Starting a two-story home improvement project means the stairs will likely become a high-traffic area due to workers constantly going up and down. If the staircase isn’t part of the renovation, protecting it is crucial to maintain its condition and avoid costly repairs if it gets damaged.
That’s where stair protection comes in. This guide will cover the basics and offer tips on using it effectively.
What Is Temporary Stair Protection?
Temporary floor protection covers different surfaces for specific requirements, and that includes stair protection for staircases. As the term implies, it protects the bare stairs from potential damage caused by foot traffic or equipment.
It can come in various forms, but most are boards or sheets made from high-quality plastic such as polypropylene copolymer. These materials provide a thick ‘barrier’ for maximum protection and are suitable use for carpeted stairs, provided they are installed correctly.
A product like Floorgard Corry Board Stair Tread perfectly meets these features. It’s an all-purpose fluted polypropylene protective board for stair treads that is hard-wearing and impact resistant. It’s lightweight but robust, and easy to cut if modification is needed.
Know Your Options
A variety of temporary stair protection products are also available in addition to Floorgard Corry Board Stair Treads:
- Tuffcard is a reliable choice for extended projects. It is a durable cardboard roll, thicker than standard builder’s cardboard. It can be tucked into stair treads, like how cloth runners are used. For more information, refer to our ‘Guide to Tuffcard Floor Protection for Construction’.
- Slip-resistant drop cloths are another option. These look like large pieces of fabric or a long, narrow mats with textured, non-slip surfaces. You lay it over the stairs, and it stays in place to protect against damage and reduce the risk of slipping.
- Plastic stair covers are impact resistant and have a grip strip on the back for a lightweight and budget-friendly alternative. The traction strip feature is versatile and works well on various stair materials, including wood, metal, and concrete.
Overall, invest in high quality cover that can withstand high traffic, is versatile, and suitable for long-term use to ensure optimal protection.
Tips for Applying Stair Protection
Temporary stair covers don’t require demanding installation process, especially for pre-cut boards like the Corry Board Stair Tread. Most only need a few cuttings and a low tack tape to keep them in place. But to ensure they are installed correctly, follow these two tips:
- Prepare your stairs: Clean the surface of any dirt or debris before applying your chosen stair protection by wiping down or vacuuming, especially for options that require tape or adhesive backing. This ensures they stick properly. It’s best to do this at least a day before work begins to avoid rushing on the day itself.
- Tuck and secure your stair protection: For slip-resistant drop cloths or neoprene runners, lay them over the stairs and tuck them to fit the shape of the steps. Then, secure the ends to the top or bottom of the stairs and unroll, adhering as you go.
For Floorgard Corry Board Stair Tread, place the pre-cut board over the stair tread and fix the edges directly to the stairs with adhesive tape. Repeat the process for the rest of the tread.
Once your stair protection is in place and other surfaces are covered to protect them from damage, you can give the go-ahead to start the construction work!
Note: If you're unsure of the proper installation method, get a professional.
While you’re here, check out our range of temporary floor protection. We recommend Floorgard Corry Board for long-term use and demanding projects that use corrugated sheets like correx. Contact us via hello@s-pgroup.com or call +44 (028) 9442 8611. SP Group is a temporary floor protection supplier based in the UK and Ireland.