Non-Slip Stair Treads for Terrazzo: Customization Guide

Terrazzo stair treads are customizable with non-slip nosing options, including carborundum abrasive channels, metal inserts, and photoluminescent strips. Customization covers the number of abrasive lines, epoxy color, line thickness, and overall tread dimensions.

Non-slip stair treads are an effective solution for preventing slips and falls. In this blog post, we will discuss why they are important and the customization options available for terrazzo stairs.

Adding Traction with Each Terrazzo Step

Non-slip terrazzo stair treads are precast terrazzo units manufactured with abrasive or inset nosing systems that increase traction at the leading edge of each step.

Terrazzo is a smooth and polished material. It is recommended to add traction to the nosing of a terrazzo stair tread. This provides safety for people in public spaces and is advantageous in helping people with mobility issues, children, and seniors navigate the stairs. Today, terrazzo is commonly installed in high-traffic spaces. These spaces include schools, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and other commercial settings.

Why Are Non-Slip Stair Treads Important?

Stair falls send over 1 million people to the emergency room in the United States annually, according to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine. Non-slip stair treads are an effective way to prevent accidents. Terrazzo stair treads are designed to provide traction via carborundum abrasives. These channels can vary in terms of the number of lines, thickness, and colors.

Non-slip stairs directly address primary compliance requirements:

• ADA (Section 504): “Stair surfaces must be stable, firm, and slip-resistant; COF of 0.60+ recommended for walkways.”
• OSHA 1910.24F: “All treads shall be reasonably slip-resistant, and the nosings shall have a nonslip finish.”
• IBS/ICC A117.1: “Requires tread surfaces to be stable, firm, and slip-resistant.”

What are Non-Slip Nosing Options for Terrazzo Stair Treads?

There are different options for non-slip terrazzo stair tread nosings that TERRAZZCO can support, with carborundum being our highly suggested option.

Carborundum Abrasive Channels (Standard Option)

Carborundum is a combination of epoxy and abrasive material in channels cut along the nosing of the tread. It is the most common non-slip treatment for precast terrazzo stairs. Carborundum can be added by an installer at the project site or added during precast production.

• Number of channels: typically 1-3; specifiable as needed
• Channel thickness is customizable
• Epoxy color is customizable to match or contrast the tread mix design.

Applying Carborundum

Carborundum channels are applied using one of two methods:

• Factory application (precast shop): Channels are cut and filled during production before the precast is shipped to the project site. This ensures uniform color matching and quality control.
• Field application (on-site installer): The installer cuts channels and applies carborundum after the treads are set. This method gives flexibility for field conditions but requires an experienced installer for consistent results.

Factory application is preferred for color-critical or high-visibility specifications.

Stair Tread Designs

Precast terrazzo is manufactured onsite and delivered to the construction site for installation. Here are some examples of stair tread designs using carborundum.

Metal Inserts (Premium Option)

Metal inserts are embedded into the nosing. While carborundum provides better traction, metal inserts are also used to provide slip resistance and distinct visual detail. Premium costs apply compared to carborundum.

Photoluminescent Strips (Premium Safety Option)

Photoluminescent strips are embedded into the tread nosing to provide visibility in low-light and emergency conditions. This primary benefit is reliable illumination during power outages and emergency situations. Premium costs apply.

What Dimensions and Configurations Can Be Specified?

Terrazzo stair treads are fully custom-fabricated. Standard specification variables include:

• Tread length and depth
• Riser height
• Nosing Profile
• Number of abrasive lines
• Abrasive epoxy color
• Curved or radius treads 

Contact Us for Details!

Terrazzo stairs are a beautiful and durable option for anyone looking to upgrade their staircase. Terrazzo stair treads come with a lot of customization options that fit your unique style preferences. You can choose from a variety of colors and finishes to create a custom look.

Concord Terrazzo Company is a precast terrazzo manufactuer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. We provide guidance in developing custom stair treads for terrazzo projects. Need assistance? Contact us today for more information. Message us today!