i4F®, a group of companies providing patents and technologies to the flooring industry, today announced a new patent partnership with VICstairs, a Dutch innovation company that supplies stair profile solutions. The partnership covers VICstairs’ technology, which delivers StepVue, a patented technology for covering stair treads that makes installing stair profiles and renovations easier than ever. As a result of the collaboration, i4F gains exclusive licensing rights to the revolutionary, seamless one-piece stair profile technology, designed for high strength, water resistance, safety, and a seamless design that allows floors and walls to flow seamlessly into stairs. Since the technology uses SPC, LVT, or WPC materials, VICstairs benefits from strong synergies with i4F’s long-standing global customer base in those flooring categories.
The technology offers a solution to the common challenges of traditional stair coverings, particularly the reliance on unsightly profile systems. Thanks to StepVue technology, manufacturers can offer aesthetic stairs that are strong, anti-slip, and seamless, with each stair tread made from a single piece of material. This groundbreaking solution is compatible with a range of polymer composite-based flooring materials, offering endless design possibilities in both residential and commercial spaces. Anti-slip improvements on resilient PVC, LVT, and WPC compared to more traditional materials on stairs contribute to increased safety.
Philus van Laarhoven, owner of VICstairs, says: “Our unique technology eliminates the need for unsightly strips and aluminum edges, enabling beautiful yet simple stair renovations and upgrades for new stairs. This advancement means that design can now be seamlessly integrated into stairs as well. i4F is our ideal partner because it already has deeply rooted relationships with a wide range of manufacturers producing materials compatible with our technology. This makes our solution more accessible and delivers value for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.”
John Rietveldt, CEO of i4F, adds: “We are delighted to partner with VICstairs. Their technology aligns perfectly with our commitment to ease of use, high-quality installations, and diverse design choices. Through this collaboration, i4F and VICstairs are ready to redefine the possibilities in stair renovation and set new standards in design and functionality. This innovative technology not only enhances the visual appeal of living spaces but also maintains the durability and safety required for high-traffic stairs.”
