Does Your Timber Flooring Meet Slip Resistance Requirements for Stairs?

When it comes to designing stairs — whether in a residential home or a commercial space — safety and compliance are just as important as aesthetics. One of the key considerations under the New Zealand Building Code (Clause D1: Access Routes) is slip resistance. This ensures that surfaces provide adequate traction to prevent slips and falls, especially in high-traffic or wet areas.

At Marchand Luxury Oak, our European Oak timber flooring has been independently tested by Independent Slip Testing Services (ISTS) in accordance with AS/NZS 4586:2004. The results are reassuring for both designers and specifiers:

• Wet Pendulum Test: Mean result 39 BPN, classified as X – Moderate slip resistance.

• Dry Floor Friction Test: Mean result 0.50 COF, classified as F – Moderate to Very Low Risk.
  

  

  Marchand Oak Stairs

How do we meet Timber Flooring Requirements for Stairs? These results mean our oak flooring meets the minimum requirements for internal dry-area stairs, as outlined in HB197:1999 and SS 485:2011 Annex B. In practical terms, this means that when used indoors — for example in homes, apartment buildings, or office stairwells with handrails — no additional treatment is required to comply with the NZ Building Code.

Different Requirements for Timber Flooring to Meet Slip Resistance Requirements for Stairs However, environment and use matter. In wet or high-traffic commercial areas — such as entry foyers, cafés, retail spaces, or stairs that may be exposed to moisture — a higher classification (typically W / P4) is required. In these cases, we recommend incorporating a compliant stair nosing or anti-slip treatment to achieve the appropriate safety rating.

In summary, Marchand’s European Oak timber flooring is fully compliant for internal dry stairs in both residential and commercial buildings. Where stairs are likely to get wet or experience heavy foot traffic, simply pair the flooring with a suitable nosing to maintain compliance and ensure safety without compromising design integrity.

Marchand Riviera Stairs with Stair Nosing

At Marchand, we believe luxury and practicality can coexist beautifully — one step at a time.