Transforming a Concrete Staircase with Wood in Porreres
This project in Porreres involved updating an existing concrete staircase that had been painted with concrete paint. The client wanted to bring a warmer, more natural feel to the stairs, so we decided to add wood.
After evaluating several options, I chose plywood panels with a 4mm Iroko hardwood veneer. This material struck the perfect balance between cost-effectiveness and strength, offering a durable, attractive finish.
The real challenge was the irregular shape of the staircase. Instead of neat, straight lines, I had to work with an uneven surface. To address this, I used a strong, thick high-tack adhesive to secure the wooden panels. For the angled edges of the stairs, I carefully cut the wood to match the slant. The rest was all about precision, using a bevel tool to ensure everything fit perfectly.
One issue that couldn’t be fully addressed was the uneven depth of the steps. After discussing it with the client, we decided to standardize the depth of all the treads. This decision not only created a more uniform look from above but also improved safety by offering a more consistent stepping surface. However, this approach meant that some steps featured a nice "nose," while others were flush with the riser.
Once the wood was installed, I treated each step multiple times to ensure durability and protection. Initially, I had planned to glue anti-slip strips to the front of the steps to help protect this vulnerable area. However, the client preferred the cleaner look and decided to take the risk of potential damage. The option to add anti-slip strips later is still open. I did, however, treat the edges with a special finish to protect the end grain.
At first, I left the gaps between the steps unfilled, as I felt it gave a cleaner, more natural look. After some time, though, the client requested that the gaps be sealed to prevent dirt from accumulating. I chose a light brown caulk that blended well with the wood, giving the staircase a polished, finished appearance.
This project was a rewarding transformation, turning a simple concrete staircase into a warm, functional feature of the home.
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P.S. All photos used in this blog are taken on the job by myself or a colleague and, where necessary, checked with the property owner. I retain full ownership of the photos.