The Best Concrete Stair Coverings

Concrete stairs are tougher and sturdier than wood stairs, but they are often more difficult to maintain. Unlike wood, concrete is more susceptible to cracking. To maintain the leveling and structure of your concrete stairs, you should consider covering them. These stair coverings come in a variety of types and looks depending on the location of your stairs and your own personal taste. Here are a few of the most popular types of covers worth considering.

1. Wood

Wood is a clean, stylish material for concrete stair coverings. You can purchase pre-cut kits at your local hardware store, or you can challenge your DIY skills by starting from scratch. Wood stair covers are stainable, so you can match them to your current decor, and you can seal them to ensure they are protected for years to come.

2. Tiles

Tiling your concrete stairs gives you greater design choice, as you can keep it simple with basic tiles and tiling style, or you can create your own color scheme and pattern. This type of covering is excellent for stairs in a common area of your home, as they are easy to clean.

3. Carpet

Carpeting is a classic, popular option for covering concrete stairs. Carpet comes in myriad colors and textures, so it can match any decor. Plus, just like in your bedroom, carpet feels nice beneath your feet and adds a homey, warm touch.

Do keep in mind that before installing carpet, you must first install a liner on the concrete.

4. Natural Stone

Natural stone is perfect for covering outdoor concrete stairs, or for adding a rustic flair to the inside of your home. As with the other options, you can usually find stone, like slate, pre-cut from local hardware or specialty flooring stores. Although slate is the most durable of all the materials you can use, it can also be the trickiest to work with. Call a professional to install slate, or prepare by reading up on installation methods before attempting to install it yourself.

5. No Covering

Depending on where the stairs are located, the best covering may simply be the natural concrete sealed to last. This durable, stain-resistant material is great for high-traction areas like garages and work spaces.

Each concrete stair-covering material has its own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing the best one to suite your needs, keep the stair’s location, exposure to the elements, and design aesthetics in mind.