Floating backlit onyx staircase
We made this staircase with onyx treads lit from inside. At about 3 cm thick the stone lets LED light through and shows white, cream and grey bands you don't see in daylight.
The job
The treads come straight out of the wall, with nothing underneath to carry them and open gaps between steps. A full-height glass panel acts as the balustrade and a light strip in the floor carries on down the corridor. The structure is hidden in the wall.
How a lit tread is made
Usually it's a box, onyx on top, at the front and underneath, with LEDs inside and a diffuser so you don't get bright spots. Onyx is brittle, so it's backed with a resin mesh or glued to laminated glass. The LEDs have to be reachable, and the driver goes somewhere dry.
Safety
On a stair used all day we'd hone the top lightly, because polished onyx gets slippery when you come down in socks. Clean with mild soap only, no vinegar.
Before we cut
Someone has to calculate the wall anchors, and we need to know how a broken tread gets replaced. Until that's on the drawings, we can't quote it properly.
See staircases and onyx, or call +33 7 45 20 76 39.
Frequently asked questions
Another question? Call the workshop: 07 45 20 76 39
Is onyx strong enough for treads?
Not on its own. It needs a backing or a hidden structure, and that's designed first.
Do the LEDs heat the stone?
Hardly, but the box still needs air. Too close and you see bright dots.
How do I clean onyx treads?
Warm water, pH-neutral soap, a soft cloth. Nothing acidic or abrasive.
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Free quote
Send your measurements or a photo of the room and we will call you back. The quote costs nothing.