Dun Building Service
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Construction protection

Stair Protection

Protection for stair treads, handrails and edges.

Stair Protection

Service scope

Stair Protection

Stair-specific protection that survives the foot traffic of an active site — treads, risers, nosings and handrails included.

What's included

  • Tread and riser covers
  • Nosing edge wrap
  • Handrail sleeves
  • Stringer side protection
  • Slip-resistant top layer

Materials we use

  • Heavy-duty corrugated stair covers
  • Foam handrail sleeves
  • Slip-rated kraft + felt combo

Best suited for

  • Multi-level builds with shared stair access
  • Heritage stairs needing tread-specific protection

In depth

How this service works on site

Stairs are the single highest-traffic surface on any multi-level job. Every trade — from rough-in to handover — uses them, often with materials in hand. Treads chip, nosings split, handrails get bumped, and stringers absorb every dropped tool. Most builders cover treads with cardboard and hope; we cover treads, risers, nosings, stringers and handrails as a system.

Treads get heavy-duty corrugated covers cut to step depth. Nosings — the most fragile edge — get a wrap-around L-profile that locks under the tread cover so it can't be kicked loose. Handrails get foam sleeves with a slip-grip texture so trades carrying boxes still have a usable rail.

Slip resistance is part of the spec, not an afterthought. Top layer is rated for site footwear (boots, gum boots) — not the slick kraft paper most temporary stair covers use. We've never had a slip incident reported on a stair we protected.

Our process

From drawings to handover

  1. 01

    Stair survey

    Number of stairs, step count, tread depth, nosing profile, handrail type. For straight runs we work from drawings; curved or floating stairs we measure on site.

  2. 02

    Pre-cut covers

    Tread and riser covers pre-cut per step. Nosing wraps pre-formed to profile. No on-site trimming, no curl.

  3. 03

    Install (handrail first, treads last)

    Handrail sleeves go on first (so installers don't slip during install). Treads installed bottom-to-top. Tape sealed at riser-to-tread join.

  4. 04

    Slip-check walk-through

    We walk every step in site footwear before signing off. Anything that feels off gets re-taped or replaced same visit.

  5. 05

    Mid-build inspection

    On long jobs we come back monthly to replace impacted covers — usually 2–4 treads need swapping mid-build.

  6. 06

    Removal & condition check

    Clean removal, residue check, nosing condition documented before handover.

Why Dun

What sets this service apart

Nosings protected, not just treads

Nosing wrap locks under the tread cover so it stays put even when kicked from below. Most builders skip this — it's where 80% of stair damage shows up.

Site-rated slip resistance

Top layer matches Australian site footwear standards — not slick kraft. We don't ship stair covers that aren't safe to walk on.

Handrail sleeves with grip

Workers carrying material need a usable rail. Smooth plastic sleeves are how people fall. Ours are textured.

Pre-cut per-step

No on-site trimming. Cover sits flat to the step, taped at the back edge — doesn't curl, doesn't slip.

FAQ

Common questions about this service

What about heritage stairs with shaped nosings or carpet?

We make a profile template on site and pre-form the nosing wrap to match. For carpeted heritage stairs we add a felt underlay so the carpet pile isn't compressed.

Can the protection stay through the wet trades (rendering, painting)?

Yes — corrugated layer is moisture-resistant. We re-tape the seams after wet trades clear, because drywall dust does get into the joins.

Do you protect floating or open-riser stairs?

Yes — we wrap the tread underside as well (visible from below). Open-riser stairs get extra attention because there's nothing to hide damage.

How long does install take?

A typical 14-step single-flight stair takes 2 installers about 2 hours. Curved or floating stairs longer because of templating.

Got drawings? We'll quote your protection plan.

Send your plans and construction schedule. We'll come back within 1 business day with a customised quote.

Get a free quote