Application

Stairs

Terrazzo stairs are frequently fabricated as precast units to ensure maximum structural integrity, quality control, and uniformity across the treads and risers. Instead of being poured on-site, these components are custom-molded and cured in a controlled factory environment. Each precast tread is engineered with internal steel reinforcement to provide the necessary tensile strength to handle heavy foot traffic. The mix design mirrors standard terrazzo flooring, utilizing either a cementitious or epoxy matrix blended with specific marble or glass aggregate gradations. To satisfy safety standards, the units are fabricated with dedicated channels cast directly into the leading edge to house slip-resistant abrasive strips, which run nearly the full width of the stair.
The installation and execution p h a s e relies on strict site protocols. Installers must maintain a stable ambient temperature with adequate ventilation to allow adhesives and grouts to cure predictably. Because the grinding, polishing, and installation touch-ups can generate significant water slurry and dust, surrounding finishes must be fully protected from contamination. The precast units are then permanently secured to the underlying concrete or steel sub-stair structure using a high-performance, two-component epoxy adhesive formulated for maximum bond strength.
Once fixed in place, the stairs undergo a rigorous finishing and alignment process. While the surface is kept wet, heavy-duty machinery executes a multi-stage rough grinding process, starting with coarse diamond abrasive stones to flatten the joints, followed by finer grit stones to eliminate surface blemishes and tool marks. This continuous grinding exposes the clean, beautiful cross-sections of the embedded aggregate. To ensure a safe and visually seamless transition between the precast stairs and the adjoining floors, the final assembly is ground to a stringent flatness tolerance, ensuring no noticeable deviation across the entire span.