Yellostone microtopping
Microtopping for stairs
Treads and risers in one piece, without replacing the staircase.
Yellostone microtopping covers an existing staircase at 2 to 3 mm: treads, risers and, if you wish, the landing and the living-room floor in the same shade. The staircase stays in place, with nothing to remove and no rubble.
Which stairs can you cover?
With the bonding primer, microtopping bonds to most indoor staircases:
- Concrete stairs: the ideal substrate. They are sanded, dusted, then primed.
- Tiled stairs: the grout lines are filled first with a skim to zero, or they show through. See our page on microtopping over tiles.
- Wood-panel treads: possible if they are stable, screwed and glued.
- Solid wood: avoid it. It moves with humidity, and the coating would follow its movements.
Your stockist can tell you the right preparation for your staircase.
Why it holds up on stairs
- Cement-free, it does not crack, on horizontal and vertical surfaces alike. Most microcement is cement-based; ours is not.
- Two coats of varnish, matt or satin at the same price, protect the treads from wear and stains.
- Easy to clean: water and a mild soap.
How much microtopping for a staircase?
Microtopping is sold by the m², in 5 m² kits. For a straight staircase of 15 steps, 90 cm wide, allow about 0.4 m² per step (tread and riser), so 6 m²: order 10 m². The rest can go on the landing or a wall, and the product does not dry out in the tub.
Application in brief
Sanding and vacuuming, primer, three coats of microtopping, then two coats of varnish. Allow 4 to 5 days on site. The stairs must not be used for 3 to 4 days, and they reach full strength after 7 days: plan another way upstairs while the work is going on.
A careful DIYer can do their own staircase; to get your hand in, we run training courses.
Choosing a shade for your stairs
Every shade in the colour chart works, at the same price per m²: grey microtopping for a raw concrete look, beige or white for a brighter staircase. For stairs that open onto the living room, match the shade of the floor.
What surfaces can microtopping go on?
| Substrate | Application | Main condition |
|---|---|---|
| Cement screed or slab | Suitable | Sound, dry, stable and prepared substrate |
| Underfloor heating | Suitable, following the protocol | Heating run beforehand, stability, movement joints respected |
| Existing tiles | Possible after inspection | Adhesion, stability, sanding and the right primer |
| Plasterboard on walls | Suitable | Rigid boards, treated joints and preparation |
| Wood or wood-based panels | Suitable except solid wood | Dimensional stability and sound assembly (screwed and glued) |
| Terracotta or damp substrate | Not recommended on substrates soaked deep with old oil or wax. Max. moisture 5% | Surface and moisture check required beforehand |
Frequently asked questions
Can you put microtopping on existing stairs?
Yes, without removing anything. With the bonding primer, it bonds to concrete stairs, tiled stairs and stable wood-panel stairs.
Can microtopping go on wooden stairs?
On stable panel treads, screwed and glued, yes. On solid wood, no: it moves with humidity.
How long are the stairs out of use?
Allow 4 to 5 days to apply, then keep off them for 3 to 4 days. They reach full strength after 7 days.
How much microtopping do I need for stairs?
About 0.4 m² per 90 cm wide step, riser included. A 15-step staircase is about 6 m², so order 10 m².