Staircases with environmentally friendly materials — solution for conscious people
It’s no secret that in recent years, people have been thinking more and more about ecology issues. For example, the UK authorities are putting more effort into improving the ecological state of the country, as you can see in the Office for National Statistics report. Staircases are no exception, as natural materials are required to create them. Which materials should be favoured to ensure that your staircase is highly functional without harming nature?
Some studies have shown that using only eco-friendly materials will help to improve the air condition in the house or contribute to the improvement of the ecological state of the world. In this article, we will tell you about the most common sustainable staircase materials and the principles everyone should follow.
Why should you favour eco materials?
When people plan to build a private or public staircase, they usually look at the aspects of safety, functionality and aesthetics. This is normal, as your staircase should meet all construction standards and also be attractive. However, you should also be careful when choosing materials for your staircase. Here’s why you should focus on eco-friendlier materials:
- Health safety. Obviously, eco-friendly staircase materials are clean, so they don’t emit any toxins. This means that you will be breathing in clean air.
- Conservation of natural resources. Certified materials are manufactured with minimal impact on the environment. Thus, you are not harming nature.
- Durability. Natural materials are characterised by high strength and durability. For example, hardwoods with proper treatment can last up to 50 years.
Another benefit is the unique look of such materials. For example, if we talk about natural wood or stone, they can have attractive patterns. At V.P Stairs, we often choose only the best pieces of stone or wood for our clients. We look for pieces with beautiful materials that can become the main focal point of the staircase.
List of eco-friendly materials for staircase
Are you considering a staircase renovation or building from scratch? Then you are most likely getting stuck on the issue of choosing materials, as there is a huge choice on the market these days. Don’t forget that experts recommend making stairs with eco-friendly materials. That’s why we decided to prepare for you a selection of four common eco-friendly materials that are used for staircases.
1. Certified wood
The first eco-friendly material that is most often found in staircase projects is wood. However, the chosen wood must have the licensed mark. This way you can be sure that the material has been harvested in a sustainable way. Such wood comes from forests where strict standards of ecosystem restoration and protection are observed.
What are the most popular types of wood for stairs? Actually, this material is used for both steps and balustrades. Oak, ash and cherry are the frequent choices of people. You can learn more about the features of the types of wood used in staircases in our article.
2. Recycled metal
Metals such as steel or aluminium are an excellent choice for creating stairs due to their durability, resistance to external factors and recyclability. Recycled metal minimises the use of natural resources and also reduces the carbon footprint of manufacturing.
Recycled metal staircases are suitable for modern loft or hi-tech interiors, combining functionality and minimalist design. Metal structures treated with protective coatings are corrosion resistant and last for decades, maintaining their performance.
3. Natural stone
There are many reasons to choose natural stone for staircases and ecology is among them. We often use this material in our projects because our customers love stone types such as granite and marble. These are unique materials, as each piece can vary in patterns.
Stone is resistant to wear and tear, moisture, and temperature changes. This makes it ideal for both interior and exterior use. Moreover, stone is an all-natural material that does not emit harmful substances and does not require complicated recycling, making it an eco-friendly choice.
4. Glass
Glass balustrades and glass step elements are a stylish and eco-friendly choice for modern interiors. Why is glass considered eco-friendlier? It’s quite simple – glass is easily recyclable, so it is often reused to create necessary items. Today, such technologies are used in various industries, including industrial construction.
Just look at our completed Tottenham project, where the main stand-out element is the glass balustrade. In this project we used triplex glass, which is made from many layers. This allows the balustrade to withstand even heavy loads.
Your eco-friendly staircase at V.P Stairs
At V.P Stairs, we pride ourselves on using predominantly eco-friendly materials for our staircases. We only work with trusted and licensed material suppliers in the UK. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the quality of materials. You can explore our portfolio to see how natural stone, wood and glass can be harmoniously combined in projects.
Are you struggling to decide which materials are best for your staircase project? Don’t worry, because you can always turn to the experts at V.P Stairs. Contact us for a free consultation. We will be happy to discuss your future staircase with you and help you realise a project of any complexity!
5 Comments
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vpstairs
Thanks for your question!!! Some individuals and companies do use bamboo to build stairs. However, we have completely abandoned this idea. We only work with tried and tested and reliable materials to ensure a high level of safety and functionality in every project.
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Sebastian Hughes
Yeah, people should change their minds right now. Eco materials are something that should be used everywhere, including the creation of staircases.
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Grace Palmer
Really appreciate that you’ve highlighted health as well as sustainability. People often think about the environment but forget they have to breathe in whatever’s been used inside the house every single day.
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Alfie Douglas
A lot of “green” solutions sound good on paper but don’t wear well. Natural stone and well-treated hardwoods are classic for a reason.
Leo Hill
I’ve read on other web sites that people often use bamboo in building a staircase. It is a cheap material that grows quickly. Can it really be used to get a safe and functional staircase or is it nothing more than a myth?