10 June 2026

PVC, laminate or tread covers? A guide for your staircase renovation

Three routes to a staircase that looks brand new: what the choices mean for looks, price and lifespan — and what to do with an open staircase.

The first choice is the form of renovation. If the steps themselves are still flat and sound, cladding suffices: every step gets a made-to-measure new top layer (€ 1,000-2,500 per standard staircase). If the step noses are worn round, damaged or hollowed out — or the staircase is concrete — tread covers are the more durable route: complete new treads over the old ones (€ 1,500-3,500). The specialist assesses it while measuring up; rule of thumb: the more the old step itself is the problem, the sooner you end up with tread covers.

If you choose cladding, the second question is: PVC or laminate? Both are hard-wearing and sit in the same price band, so it is mainly a question of use. PVC is thinner, slightly quieter underfoot and handles moisture better — practical on a staircase to a bathroom or basement. Laminate feels harder and often has a more convincing wood texture. For maximum grip, ask about versions with an anti-slip top layer and anti-slip profiles on the step noses.

If you have an open staircase, a third choice appears: leave it open or close it with risers (€ 750-2,000). Closing makes the staircase safer for small children and pets, dampens noise and draught between floors, and gives a calmer look. It is often combined directly with cladding — the risers then come in the same or a deliberately contrasting colour and you pay the fitting cost once.

What it is not: paintwork. Painting or varnishing a staircase is a different job with a different trade behind it — this is about a new hard-wearing layer built for decades of use. Unsure in your situation? Choose 'I don't know yet' in your request: the specialist brings samples to the measuring appointment. The current bands per form of renovation are in the price index.