Our Anti-Slip GRP Stair Treads are manufactured for demanding environments where reliable slip resistance, durability and long-term performance are important. The specifications below provide a quick reference to the product's construction, performance and suitability.

Product Information

• Material: Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP)
  
• Surface Finish: Resin-coated gritted anti-slip surface
  
• Overall Thickness: 4mm
  
• Cut to Size: Yes
  
• Cutting Tolerance: ±3mm
  
• Pre-Drilled: Available
  
• Fixings: Optional screws and adhesive
  
• Weight: 11.5kg*

*Weight supplied by the manufacturer; actual weight may vary depending on the size/configuration ordered.

Performance

• Slip Resistance: Level 3
  
• Slip Resistance Testing: BS 7976-2
  
• Dry Slip Potential: Extremely Low
  
• Wet Slip Potential: Low
  
• Oily & Greasy Slip Potential: Low
  
• Coefficient of Friction: Dry    70
  
• Coefficient of Friction: Wet    63
  
• Coefficient of Friction: Oil    51
  
• Wear Resistance: Level 3
  
• Heavy Footfall: Yes
  
• Impact Resistant: Yes
  
• Chemical Resistant: Yes
  
• UV Resistant: Yes

Environmental & Safety Properties

• Indoor Use: Yes
  
• Outdoor Use: Yes
  
• Dry Areas: Yes
  
• Wet Areas: Yes
  
• Oily & Greasy Areas: Yes
  
• Wheeled Areas: Yes
  
• Flame Retardant: Yes
  
• Temperature Resistance: -50°C to +110°C
  
• Electrical Conductivity: Non-conductive
  
• High Voltage Conductivity: Non-conductive
  
• Antimicrobial: Yes
  
• Disability Friendly: Yes – low-profile design
  

Testing & Standards

The GRP Stair Treads have undergone testing for slip resistance and fire performance, providing additional reassurance when specifying them for commercial and industrial applications.

• Slip Resistance: Tested to BS 7976-2
  
• Ignitability: Tested to EN ISO 9239-1:2010
  
• Fire Performance: ASTM E84 compliant

Good to Know

Technical specifications are useful when comparing products, but the most important factors will depend on your staircase. Consider the existing step material, level of foot traffic, exposure to moisture or contamination, and whether the tread will be installed indoors or outdoors before choosing your specification.

From the Mats4U Team

If you're ordering GRP Stair Treads for a larger project, we'd recommend checking the specifications against the conditions the staircase will actually face rather than simply choosing the product with the highest specification. For example, a lightly used internal staircase has very different requirements from an exposed external staircase with heavy footfall. If you're unsure whether these treads are suitable for your particular application, our team can help you work through the requirements before you order.

When a staircase has become worn, smooth or slippery, simply improving the front edge of each step may not address the whole problem. Anti-Slip GRP Stair Treads cover the main walking surface, providing a continuous high-grip area across the part of the step that receives the most contact.

This makes GRP Stair Treads particularly useful when the existing surface has deteriorated through years of foot traffic. Concrete can become worn and uneven, timber can lose its original finish, and painted or coated surfaces can become smooth over time. Rather than replacing an entire staircase, installing GRP stair treads provides a practical way to restore the walking surface and improve safety.

The heavy-duty gritted surface is designed to provide excellent traction underfoot, helping to reduce the risk of slips in a wide range of conditions. It remains effective in dry environments as well as areas exposed to moisture, oil or grease, making it suitable for demanding applications where maintaining reliable grip is essential.

GRP also provides the durability needed for long-term use. The Glass Reinforced Polyester construction is resistant to moisture, corrosion, UV exposure and many chemicals, while the robust grit surface is designed to withstand heavy pedestrian traffic without the problems associated with some metal-backed alternatives.

As well as improving safety, GRP Stair Treads can give an ageing staircase a cleaner and more uniform appearance. Covering chipped, worn or damaged steps can transform the look of an existing staircase without the cost and disruption associated with completely replacing the stairs.

A Practical Alternative to Replacing Worn Steps

For many refurbishment projects, replacing an entire staircase simply isn't practical. GRP Stair Treads provide an alternative by creating a new, durable walking surface over the existing step.

They can help to:

• Improve grip on worn or smooth stair surfaces.
  
• Cover minor visual damage and deterioration.
  
• Protect the existing step from further everyday wear.
  
• Give a tired staircase a more consistent appearance.
  
