Step Covering
Surface material applied to a stair tread.
The step covering is the material applied as a surface to a stair tread. In clad stairs (shell construction in concrete), the covering determines the staircase's appearance, feel and impact sound. Common covering materials are solid timber, natural stone, tiles, laminate, vinyl, carpet or cork. The choice of step covering significantly affects walking comfort, maintenance effort, slip resistance and impact-sound insulation.