The V.PSTAIRS Approach to Selecting Staircase Materials
When contacting professional staircase builders in the UK, you want to be sure that your future staircase will meet high-quality standards. Undoubtedly, a staircase must meet parameters such as safety, functionality and aesthetics. One important question is what materials are used. What are their thickness, strength and other parameters?
At V.PSTAIRS, we always make sure that we use only high-quality materials for all our projects. We avoid template solutions and cheap designs because we value our reputation and put customer safety as our number one priority. So, in this article, we have compiled our basic principles for selecting materials for staircases!
Key Takeaways
- The right staircase material depends on function, environment and budget, not just appearance.
- We apply a 5-factor framework balancing aesthetics, structure, compliance, lifecycle cost and sustainability.
- We work only with verified suppliers and full-thickness materials. No thin cladding or shortcuts.
- Each material has a clear role: wood for warmth, stone for permanence, glass for light, metal for strength.
Determining Which Staircase You Need
Before we talk about timber species or sleek steel, we first define what your staircase must do. Use and load come first: is it a busy family route, a statement flight in a reception space, or a discreet link to a loft? Geometry follows because form sets structural demands and fixing methods. We also evaluate the site context: humidity, daylight, acoustics and the surrounding finishes.
Budget is not an afterthought. Why? It frames the feasible material palette and the level of detailing. With your budget window agreed, we can recommend smart pairings. For example, a steel core with oak cladding for durability and warmth, or stone treads where mass and permanence are desired. We map lifecycle upkeep too, balancing finish options, slip resistance, and cleaning needs, so your staircase performs truly beautifully for years ahead without unwanted surprises.
Discover common mistakes in staircase planning here → https://vpstairs.com/common-mistakes-in-staircase-planning/
The V.PSTAIRS 5-Factor Material Framework
We choose materials through a clear, repeatable lens that balances design intent with real-world performance. First, we define how the staircase should feel and function in your space, then test options against engineering, safety and ownership over time. This keeps proposals beautiful, buildable and aligned to your budget from day one.
- Aesthetics & space identity. Tone, texture and light; how timber, metal, glass or stone express your interior.
- Structural performance. Stiffness, spans, fixings and tolerance; suitable for straight, floating, helical or cantilevered forms.
- Regulatory compliance. Rise/run geometry, balustrade height and gaps, glass specification and loadings, aligned with our building regulations guidance.
- Lifecycle cost. Not just upfront price: finishing, cleaning, wear layers and refinish cycles over 5–10+ years.
- Sustainability & sourcing. Verified suppliers, responsible species/grades, waste minimisation and durable detailing.
We then present a short-list with samples, pros/cons and indicative costs, so you can see exactly how each option meets the brief and the regulations!
Materials We Recommend and When
As you may have already understood, a lot depends on the staircase materials used in the project. If you come to us without a clear understanding of the details, we will always help you with the final choice. We recommend only the best materials (and explain why) for your specific case. So, let us tell you more about the main materials used in our projects!
1. Wood
We prioritise stability and longevity in wood materials. Solid timber treads are typically 15–50 mm thick (not thin overlays), kiln-dried to 8–12% moisture, then finished for the traffic level. Oak, ash, or walnut can clad a steel core or form solid treads/handrails. We specify end-grain sealing, slip-resistant finishes and expansion gaps—so the staircase feels warm, stays quiet and wears evenly.
2. Stone
We never use ultra-thin stone to cut costs. Treads are specified at ≥ 20 mm (often 20–30 mm) with full substrate preparation and mechanical fixings. Textured or honed finishes improve traction; edges are eased for chip resistance. Our approach to stone materials delivers silence and presence, while robust detailing keeps maintenance low for decades, luxury without compromise on safety or durability.
3. Glass
Only laminated, toughened glass and never single-pane. Typical make-ups are 17.5–21.5 mm (thickness tuned to span and fixing type). Low-iron options keep edges clean; privacy or acoustic interlayers are available. We use tested channels or point-fixings with continuous handrails for stiffness and safe handling. Expect routine cleaning, rewarded by maximum light, openness and a calm, contemporary feel.
4. Metal
Metals are the backbone: precision, span and slim sightlines. Stringers are laser-cut from 8–12 mm steel plate (or engineered box sections), with powder-coat protection; exterior work can be hot-dip galvanised. For balustrades and fixings we prefer stainless 316 where exposure demands it. Metals pair naturally with timber or stone treads.
By choosing V.PSTAIRS, You Get the Best Quality
Now you know how responsibly we approach the selection of materials for our customers’ future staircases. For the V.PSTAIRS team, high quality and durability are a priority, which is why we focus only on the best products. That is why we provide a transparent and honest process of cooperation where you are aware of every stage and every step we take. This helps you become part of the process and ensure that everything goes according to plan.
Do you already have ideas for your future staircase, or are you just thinking about possible solutions? Either way, get in touch with us in any way that’s convenient for you to get a free consultation. We’ll help you get a clear picture of the project in your mind and make your final choice. After that, we’ll take measurements and get to work. Start your journey with V.PSTAIRS!
