Staircases play a unique role in architectural design. They are functional and structural, but they are also an opportunity to create a defining visual statement. Whether installed within luxury homes, hospitality venues, commercial buildings, or landscaped outdoor environments, a well-executed staircase elevates the space in both form and function.
At Aquacut, we specialise in the precise templating, waterjet cutting, bonding, and finishing of porcelain and stone staircases. Over the years, we have supported architects, landscapers, designers, tilers, and contractors in delivering beautiful, durable, and safe stair installations with a level of accuracy that is extremely difficult to achieve on site.
Our approach blends advanced technology with craftsmanship, resulting in stair treads and risers that look impeccable — and perform reliably for years to come.
Why Precision Matters in Staircase Fabrication
No two staircases are the same. Even in new build environments, there are often slight variations in step widths, rise heights, angles, and nosing demands. When stair cladding is cut on site, these variations often create inconsistencies, leading to visible joints, uneven shadow lines, stepped edges, and alignment issues.
Aquacut eliminates these common problems through a fully controlled fabrication workflow:
• On-site templating
• CAD conversion and adjustments
• Waterjet cutting
• Bonding and assembly
• Slip-resistant detailing
• Final finishing
• Ready-to-install delivery
This ensures every element is pre-engineered before it reaches site.
On-Site Templating: Accuracy at the First Step
Every staircase project begins on site, where our team captures the exact dimensions of each tread and riser. This includes:
• Step width and height
• Edge returns
• Angles and curves
• Feature edges
• Overhang requirements
• Surrounding wall geometry
Traditional measuring methods simply cannot achieve the same degree of accuracy. With templating, each step is recorded individually, ensuring that every finished component fits perfectly on installation.
CAD Drawings: Turning Templates into Technical Plans
Once templated, the data is processed by our CAD design team. This stage allows us to plan:
• Mitre angles
• Bonding positions for step treads
• Downstand depths
• Alignment of grout joints
• Slip-resistant detailing positions
• Overhangs and shadow gaps
• Material optimisation to minimise waste
The CAD approval stage also offers clients a chance to review the complete staircase layout before cutting begins, reducing risk downstream.
Waterjet Cutting: Clean, Precise, and Reliable
Waterjet technology is the foundation of Aquacut’s fabrication capabilities. Unlike manual cutting methods, waterjet cutting offers:
• Clean edges with no chipping
• Consistent tolerances
• Seamless mitres
• Accuracy across every identical step
• Controlled shaping of curves and details
For porcelain, stone, quartz, terrazzo, sintered surfaces, and composite materials, waterjet cutting is the only method that delivers the consistency required for premium staircase projects.
Bonded Mitred Step Treads: Joinery-Level Craftsmanship
One of Aquacut’s specialisms is the fabrication of bonded mitred step treads. These treads use precise mitre joints and high-strength bonding techniques to create a visually seamless, solid-looking step.
This approach offers several advantages:
• A crisp, architectural look
• Concealed joints
• No visible raw tile edges
• Stronger, rigid step fronts
• Premium aesthetic for both indoor and outdoor spaces
Our technicians prepare and bond each tread under controlled workshop conditions, ensuring lasting strength and a flawless finish.
Slip-Resistant Features: Safety Without Compromising Style
Safety is a critical requirement for any staircase, indoors or outdoors. Aquacut offers several options for integrating slip-resistant detailing directly into the treads during fabrication, including:
• Grooves Cut into Material: Ideal for reducing costs when combined with bullnosing.
• Painted Grooves: Provides colour contrast for the visually impaired and anti-slip properties.
• Metal Bar Inserts: 3mm grooves with stainless steel or brass bars for effective anti-slip.
• K-Grip Resin: Durable resin available in various colours for anti-slip steps.
• Stainless Steel Tactile Studs: Bonded into drilled holes for an attractive finish.
• Ribbed Aluminium Bar: Inserted into tiles for a functional anti-slip feature.
• Etched Grooves: Wide grooves etched into tiles for enhanced grip.
These features provide added grip while maintaining clean, modern lines — preserving the aesthetics of the staircase without resorting to retrofitted, unsightly aftermarket solutions.
A Complete Off-Site Solution
By the time staircase components leave our workshop, they are fully prepared for installation:
• Pre-cut
• Pre-bonded
• Pre-finished
• Packed and labelled by step
• Ready to fit
This dramatically reduces time spent on site while ensuring the installation team can work quickly and confidently.
A Trusted Partner for Complex Stair Projects
From sweeping external garden staircases to precise internal architectural features, Aquacut’s expertise has supported hundreds of successful installations across the UK. Our focus is always the same: precision, quality, and reliability.
Staircases are one of the most visible, heavily used features in any environment. Our fabrication ensures they look exceptional — and perform safely for years ahead.
When the project demands excellence, Aquacut is the partner that delivers.
