Stair Tread Help, Please
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Stair Tread Help, Please
I have a bi-level duplex, so you enter the front door and must go up or down. Those stairs have always been carpeted, but take a terrible beating from the foot traffic. Are there any suggestions out there for a non-skid, durable and cleanable product for the treads? Appearance is sort of last on the list since it is a rental. I think the substrate tread is particle board. These were built in 1977 and were pre-fab staircases.
#2
Member
Thread Starter
Oak Stair Treads??
I found Retro Oak Stair Treads on the internet. These look pretty durable and neat. They do have to be finished. My question is: how slick and possibly hazardous would these be with people entering with wet shoes?? Would appreciate any suggestions.
#3
I have oak stair treads with a poly finish. However shoes come off in the entry so no wet shoes. They have shown little sign of wear in 8 years.
Perhaps a good option is to carpet it and use a plastic runner? Durable, inexpensive, and most plastic runners have a good texture on them.
Perhaps a good option is to carpet it and use a plastic runner? Durable, inexpensive, and most plastic runners have a good texture on them.
#4
Forum Topic Moderator
I prefer oak because it looks nice but it will have to be refinished occasionally and it would be a slicker surface than carpet. A commercial carpet might be a good option. It should wear well and hopefully you could find a color that wouldn't show dirt real bad. I assume you are the only one that sweeps/vacuums the split foyer
#5
Member
If you are going with a non-carpetted surface, look at some grip tap for the stairs. My parents used some made by 3M which is clear and not noticeable until you walk on it on their oak stairs.
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Thanks Guys
The grip tape on oak sounds like a pretty good solution. This is a rental, so I have no control on shoe removal at the foyer. Therefore, new carpet looks like a machine shop floor in the first year. I've been doing this for 35 yrs and don't know why it took me so long to look for a better solution. My concern is liability if I install a slick surface.
#7
Member
The grip tape should work on most smooth surfaces. When I was a kid, all the schools I attended (elementry and highschool) had the black sandpaper tape (similar to the surface of a skateboard) on tiles or concrete.
The clear stuff you can't see unless you really look at it, so it would be better visually, but should still be enough for the liability issues and actual safety.
The 3M stuff I can vouch for. My parents built their house in 99 and have never had to bother with the tape on the stairs, even after years of grandkids, dogs, etc.
The clear stuff you can't see unless you really look at it, so it would be better visually, but should still be enough for the liability issues and actual safety.
The 3M stuff I can vouch for. My parents built their house in 99 and have never had to bother with the tape on the stairs, even after years of grandkids, dogs, etc.
#8
Forum Topic Moderator
One thing to keep in mind, the grip level of the tape may wear away after awhile. I've never used any inside but the exterior ones they make for exterior steps tend to wear away a couple yrs. May not be an issue with them being inside.