How and why you need to implement parquet stairs in your interior design plans

For years now, stairs are no longer considered simply a path to the upper floor. They are statement pieces and design elements that are carefully planned and integrated to fit any interior style. They offer optimal special effect, efficient flow, and aesthetic pleasure. However, it is not only the architecture of a flight of stairs that determines their quality. The stair’s configuration plays a huge role in that as well.

Parquet stairs are stairs that are structured in parquet, following one of the many styles possible. They are highly sought after for having the same color treatment throughout the set, as well as the same degree of gloss. If you are looking at options for stairs design and are considering parquet stairs, this is article is a perfect starting point to learn more about them.

Why choose parquet for a staircase?

The main function that a staircase fulfills is bridging different the levels of your space, and allowing for back and forth movement between said levels in the safest way possible. However, most people and construction companies these days add an aesthetic feature to staircases to make sure they match the rest of the space’s aesthetic. Since parquet flooring is often used today, it only makes sense that the best option to go with it would be parquet stairs.

Whether you are using solid or laminated parquet, it is always a good idea to match your staircase to the same material of flooring you’re using. Planks of parquet are perfectly suited to cover steps, stairs, and risers. Not to mention the many bonuses you get for parquet that are NOT ONLY for aesthetic purposes, such as durability, warmth and resistance.

How is a parquet floor installed on a staircase?

One great thing about stairs is that any type flooring can be used to cover, whether said flooring is solid or engineered. As long as the rules on installation (especially those concerning the support) are respected, one should have no problem installing parquet stairs. For instance, the staircase should be dry, level, clean and healthy in order to be able to take parquet, or any other type of casing for that matter.

A specific detail that should be kept in mind with parquet stairs installation is that it must be glued, even if you used floating engineered parquet boards throughout the rest of your space.

In very rare cases, the installation of parquet stairs can be a bit more complicated (with very old staircases for instance). In that case, it would be best to seek the help of a professional who is more qualified to carry out the project.

Parquet stairs: step, riser and stair nosing

Stair step
The installation of parquet stairs is more optimal when the steps of the staircase to be dressed are straight. Another possibility is that the staircase steps are “swung” when the staircase turns. This makes installation a bit more complicated. Complicated doesn’t mean impossible though! The cutting of the boards will just have to be a bit more technical, and you will have to be very careful overall with your measurements and templates.

Stair riser
What’s the stair raiser you might ask? It is simply the part that “raises the step”, it is the part on which we do not step. Depending on your taste and preference, you can choose to cover this part in parquet as well or you can simply paint it. It all comes down to your aesthetic choice.

Stair nosing
Stair nosing is the bit of horizontal material left out at the edge of a stair, where foot traffic mostly occurs. This serves multiple practical purposes such as connecting the step and the riser, providing anti-slip support, as well as increasing the life span of the staircase overall. Stair nosing is also a preferred aesthetic choice. For parquet stairs, you can either get coordinated stair nosing directly from your parquet manufacturer, or you can opt for an attached stair nosing.

A great thing about parquet stairs is that you can get stair noses to match your parquet whether you are using solid of engineered boards. The stair nose will do the job of covering the edge of your stair without adding any unnecessary thickness. However, you need to check first with a professional if room for this stair nose exists, since it is not always the case.

For those of you who will opt for laminate parquet, your stair nosing will have to be fixed on a special stair rail for practical purposes (so that it can be clipped directly to the profile for a seamless finish).

Maintenance of parquet stairs

The good news about parquet stairs is that they don’t require any special type of maintenance. Other than the usual regular vacuuming and mopping that parquet floors require, there isn’t much else you can do to maintain your new stairs. However, you should make sure to always clean up any spills quickly and dry your parquet before the stain sets in. Always use a mild neutral soap, or one that is specifically designed for parquet.

Installation price and supply of parquet for stairs

Usually, your parquet provider should also offer the parquet stairs installation services for a reasonable price. However, the skills needed are very technical and call for a need of preciseness, so the prices will vary accordingly. Usually, the professional technicians will charge you a “day package” service. Otherwise, the cost of installation might be included in your bill if your parquet provider is the one doing the installation as well.

Parquet stairs are some of the latest and most recurring stair styles that people (homeowners, interior décor enthusiast, or interior designer) are seeking. Today more than ever, parquet stairs are becoming better and better at covering your blank staircase and sparking new life in them. We hope today’s article was helpful to you and that you are more informed on the topic currently. If you enjoyed this read, and would like to learn more about parquet and its aspects, then feel free to browse the rest of our website, or contact us here for more info.