• Reduce the need for extensive staircase refurbishment.
  
• Provide a durable surface suitable for heavy foot traffic.

This combination of safety, protection and appearance makes GRP Stair Treads a practical option when an existing staircase needs to be improved rather than replaced.

Top Tip

Before choosing a stair tread, look closely at the condition of the entire step rather than just the front edge. If the walking surface is smooth, worn or damaged across a significant area, a full GRP Stair Tread may provide a more suitable solution than a stair nosing alone.

From the Mats4U Team

We recommend looking at the staircase as a whole when deciding which anti-slip solution you need. A stair nosing can be ideal for protecting the leading edge and adding grip where it's needed most, but a full stair tread offers considerably more coverage. If the existing step has widespread wear or you're looking to give an older staircase a consistent new surface, GRP Stair Treads are often the more comprehensive option.

A staircase can become hazardous when the walking surface becomes smooth, worn or contaminated with water, oil or grease. Anti-Slip GRP Stair Treads address this by providing a highly textured, resin-coated gritted surface across the full tread area, giving users a secure surface to place their feet as they move up and down the stairs.

Unlike a smooth painted or finished step, the coarse grit provides mechanical traction beneath footwear. This is particularly valuable in areas where moisture or contamination is difficult to avoid, such as entrances, external stairs, workshops and industrial environments.

The anti-slip surface has been tested to BS 7976-2, with testing demonstrating extremely low slip potential in dry conditions and low slip potential in wet, oily and greasy conditions. The measured Coefficient of Friction (CoF) is also strong across different conditions:

This performance makes GRP Stair Treads suitable for environments where maintaining reliable underfoot grip is an important part of staircase safety.

Continuous Grip Where People Walk

One of the main advantages of a stair tread over a narrow stair nosing is the amount of coverage provided. Rather than concentrating the anti-slip surface solely on the leading edge, a GRP Stair Tread covers the main footfall area of the step.

This can be particularly useful where the existing tread has become polished or worn across its entire surface. By creating a consistent high-grip surface from the front towards the back of the step, the tread provides traction across the area where users naturally place their feet.

The wear-resistant construction is also designed for heavy footfall, helping the anti-slip surface maintain its performance through regular use.

Did You Know?

People don't necessarily place their feet in exactly the same position on every step. Foot placement can vary depending on the staircase, the individual and whether someone is ascending or descending. Covering the main walking surface therefore provides anti-slip protection across a much greater area than treating only the leading edge.

From the Mats4U Team

When assessing an existing staircase, we recommend looking for polished or visibly worn areas across the tread, rather than focusing solely on the front edge. If you can see that the surface has become smooth where people regularly place their feet, a full GRP Stair Tread can provide a more comprehensive anti-slip solution. This is one of the key differences to consider when choosing between a stair nosing and a full stair tread.

A stair tread needs to withstand considerably more than occasional foot traffic. Every step is exposed to repeated impact, abrasion and pressure, while outdoor staircases may also have to cope with rain, frost, sunlight and changing temperatures. Our Anti-Slip GRP Stair Treads are manufactured from Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) to provide the strength and durability needed for these demanding conditions.

GRP is a composite material made by combining strong glass fibres with polyester resin. The result is a lightweight but exceptionally robust material that offers excellent resistance to impact, wear, moisture and corrosion.

This makes GRP particularly well suited to stair refurbishment. Unlike timber, it won't rot or warp when exposed to moisture. Unlike conventional metal surfaces, it won't rust, while the heavy-duty gritted surface is designed to remain securely bonded to the GRP base.

Designed for Heavy Footfall

Stairs in busy buildings can experience thousands of foot movements over their lifetime. The surface therefore needs to withstand continual abrasion without quickly becoming smooth or losing its grip.

Our GRP Stair Treads have Level 3 wear resistance and are designed for heavy footfall. The robust construction helps protect the underlying staircase while providing a durable walking surface for everyday use.

GRP is also:

• Impact resistant for demanding environments.
  
• Chemical resistant where exposure to cleaning products or industrial substances may occur.
  
• UV resistant for outdoor applications.
  
• Non-conductive, making it suitable where electrical insulation is important.
  
• Flame retardant for applications where fire performance is a consideration.
  
• Resistant to temperatures from -50°C to +110°C.

The combination of these properties means the treads aren't simply designed to improve safety when they're first installed—they're designed to continue performing as the staircase is used year after year.

