Microcement guide

Microcement stairs

A seamless, hard-wearing finish that can carry your floor up the stairs in one continuous look. Here’s what to check first, because not every staircase is suitable.

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The short answer

Microcement can go on stairs, so the floor below can continue up every tread and riser in the same finish. At about 2–3 mm thick, it adds very little height to each step.

It’s rarer than floors and walls, because the stairs have to be rigid, with no movement or flex. A timber staircase, for example, moves when you step on it, so it usually isn’t suitable, but a concrete staircase could be done. Tell us what your stairs are made from and we’ll tell you whether they’re right for it.

At a glance

Thickness: About 2–3 mm
Look: Continuous with the floor
Check first: Rigid, with no movement or flex
Slip resistance: Depends on the system

Why choose microcement for stairs

On the right staircase, it has a lot going for it.

One look from floor to floorThe same finish and colour can run from the hall up to the landing.

Very little added heightAt about 2–3 mm, it won’t noticeably change the height of each step.

Hard wearingPolitura is built with quartz sand at Mohs 7 and ErreLAB resins are made for busy commercial floors.

Slip resistance optionsPolitura is R9 as standard, raised to R10 with an anti-slip additive. ErreLAB Spatolato is R10 with Top Clear, and R11–R12 with Top Clear SOL and anti-slip aggregate. Pietra Continua Basalto and Calcare are R11 with Top Clear.

What to get right

A few things make all the difference on stairs.

No movement or flexMicrocement is a thin coating, about 2–3 mm, so any movement in the stairs can show through. They have to be rigid.

The right primerIt depends on what the stairs are made from, so choose the primer made for that background.

The front edgesThe front edges of the steps can be made up in the same finish, or you can add a trim if you want to.

Slip resistanceThink about who uses the stairs and ask us about anti-slip additives.

A skilled handIt’s applied by hand. We can put you in touch with people in your area who apply our products, and we train applicators too.

Questions about microcement stairs

Can you put microcement on stairs?

Yes, if they’re rigid, with no movement or flex. It can cover treads and risers in the same finish as your floor. Call us on 01472 240 340 and tell us what your stairs are made from.

Is microcement slippery on stairs?

It depends on the system and sealer. Politura is R9 as standard, raised to R10 with an anti-slip additive. ErreLAB Spatolato is R10, and up to R12 with Top Clear SOL and anti-slip aggregate.

Can microcement go on concrete stairs?

Yes, a concrete staircase could be done, as long as it’s rigid with no movement or flex. Call us on 01472 240 340 and we’ll talk you through it.

Can microcement go on timber stairs?

Usually not. A timber staircase moves when you step on it, and any movement can show through a coating this thin.

Why is microcement rare on stairs?

Because the stairs have to be rigid, with no movement or flex, and many staircases aren’t. It’s far more common on floors and walls.

Will microcement change the height of my steps?

Hardly at all. It’s only about 2–3 mm thick.

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