Popular Stair Tread Cover Ideas

Upgrade the aesthetic and safety of your stairs with these simple options

Reviewed by Johnathan BrewerFact checked by Emily Estep

Stair tread covers, or stair overlays, are handy products for improving the look and the slip resistance of existing stairs. Tread covers go right over the old step treads, the horizontal board that you walk on. Some covers also conceal the old step risers, the vertical boards between the treads.

Overlays for slip resistance typically rest on top of the treads and may be secured with a removable fastening system or adhesive. Overlays that are designed primarily for aesthetics often cover the old treads and risers completely, so the staircase looks totally renewed.

Warning

Whatever your stylistic preferences, make sure your stair tread cover of choice is non-slip and functional for all members of the household. In this case, safety and functionality should absolutely matter more than appearance. That said, there are stair tread cover options that offer both function and an attractive appearance.

The 11 Best Stair Tread Carpets of 2023

Hardwood Stair Tread Covers

A full hardwood stair tread overlay system includes form-fitted tread covers and matching (or painted) riser boards. Both pieces attach directly to the original wood staircase, after any carpeting or another finished flooring has been removed. The best systems use 100-percent hardwood materials, resulting in the look of traditional hardwood stairs.

Staircase overlays are a great way to overhaul your stairs without rebuilding. They offer the look of custom hardwood stairs at a much lower price. Installing an overlay system requires some basic carpentry skills and tools for quality results, so it's best for beginners to hire out the installation. But, skilled do-it-yourselfers can certainly tackle it themselves.

Vinyl Stair Tread Covers

Vinyl stair treads are ideal for covering interior steps because of their durability. Just like vinyl flooring, the surface of these coverings are resistant to scuffing and gouging and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. These overlays can be used to coordinate with various flooring colors or as a retrofit for existing stair finishes, including carpet.

Coming in a variety of colors, thicknesses and textures, vinyl stair treads and risers can give your steps a completely new look. They are easily glued down to your existing flooring using a urethane-based adhesive and can even be custom-cut for a perfect fit.

Laminate Stair Tread Covers

Laminate stair treads and risers are synthetic versions of hardwood stair cover systems. They offer a lower-cost alternative to hardwood with a similar look. Laminate systems often are sold in sets and may or may not include riser boards.

These overlays are essentially the same material as laminate flooring, consisting of a fiberboard core covered with a photo layer for the natural wood look. On top is a clear, tough wear layer. The pieces install over bare wood stair parts with construction adhesive.

Rubber Stair Tread Covers

Rubber stair mats are similar to the familiar heavy, perforated, rubber doormats but are sized for individual stair treads, and they have a more decorative look. Their primary purpose is to add slip-resistance to wet or icy outdoor stairs. They also work well for basement stairs, deck stairs, and garage steps.

Rubber mats are simply set in place without fasteners or glue. Most types have a scrollwork pattern that mimics old-fashioned ironwork. They can be pulled up and hosed off for easy cleaning.

Composite Anti-Slip Stair Tread Covers

Composite tread covers are made of compression-molded fiberglass and resin. They cover the entire tread, including the nosing, to provide excellent slip resistance. They can be installed over concrete, metal, or wood, using construction adhesive or screws.

Composite tread covers are suitable for all outdoor stairs as well as basement stairs, garage steps, and stairs near swimming pools. Because they cover the entire tread, they can hide surface damage and other imperfections, but they must be used on structurally sound steps. They cannot replace treads.

Carpet Stair Tread Covers

Carpet stair treads or covers are slightly smaller than a standard stair tread and attach to the treads using hook-and-loop (Velcro) strips. Half of each strip is stuck to the tread; the other half is attached to the underside of the carpet tread.

These synthetic, sisal-like mats are relatively inexpensive and offer an easy way to add much-needed grip to slippery wood stairs. They don't add much aesthetic value, but they improve safety without completely concealing the tread.

Tips

Be sure to calculate properly the amount of carpet you will need for your stairs.

Sisal Stair Tread Covers

Natural sisal is an excellent stair tread cover and has long been a favorite for its durability, skid resistance, and its ability to match with many stair colors and styles. Sisal is a hemp-like plant that's used to make ropes, twine, footwear, and cloth, so it's a perfect material for stair treads.

Bullnose Carpet Stair Tread Covers

Unless you are a carpet installer, it is difficult to curl ordinary carpet over the nose of a stair. Since the carpet is so stiff, it keeps wanting to uncurl. This product solves that problem. The front section is pre-curled and easily snaps over the stair nose. The rear part of the overlay may or may not be secured with peel-and-stick adhesive.

Bullnose carpet stair covers are removable and are designed for traditional hardwood stairs. They do not cover the entire tread and do not include riser pieces.

Clear Non-Slip Stair Tread Covers

Clear, non-slip strips are a plastic material with a sticky backing that you apply directly to hardwood stair treads. They provide slip resistance without obscuring the wood.

Clear tread strips typically come in kits that include a small handheld roller tool to help you flatten the strips and bond them to the step treads.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tread that hangs over on a stair called?

The portion of the tread that overhangs the front of the riser is called a nosing. When measuring a step, the rise if the vertical dimension from tread to tread Often a stair builder will talk about the rise and run of the stair. The rise is the vertical dimension from tread to tread, while the run is the horizontal dimension from riser to riser excluding the nosing.

Can I just replace the stair treads?

If your stair treads are damaged, you should replace them before any attempting to cover or refinish them. Stair treads in good condition can be covered with stair tread coverings such as those made of hardwood, vinyl or laminate.

What is a floating stair tread?

A floating stair tread is made to fit a floating staircase. Floating staircases are those designed with open risers. The stair treads are not connected to one another. This gives the impression that the stairs are floating and creates an openness to the space.

Read the original article on The Spruce.