give it the most care. A slightly rounded or cut-off corner is safer and lasts longer than a sharp square one.

• Sizes: step height and step depth must follow your local building rules. Every step in a flight must be the same.
• Front edge: keep any overhang small and fully supported. Ask about grooves or a non-slip insert.
• Fixing: each step top and front must sit fully on a sound, level base. There must be no hollow spots.
• Skirting: cut the skirting to follow the line of the stairs for a tidy finish.

Sealing and care

Look after granite stairs like a granite floor. Sweep or vacuum to remove grit, because grit scratches. Clean with a mild stone cleaner.

• Sealing: a good idea on light or honed stone, and in busy homes.
• Do not use: wax, oily polish or soaps that leave a slippery film.
• Mats: a mat at the bottom and top of the stairs keeps grit and water off the steps.
• Check: look at the front edges now and then. Get any loose or chipped step fixed fast.

Mistakes to avoid

• Polished step tops with no grooves and no non-slip finish.
• Steps of different heights. People trip, and it breaks building rules.
• Hollow spots under step tops. The front edges crack.
• Thin step tops over a long gap with no support.
• Sharp square front edges that chip.
• Ignoring local building rules for step height and depth.