Good to Know

The GRP base and gritted surface work together. The GRP provides the structural strength and environmental resistance, while the resin-coated grit creates the textured walking surface responsible for the high level of traction. This combination is what makes GRP such a practical material for heavy-duty anti-slip stair applications.

From the Mats4U Team

When you're choosing an anti-slip product for a staircase, it's worth considering what happens after installation, not just how much grip it provides on day one. Stairs are high-use surfaces, so durability is just as important as initial slip resistance. GRP gives you that combination of a hard-wearing construction and a durable anti-slip surface, which is why it's particularly well suited to stair refurbishment projects where long-term performance matters.

Anti-Slip GRP Stair Treads are designed to perform in a wide range of environments, from sheltered internal staircases to steps that are completely exposed to the weather. Their GRP construction provides the resistance needed to cope with moisture, temperature changes and everyday environmental exposure without compromising the durability of the tread.

For outdoor stairs, this is particularly important. Rainwater, frost and prolonged exposure to sunlight can gradually damage materials that aren't designed for external use. GRP is naturally resistant to these conditions, helping the stair tread remain stable and functional throughout the year.

The material is also resistant to UV exposure, meaning regular sunlight won't cause the same deterioration associated with some conventional finishes. Combined with a temperature resistance of -50°C to +110°C, the treads are designed to cope with the wide range of temperatures experienced throughout the UK.

Indoor environments can present their own challenges. Commercial and industrial staircases may be exposed to cleaning chemicals, moisture, oil or grease, while busy public stairways experience continual foot traffic. The chemical-resistant and wear-resistant construction makes GRP suitable for these demanding conditions too.

Reliable Performance in Challenging Conditions

The GRP Stair Treads are designed to withstand:

• Rain and moisture
  
• Frost and freezing temperatures
  
• UV exposure
  
• Heavy foot traffic
  
• Everyday impacts
  
• Oil and grease
  
• Many common chemicals
  
• Temperatures from -50°C to +110°C

This makes them a versatile solution where ordinary painted, timber or metal stair surfaces may struggle to provide consistent long-term performance.

Things to Consider

Outdoor stairs are exposed to more than just rain. Leaves, mud, moss, grit and other debris can accumulate on the walking surface and affect traction. Choosing a weather-resistant stair tread is important, but keeping the surface clean is equally important for maintaining its anti-slip performance.

From the Mats4U Team

If you're refurbishing an external staircase, we'd always recommend considering the complete environment rather than simply choosing a product labelled "outdoor". Think about how much rain the stairs receive, whether they're exposed to direct sunlight, how much foot traffic they experience and whether oil, grease or chemicals could be present. GRP is well suited to these conditions, but the right installation and regular cleaning are still essential for long-term performance.

Replacing a complete staircase can be expensive, disruptive and unnecessary when the underlying structure is still sound. Anti-Slip GRP Stair Treads provide a practical way to improve the appearance and performance of existing steps while helping to extend their useful life.

The full tread profile covers the main walking surface of each step, helping to conceal the visual effects of everyday wear such as discolouration, surface deterioration and minor chipped or damaged areas. This can give an older staircase a much cleaner and more consistent appearance without the disruption associated with removing and replacing the existing steps.

For commercial and public buildings, appearance can be just as important as safety. A worn staircase can make an otherwise well-maintained building look tired, while damaged edges and uneven surfaces can create an additional safety concern. Installing GRP Stair Treads addresses both issues at the same time by introducing a durable, consistent and highly visible walking surface.

A Practical Refurbishment Solution

GRP Stair Treads can be particularly useful when:

• Existing steps are worn or becoming difficult to maintain.
  
• Concrete surfaces have become chipped or damaged.
  
• Timber steps have lost their original finish.
  
• Existing painted surfaces have become smooth through heavy use.
  
• A staircase needs a more consistent and professional appearance.
  
• Replacing the complete staircase isn't practical or cost-effective.

Rather than treating every damaged step as a replacement project, GRP treads allow you to refurbish the walking surface and improve safety at the same time.

They can also help protect the original step from further everyday wear, providing an additional durable layer between the staircase and constant foot traffic.

Top Tip

GRP Stair Treads are best suited to steps where the underlying structure is still sound. They can cover and protect worn or cosmetically damaged surfaces, but they aren't intended to repair structural problems. Always address significant cracks, movement or other structural damage before installing an anti-slip tread.

