Cardinal Newman College Preston – Commercial Staircase Flooring
Flooring Solutions Ltd recently completed a large-scale commercial staircase flooring project, successfully installing Forbo Eternal Wood across 3 staircases comprising over 18 flights and more than 200 individual steps — a total area of approximately 150m².
This type of high-traffic, multi-flight installation demands precision, specialist materials, and extensive on-site expertise. As one of Manchester’s leading commercial flooring contractors, our team delivered a finished result that meets the highest standards of durability, aesthetics, and compliance.
The Challenge: High-Volume Staircase Flooring in a Commercial Environment
Staircases in busy commercial buildings are among the most demanding surfaces a flooring contractor can work with. They must withstand constant foot traffic, comply with building regulations and slip-resistance standards, and maintain a professional appearance over many years of use. With over 200 steps across three separate staircase cores, this project required careful planning, substrate preparation, and the selection of premium-grade products throughout.
Products & Materials Used
Forbo Eternal Wood — Traditional Oak (11542)
The primary floor covering specified for this project was Forbo Eternal Wood in the Traditional Oak colourway (reference 11542). Forbo Eternal Wood is a high-performance homogeneous vinyl flooring, renowned for its realistic wood-effect aesthetics and exceptional durability in heavy commercial use. It is particularly well-suited to staircases and circulation areas due to its through-colour construction, which means wear does not affect the surface appearance over time.
The Traditional Oak design offers a warm, natural finish appropriate for a wide range of commercial interior settings — from offices and hotels to education and healthcare facilities.
Ardex Screeds — Shuttered Steps
Prior to laying, each step was prepared using Ardex screeds to achieve a level, sound substrate. Shuttered step preparation is a critical part of any quality staircase installation, ensuring that the nosings and risers are dimensionally consistent and the floor covering adheres correctly across all contact surfaces. Ardex is one of the most trusted names in substrate preparation, and the use of their screeds underpins the long-term performance and appearance of the finished installation.
Uzin KE49HT — High Temperature Adhesive
Given the demands of a commercial staircase environment, a standard adhesive would not suffice. Uzin KE49HT is a specialist high-temperature, solvent-free adhesive designed for permanent bonding of resilient floor coverings in areas subject to elevated temperatures and heavy use. Its use on this project ensures the Forbo vinyl remains firmly bonded across every tread and riser, resisting any risk of lifting or delamination under sustained foot traffic.
Gradus XT Ramp Back Nosings
To complete the installation to the highest safety and aesthetic standard, each step was finished with Gradus XT Ramp Back stair nosings. Gradus is the UK’s foremost manufacturer of stair nosings and edge protection, and the XT Ramp Back profile is one of their most specified products in commercial environments. The ramp-back design provides a smooth transition from nosing to tread, reducing trip hazards while providing a clean, professional finish. This product also contributes to the project’s compliance with UK building regulations and slip-resistance requirements.
Why Choose Flooring Solutions Ltd for Staircase Flooring?
Founded in 2000 and based in Walkden, Manchester, Floor Solutions Ltd has over two decades of experience delivering commercial flooring projects across the North West and beyond. Our specialist knowledge of staircase installations — including substrate preparation, product specification, and safety-compliant edge detailing — means we can take on complex, large-scale projects with confidence.
We work with leading manufacturers including Forbo, Ardex, Uzin, and Gradus, ensuring every installation is carried out using the best materials available. Whether you are specifying flooring for a new build, a refurbishment, or a multi-storey commercial fit-out, our team can advise on the right products for your project and deliver a finished result built to last.
What We Offer
Commercial Vinyl Flooring | Stair Edgings & Nosings | Specialist Flooring Services | Safety Vinyl Flooring | Vinyl & Linoleum Flooring
Get in Touch
If you have a staircase flooring project — large or small — we’d love to hear from you. Visit our contact page, email us at sales@flooringsolutions.co.uk or call 0161 787 7575 to discuss your requirements.