If your home has more than one story, you likely use your stairs on a daily basis. When was the last time you considered the flooring choices for this high-traffic area? Flooring for your stairs transforms your home and can even improve safety in your household.
If you need flooring ideas for stairs and landings, 50 Floor can help. Our team can review your choices with you in a no-cost consultation so you get the right stair flooring surface for your home and your specific needs.
How to Choose Flooring for Stairs
The best flooring for stairs depends on many factors, including the location and size of the stairs and the specific needs of the household. When choosing flooring surfaces for your stairs, you will want to consider:
- Noise: Stairs close to living spaces, like living rooms or dens, may benefit from flooring surfaces that muffle noise, so you don’t hear people heading upstairs and downstairs all the time.
- Safety: One of the biggest factors in choosing your material is safety. Look for surfaces that are slip-resistant. If you have children in your home or anyone with limited mobility, look for stair floor materials that offer extra traction.
- Traffic: Some stairs are in high-traffic areas and need a durable, easy-to-clean surface that can last for years. Consider the cleaning methods that are required for each option, and choose the flooring you will be able to maintain.
- Style: Visualize the space around the stairs and the style and size of the stairs themselves. Wide, sweeping stairs in a traditional home look wonderful in wood or tile. In a cozy den, carpeted stairs may be more appropriate. Also imagine how your new flooring will look next to the existing flooring on your upper and lower floors.
- Budget: There is a wide range of flooring available from a variety of price points. It is possible to update your stairs without breaking the bank. Choose one of the options available within your budget.
If you’re having trouble picturing your options, contact 50 Floor today to schedule an in-home consultation to take a look at some samples.
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The Best Types of Floor Covering for Stairs
Refinishing your stairs can make a big impact on the aesthetic of your home. There are many staircase flooring materials for your home, and each has its benefits:
Carpet for Stairs
Homes with carpeted staircases are extremely common. It is a budget-friendly option that looks great and is practical, especially for families with children. Carpeted stairs offer more traction than hard surfaces and are softer on the feet. An accidental plunge down a carpeted staircase can be more forgiving than on staircases with other materials.
For a non-slip staircase, you can choose between a fully carpeted stair or a carpet runner over a wood floor. A patterned carpet for wood stairs can add interest to your stairwell. Carpet is available in endless styles, colors and textures, which can be matched to other areas of your home.
If your steps are located in high traffic areas, consider a more durable option in a color or pattern that hides stains. Carpets with a low pile are often long-lasting and will wrap around steps more easily than a thicker version. Our experts at 50 Floor can help you choose high quality carpet to fit snuggly against your staircase.
Hardwood for Stairs
Hardwood is a common alternative to carpet on stairs. It has a classic look that blends well with almost any existing floor in your home. A traditional hardwood staircase is an investment that can boost the property value of your home. Hardwood is durable and can be refinished as it ages to change the color or add a fresh coat of varnish so it looks brand new.
In addition to their outstanding appearance, hardwood stairs are simple to keep clean. Carpet fibers can trap dust and allergens that must be vacuumed out. If you would rather sweep your staircase than vacuum, hardwood is a great option. You can also have no-slip treads installed to promote safety by keeping the polished surface from being too slippery.
Tile for Stairs
Tiles are one of the most durable stair coverings available. They are a beautiful option and are also waterproof and easy to maintain. Smooth tile can be slippery, so be sure to choose one with a textured surface.
Tiles are available in countless colors and styles. You can accent your staircase with a vibrant tile design on the risers complemented by a neutral tone on the tread. Choose tiles with a natural finish for the perfect solution to cover outdoor staircases or basement steps. A wide range of variations allow you to find the perfect tile to match the rest of your decor.
The range of stair flooring options means you can get the right floor for your staircase that blends style and function. If you are overwhelmed by all the choices, an in-home consultation can help you visualize the options with the rest of your furnishings. The experts at 50 Floor can help you choose the perfect floor for your stairs.
Why to Avoid Laminate and Luxury Vinyl on Stairs
If you are looking for a beautiful flooring material that is extremely durable and affordable, luxury vinyl and laminate are both great options. However, these flooring options can be slippery and are not ideal for stairs.
Stairs can be a safety hazard on their own, especially for young children or individuals with impaired movement. Smooth flooring like laminate and vinyl provide the gorgeous look of wood and tile, but they lack the natural texture that provides traction. If a child runs down the stairs, they may lose their footing and take a tumble. If laminate stairs are polished with cleaner or get wet somehow, they can become as slick as ice.
At 50 Floor, we suggest using an alternative flooring that is slip-resistant for any staircase that has four or more steps. Consider covering stairs with carpet or hardwood with a textured tread to eliminate vinyl and laminate risks.
Contact 50 Floor to Install Floor Covering Today
50 Floor offers many options so you can choose the safest and most beautiful surface for your stairs. 50 Floor also saves you money and takes care of the installation, so you have more time for your busy life.
Interested in a new flooring surface for your stairs? Our team will bring flooring samples to your home to help you choose the best flooring for covering your stairs. Contact 50 Floor today and schedule a no-cost, in-home consultation with a member of our team.