Is a staircase renovation with PVC a good idea?

Are you planning to renovate your stairs? If so, you may have come across PVC as an option. This material is increasingly being used for flooring, which has led to growing interest in whether it is also suitable for stairs. However, PVC is not a material we use – and there’s a good reason for that. In this article, we explain why renovating stairs with PVC is often less practical than you might think, and which alternatives are both more durable and more attractive.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a plastic commonly used in flooring. It is known for its sound-absorbing properties and durability. For stairs, PVC is usually glued down or fitted using a click system. The glued-down version, in particular, can reduce the sound of footsteps.

• Wear-resistant and sound-absorbing.
• Available in various colours and designs.
• When properly bonded, the stairs feel sturdy.

Renovating a staircase with PVC may seem appealing, but it has significant drawbacks:

• Preparation – PVC can only be glued to a perfectly level surface. Old staircases are often not level, so sanding and levelling are required first.
• Risk of noise – if PVC is not glued down properly, the steps may actually start to squeak or creak.
• Vulnerable to damage – once damaged, PVC is difficult to repair.
• Labour-intensive – removing adhesive residue or unevenness takes a lot of time and money.

At Upstairs, we believe that a staircase should last a lifetime. PVC requires too much preparation and does not deliver the durable quality we want to offer our customers. That is why we use stair tread covers made from high-quality materials, featuring the exclusive Upstairs Original Top Layer (AC5). This is scratch- and wear-resistant, easy to maintain, non-slip and available in countless designs: from warm wood finishes to luxurious leather or concrete looks. This way, you get the look you want, without the drawbacks of PVC.

With our unique step-by-step system, we can refurbish your staircase in a single day, without any chiselling or demolition work. And because we believe a staircase is more than just a functional feature, we’ll help you choose from a collection that complements your interior and lifestyle.

Still unsure whether to choose PVC or a sustainable staircase renovation? Book a no-obligation consultation or visit a showroom and see the difference for yourself.