What are Stair Treads and Risers
In the world of architecture and stair construction, treads & risers are the two fundamental components that create a functional step. Understanding the difference is key to ensuring both the safety and aesthetic flow of your staircase.
The Stair Tread
The Stair Tread is the horizontal top surface of a step—the part you actually place your foot on.
- Function: It bears the weight of foot traffic and provides the necessary grip to prevent slipping.
- Design: For natural stone applications, treads are often thicker than risers (typically 30mm) and feature finished edges like Bullnose or Pencil Edge for safety and style.
The Stair Riser
The Stair Riser is the vertical portion located between each tread. It fills the gap and provides the height (the “rise”) of the staircase.
- Function: Risers provide structural support to the treads and prevent feet from sliding through the gaps.
- Design: In modern “open-rise” stairs, this piece may be absent, but in traditional stone masonry, the riser is usually thinner than the tread (typically 20mm) and often matches the stone of the tread for a seamless, solid look.
| Feature | Stair Tread | Stair Riser |
| Orientation | Horizontal (The “Step”) | Vertical (The “Height”) |
| Standard Thickness | Usually, 30mm and more | Usually, 20mm |
| Primary Goal | Slip resistance & durability | Structural backing & aesthetics |
| Key Term | The “Going” | The “Rise” |
Why Choose Natural Stone for Your Stair Tread and Riser Project?
Investing in a high-quality Stair Tread Riser system is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about structural integrity. Unlike timber or composite materials, natural stone offers:
- Exceptional Durability: Resistant to heavy foot traffic, UV exposure, and harsh Australian weather.
- Safety First: Naturally high slip-resistance (P4/P5 ratings available) for wet areas and outdoor stairs.
- Thermal Stability: Stones like Travertine and Limestone remain cool underfoot, even in the peak of summer.
- Seamless Design: Match your Step Tread and Riser perfectly with your existing paving or pool coping for a unified look.
Explore Our Premium Range of Stair Treads and Risers
Selecting the right Stair Tread Riser material is a balance of architectural vision and functional safety. At Stone Planet, we curate a diverse range of natural stones tailored for the Australian climate.
- Travertine Treads & Risers: The Mediterranean Classic
Perfectly suited for the Australian outdoor lifestyle, travertine treads & risers are a premier choice for pool surrounds and alfresco stairs.
- Thermal Performance: Known for staying remarkably cool underfoot, even in direct summer sun.
- Finish Options: Available in honed and unfilled, or honed and unfilled finishes to provide a soft, organic feel while maintaining a high P4/P5 slip-resistance rating.
- Best For: Seamless transitions from poolside paving to raised entertainment decks.
- Limestone Step Treads & Risers: Sophisticated Minimalism
For a contemporary, high-end look, limestone step treads and risers offer a sleek, uniform aesthetic.
- Visual Appeal: Features a sophisticated matte finish with subtle tonal variations ranging from creamy beige to cool greys.
- Design Flexibility: The tight grain of Limestone allows for incredibly crisp pencil edge profiles, ideal for modern architectural designs that demand clean, sharp lines.
- Best For: Indoor-to-outdoor transitions and luxury residential entryways.
- Marble Treads and Risers: Unmatched Luxury
Nothing conveys timeless elegance like marble stair treads and risers. Used for centuries in grand architecture, our marble selection is sourced for its density and striking veining.
- Premium Aesthetics: Offers a luminous quality that brightens stairwells and creates a focal point in any foyer.
- Durability: While often viewed as delicate, our sandblasted or anti slip marble treads are crafted specifically for high foot traffic durability.
- Best For: Grand internal staircases and prestigious commercial foyers.
- Bluestone Stair Treads & Risers: The Australian Staple
A favorite among Australian landscape architects, bluestone step treads and risers are celebrated for their “Cat’s Paw” texture and deep charcoal hues.
- Industrial Strength: Naturally dense and incredibly hard-wearing, Bluestone is virtually impervious to the elements.
- Safety Profile: Our sawn or exfoliated Bluestone provides a naturally high-grip surface, making it the safest step tread and riser for steep garden inclines or public walkways.
- Best For: Modern garden steps, and high foot traffic public infrastructure.
- Granite Step Treads and Risers: Indestructible Performance
When longevity is the primary concern, Granite Step Treads and Risers are the ultimate solution. Granite is one of the hardest natural stones on Earth.
- Weather Resistance: Highly resistant to scratching, staining, and salt attack—essential for coastal Australian properties.
- Texture: We recommend a flamed or bush-hammered finish to maximize safety on wet external stairs.
- Best For: High-use commercial entrances, steep outdoor stairs, and coastal environments.
- Sandstone Treads & Risers: Natural Warmth & Character
For a quintessential Australian look, sandstone treads & risers offer earthy textures and warm, sandy tones.
- Organic Texture: Each piece is unique, featuring distinct banding and a naturally grippy surface that feels solid underfoot.
- Heritage Appeal: Frequently used in restoration projects and “Hamptons-style” homes to add a touch of rustic luxury.
- Best For: Retaining wall steps, garden paths, and heritage-style renovations.
Comparison Table: Material Selection
| Material | Best For | Slip Resistance | Thermal (Heat) | Style |
| Travertine | Poolside / Alfresco | Excellent | Cool Underfoot | Mediterranean |
| Limestone | Modern Homes | High | Moderate | Minimalist |
| Marble | Interiors / Foyers | Moderate | Cool | Luxury |
| Bluestone | Garden / Public | Superior | Holds Heat | Contemporary |
| Granite | Commercial / Coastal | Superior | Holds Heat | Industrial |
| Sandstone | Landscaping | High | Moderate | Rustic/Classic |
Edges Profile – Stair Treads and Risers in Australia: Bullnose vs. Pencil Edge
The profile of your stair treads and risers significantly impacts both the safety and the final “look” of your staircase. At Stone Planet, we specialise in the two most popular finishes which are common in Australia:
Bullnose Edge
The bullnose profile features a completely rounded front edge.
- Best For: Pool areas, family homes, and traditional designs.
- Benefits: The smooth, rounded edge is comfortable for barefoot walking and minimises the risk of injury from sharp corners, making it the safest choice for households with children.
Pencil Edge
The pencil edge (also known as a micro-bevel) features a square-looking profile with the very top edge slightly “eased” or rounded off.
- Best For: Contemporary, minimalist, and sleek architectural designs.
- Benefits: It provides a crisp, clean line that highlights the thickness of the stone without the vulnerability of a sharp 90-degree angle which can chip easily.
Compliance & Standards: Stair Treads and Risers Australia
When installing stair treads and risers in Australia, adhering to the National Construction Code (NCC) and AS 1657 is vital for safety and structural integrity of your project.
- Riser Height: Generally, between 115mm and 190mm.
- Tread Depth (Going): Generally, between 240mm and 355mm.
- Slip Resistance: Highly recommended a minimum P4 rating for outdoor stairs to ensure safety during rain or in wet conditions.
- Uniformity: To prevent tripping, the variation between the largest and smallest riser in a flight should not exceed 5mm.