Thursday, August 28, 2025
i4F®, a group of companies offering patents and technologies to the flooring industry, has recently announced a new patent partnership with VICstairs, a Dutch innovator in stair nose solutions. This collaboration focuses on VICstairs’ StepVue technology, a patented step covering that simplifies stair cladding and renovation installations like never before.
As a result of the collaboration, i4F obtains exclusive licensing rights for the revolutionary, one-piece seamless stair nose technology, engineered for high strength, water resistance, safety and seamless design flows from floors and walls to stairs. As the technology uses SPC, LVT or WPC materials, VICstairs benefits from strong synergies i4F’s long-standing, global customer base in those flooring material categories.
Philus van Laarhoven, owner of VICstairs, says, “Our unique technology eliminates the need for ugly strips and aluminium edges, enabling beautiful yet easy staircase renovations and enhancements of new stairs. This advancement means that design can now be seamlessly integrated into staircases as well. i4F is our ideal partner because it already has deep rooted relationships with a wide variety of manufacturers producing materials compatible with our technology. Thanks to this, our solution is more accessible, delivering value to both skilled professionals and hands-on DIY-ers.”
The StepVue technology tackles the common issues of traditional stair coverings, especially the reliance on unsightly profile systems. It allows manufacturers to create staircases that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also strong, anti-slip, and seamless, with each stair nose made from a single piece of material. This innovative solution is compatible with a variety of polymer core composite-based flooring materials, offering endless design possibilities for both residential and commercial spaces.
Anti-slip enhancements on resilient PVC, LVT and WPC versus more traditional materials on stairs, contributes to increased safety.
John Rietveldt, CEO of i4F, adds, “We are delighted to partner with VICstairs. Their technology perfectly aligns with our commitment to ease of use, quality installations, and diverse design choices. Through this partnership, i4F and VICstairs are poised to redefine the possibilities in staircase renovations, setting 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.”
About i4F
i4F is ready to accept all challenges and improves everything in the world by continually revolutionizing flooring and beyond through technological excellence, meaningful innovation and human partnerships.
They have a team of hand-picked international flooring industry professionals. i4F works together with the world’s leading producers – to develop powerful, future-driven solutions for the industry. They believe that even the smallest innovations have the potential to transform not just products, but the lives of the people that use them.
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Tags: composite-based flooring, flooring, floors, i4F StepVue, i4F®, Pvc, stair nose technology, stepvue, wood composite, wood composite material, WPC
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