Industry News

Staircases are an integral part of every building, making stone stair products a common choice in stone processing. These products are produced in large quantities, involve simple craftsmanship, yet frequently face issues such as broken edges, chipped corners, and safety hazards, which compromise both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of stone staircases.

This article delves into common problems encountered in stone staircase design and processing, providing analysis and improvement suggestions.

1. Problems and Analysis

(1) Adhesive Strips Detachment

One of the most common issues with stone stairs is the detachment of adhesive strips, which can lead to thinner steps prone to damage.

Causes:

1. Adhesive Issues: Improper use of adhesive with low bonding strength.

2. Surface Preparation: Inadequate treatment of the adhesive strip and step surface.

3. Design Flaws: Insufficient contact area for bonding, lack of reinforcement, and unsupported adhesive strips in the design.

4. Environmental Factors: Outdoor exposure to natural elements that weaken the adhesive.

(2) Edge Damage

Causes:

1. Incorrect material selection (e.g., fragile marble or granite with high water absorption).

2. Thin panels (e.g., less than 20mm).

3. External impacts and prolonged exposure to harsh weather.

4. Excessive overhang of the panel edges.

(3) Panel Damage and Cracking

Causes:

1. Defective materials, inadequate repairs, and insufficient thickness or strength.

2. Impact forces and long-term load stresses.

(4) Stair Fractures

Causes:

1. Pre-existing cracks not reinforced properly.

2. Use of thin or low-strength materials.

(5) Uneven Thickness

Some stone stairs feature inconsistent thickness, causing uneven surfaces after installation and aesthetic issues.

(6) Complex Edge Shapes

Overly complex edge designs increase processing difficulty, leading to higher risks of breakage and polishing challenges.

(7) Loose Riser Panels

Riser panels can easily detach when improperly bonded to tread panels, as shown in some designs.

(8) Double-Layer Riser Panels

Double-layer designs, though aesthetically pleasing, complicate processing and installation unnecessarily.

(9) Overly Dense Anti-Slip Grooves

Anti-slip grooves that are too narrow and dense reduce structural integrity, making edges more prone to damage.

(10) Jointed Narrow Panels

Narrow, jointed panels without reinforcement are prone to detachment and pose safety hazards.

(11) Stone Degradation

Improper material selection for outdoor use can result in discoloration, erosion, or structural weakening.

2. Improvement Measures

(1) Eliminate Adhesive Strips in Stair Design

Design stairs without adhesive strips or use wider, reinforced strips to ensure durability. Solid risers can support adhesive strips to enhance strength.

(2) Use Solid Stone Stairs

Solid stone stairs improve stability, load-bearing capacity, and impact resistance, offering a robust and secure solution.

(3) Reduce Overhang

Limit panel overhang to enhance strength and minimize damage risks.

(4) Optimize Edge Polishing

Simple edge designs such as small or large chamfers improve aesthetics and durability while simplifying processing.

(5) Use Rounded Edges

Rounded edges offer a visually pleasing and practical solution for preventing damage.

(6) Enhance Stone Protection

Apply protective treatments to prevent water, dirt, and UV damage, and ensure regular cleaning and maintenance.

(7) Redesign Anti-Slip Grooves

Space anti-slip grooves appropriately and avoid overly dense designs. Use wide, shallow grooves or rough-textured finishes for effective anti-slip functionality.

(8) Reinforce Jointed Panels

Secure jointed panels with steel or other reinforcement materials to prevent detachment and ensure safety.

(9) Adjust Width for Stability

Widen jointed panel sections to enhance structural integrity and prevent separation.

(10) Opt for Rough Surface Finishes

For public areas, rough surfaces improve safety by increasing friction, even in wet conditions.

3. Quality Control in Processing

(1) Surface Quality

1. Ensure repairs are smooth and well-matched in color.

2. Maintain uniform roughness for textured surfaces.

(2) Edge Polishing

Achieve consistent shape and size with no visible defects.

(3) Adhesive Bonding

Use high-strength adhesives and minimize visible seams (<0.5mm).

(4) Panel Joints

Ensure natural transitions between panels with minimal color or thickness variations.

By addressing these design and processing issues, stone stairs can achieve a balance of aesthetics, durability, and safety.