From the Mats4U Team

One of the reasons we like GRP Stair Treads as a refurbishment solution is that they can solve several problems at once. If an existing staircase is looking tired, has lost its grip or has suffered surface damage, you don't necessarily need to start again with a completely new staircase. A properly fitted GRP tread can give the surface a fresh, durable finish while also improving underfoot safety.

Anti-Slip GRP Stair Treads are designed to make staircase refurbishment as straightforward as possible. The lightweight GRP construction makes each tread easy to handle and position, while the 4mm profile provides substantial coverage without adding unnecessary bulk to the existing step.

The treads can be installed onto suitable concrete, timber and metal stair surfaces and can be supplied pre-drilled to help simplify the fitting process. Optional screws and adhesive are also available if required, allowing the fixing method to be selected according to the staircase and installation requirements.

Before installation, the existing steps should be thoroughly cleaned and prepared. The surface needs to be sound and free from loose material, dirt, grease and anything else that could prevent the tread from sitting securely or affect the chosen fixing method.

Available Cut to Size

Every staircase is slightly different, which is why our GRP Stair Treads can be cut to size to suit your individual requirements.

Bespoke cutting can be particularly useful when:

• Steps have non-standard dimensions.
  
• You're refurbishing an older staircase.
  
• Individual steps vary slightly in width.
  
• You want to minimise cutting work on site.
  
• A clean, consistent finish is important.

Please note that bespoke cutting has a ±3mm cutting tolerance, so measurements should be taken carefully before ordering.

The treads can also be supplied pre-drilled, providing a convenient option for projects where mechanical fixing is required.

Buying Advice

Measure the actual stair you are fitting rather than relying on building plans or assuming every step is identical. Older staircases can have small variations between individual steps, so accurate measurements will help you order the correct size and achieve the best possible fit.

From the Mats4U Team

For refurbishment projects, we recommend taking the time to prepare the existing stairs properly before fitting the treads. Even the best anti-slip product won't perform as intended if it's installed over loose material, dirt or an unstable surface. A little extra preparation at the beginning can make the installation much easier and help ensure the finished result remains secure for years to come.

One of the advantages of Anti-Slip GRP Stair Treads is that they require very little ongoing maintenance. The durable Glass Reinforced Polyester construction and hard-wearing gritted surface are designed for long-term use, without the need for regular painting, sealing or refinishing.

However, like any anti-slip surface, the tread performs best when its textured surface is kept reasonably clean. Over time, dirt, mud, dust and other debris can build up between the grit, particularly on outdoor stairs or in busy commercial environments. Regular cleaning helps maintain the texture of the surface and allows it to continue providing reliable underfoot grip.

For everyday cleaning, a stiff brush will normally be enough to remove loose dirt and debris. For more stubborn soiling, the treads can be washed with warm water and a mild detergent. Where a deeper clean is needed, a pressure washer on a low-pressure setting can also be used.

Recommended Cleaning Routine

To help keep your GRP Stair Treads in good condition, we recommend:

• Brush regularly to remove loose dirt and debris.
  
• Wash with warm water and mild detergent when required.
  
• Use a stiff brush for ingrained dirt.
  
• Use a low-pressure pressure washer for heavier soiling where appropriate.
  
• Remove leaves, moss and mud regularly from external staircases.
  
• Periodically inspect the treads and fixings to make sure everything remains secure.

A simple cleaning routine is usually all that's needed to maintain the appearance and anti-slip performance of the treads.

Top Tip

Don't wait until the treads look visibly dirty before cleaning them. In busy or outdoor areas, regular light cleaning is often more effective than occasional intensive cleaning because it helps prevent dirt from becoming compacted into the textured surface.

From the Mats4U Team

From our experience with anti-slip matting and safety surfaces, the key to long-term performance is usually consistency rather than complicated maintenance. A quick brush as part of your normal cleaning routine can prevent dirt from building up and is often enough to keep the surface performing well. For external stairs especially, regular removal of leaves, mud and moss will help you get the best possible grip from your GRP Stair Treads.

1. What are Anti-Slip GRP Stair Treads?

Anti-Slip GRP Stair Treads are durable covers fitted over the walking surface of existing steps to improve grip and help reduce the risk of slips and falls. They are manufactured from Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) with a resin-coated gritted surface that provides excellent traction in dry, wet and oily conditions.

2. What is the difference between a stair tread and a stair nosing?

A stair tread covers the main walking surface of the step, while a stair nosing is primarily designed to cover and protect the front edge. If the existing walking surface is worn, smooth or damaged across a significant area, a full GRP Stair Tread may provide a more comprehensive anti-slip solution.

