open Riser Concrete Stair Treads

Open Riser Precast Concrete Stair Treads

Open riser concrete stair treads or slab treads have the simplest design, as they have a rectangular profile. This gives the advantage of flexibility of the design as a whole as the risers may be made of a contrasting material, such as steel, to create a wide variety of overall aesthetics.

When combined with a connection to end stringers, this gives the impression of a floating stair, with open air between them. Of course, care must be taken with such a design, as building codes and standards often limit the open dimension allowed between stairs.

Another common design choice for open riser stair treads is to adhere them directly to a substrate of either wood or steel, which creates contrast with the concrete giving the stair a solid look and feel while minimizing the thickness, and therefor weight, of the stair treads themselves.

Regardless of substrate or connection mechanism, at all times it is common practice to overlap the leading edge of the stair tread over the tread below it. Doing so gives a larger overall tread wear surface while maintaining a steep rise to the stair run and thereby optimizing the overall footprint of the stairwell. There are, of course, limitations within the building code and comfort of those using the stairs.

These precast concrete treads offer the best combination of performance, durability, and safety. One of the most important factors about these closed riser concrete stair treads is their ability to withstand the harsh environment that is often found in exterior settings of residential and commercial buildings. With these benefits, you can see why they are so popular in residential and commercial applications.

Plus, the treads do not need to be replaced as often as some other options. They can stand for decades, saving money and time in both construction and maintenance. And, because they are so resistant to the environment, you can be sure that the closed riser concrete stair treads are built to last.

In addition to offering the safety benefits, these flat risers are also able to create a dramatic visual impact in your space. Treads, without the integrated riser, allow the open riser treads to stand as their own design element or, more often, to blend seamlessly with the other horizontal and vertical elements and allowing for a cohesive design.

The cost of open riser concrete stair treads can vary and are typically less expensive than a similar closed riser concrete stair tread. Pricing depends upon the details of the design including connection method, nosing details, embeds and finish. Prices for a designer-grade installation typically range between $65 to $105 per foot.