3. Can GRP Stair Treads be installed over existing steps?

Yes. GRP Stair Treads are designed as a refurbishment solution and can be installed over suitable existing concrete, timber and metal steps. The underlying staircase should be structurally sound, clean and properly prepared before installation.

4. Can GRP Stair Treads be used outdoors?

Yes. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. GRP is resistant to moisture, UV exposure and temperature extremes from -50°C to +110°C, making the treads suitable for external staircases exposed to changing weather conditions.

5. Are GRP Stair Treads suitable for wet and oily environments?

Yes. The heavily textured gritted surface provides excellent traction in wet, oily and greasy conditions. The product has been tested to BS 7976-2, with a Coefficient of Friction of 63 in wet conditions and 51 in oil.

6. Are GRP Stair Treads suitable for heavy foot traffic?

Yes. The treads have Level 3 wear resistance and are designed for heavy footfall. Their robust GRP construction and hard-wearing anti-slip surface make them suitable for staircases that experience frequent daily use.

7. Can the stair treads be cut to size?

Yes. Our GRP Stair Treads can be cut to size to suit individual staircase dimensions. Bespoke cutting is particularly useful when working with older staircases where individual steps may vary slightly in width.

8. What is the cutting tolerance?

The manufacturer's stated cutting tolerance is ±3mm. We recommend taking accurate measurements before ordering, particularly when bespoke cut lengths are required.

9. Can GRP Stair Treads be supplied pre-drilled?

Yes. Pre-drilled options are available to help simplify installation. Optional screws and adhesive can also be purchased if required.

10. Should I use screws, adhesive or both?

The appropriate fixing method depends on the existing staircase and installation conditions. Concrete, timber and metal surfaces can have different fixing requirements. In some applications, mechanical fixings may be appropriate, while others may benefit from adhesive or a combination of both. If you're unsure, our team can help you determine the most suitable approach.

11. Can GRP Stair Treads cover damaged or chipped steps?

They can help improve the appearance and usability of steps with surface-level wear, chips or cosmetic damage, provided the underlying staircase remains structurally sound. They should not be used to conceal significant structural damage, movement or unsafe steps. Any structural problems should be repaired before installing the treads.

12. Are GRP Stair Treads suitable for wheelchair users?

The low-profile 4mm construction makes them suitable for many environments where accessibility is important. However, accessibility requirements vary between buildings and applications, so the complete staircase should be assessed against the relevant building regulations and accessibility guidance.

13. How do I clean GRP Stair Treads?

For everyday cleaning, use a stiff brush to remove dirt and debris. More stubborn dirt can be removed with warm water and a mild detergent. A pressure washer can also be used on a low-pressure setting where appropriate.

14. Will the anti-slip surface wear away?

The resin-coated gritted surface is designed to provide long-lasting slip resistance and has Level 3 wear resistance, making it suitable for heavy foot traffic. As with any safety surface, normal wear will occur over time, but correct installation and regular cleaning will help maximise its service life.

15. How do I measure my stairs for GRP Stair Treads?

Measure the width and depth of each individual step rather than assuming every step is identical. This is particularly important when working with older staircases, where small variations are common. If you're ordering bespoke cut-to-size treads, accurate measurements will help ensure the best possible fit.

16. Are GRP Stair Treads fire resistant?

The treads contain fire-retardant additives and have been tested for fire performance, including ASTM E84 and ignitability testing to EN ISO 9239-1:2010. If you're specifying them for a particular regulated project, always check the required fire performance standard for your application.

17. How long do GRP Stair Treads last?

Their service life depends on factors such as foot traffic, environmental exposure, installation quality and maintenance. However, the combination of GRP construction, Level 3 wear resistance and a hard-wearing gritted surface is designed to provide many years of reliable performance when correctly installed and maintained.

Still unsure which stair safety solution you need?

If you're deciding between a GRP Stair Tread and Stair Nosing, or you're unsure about measurements, fixing methods or suitability for your staircase, our team is happy to help.

From the Mats4U Team

Choosing the right stair safety product isn't always about selecting the product with the most features. The condition of the existing staircase and where people are actually experiencing the most wear are just as important. If the entire walking surface has become worn or slippery, a GRP Stair Tread can provide more complete coverage than a stair nosing. If the main issue is the front edge, a nosing may be the more appropriate solution.