Looking to update your stair treads but not sure which option is best for you? This informative article explores the pros and cons of various stair tread coverings, including carpet stair treads, runners, rubber, paint, and professionally installed carpet. Discover the average cost and benefits of each option to make an informed decision for your home.
What to cover stair treads with:
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Carpet runners
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Rubber stair treads
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Quality paint
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Professionally installed carpet
Carpet Stair Treads
When looking for DIY stair covering ideas, carpet stair treads are a popular option for covering staircases, providing both aesthetic appeal and functionality. These treads are typically made of carpeting material and come in a variety of colors and patterns to suit different home decor styles.
Pros and Cons
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Soft and comfortable underfoot: Carpet stair treads offer a cushioned surface, making them comfortable to walk on, especially for bare feet or pets.
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Provides traction and reduces noise: The carpet material provides traction, which can help prevent slips and falls. Additionally, it absorbs sound, reducing the noise of foot traffic on the stairs.
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Can be difficult to clean and maintain: Carpet stair treads can accumulate dirt, pet hair, and stains over time, requiring regular vacuuming and occasional deep cleaning to maintain their appearance.
Runners
Stair runners are long, narrow strips of carpet or fabric that run down the center of a staircase, leaving the edges of the stair treads exposed. They are a popular choice for adding a decorative touch to the stairs while also providing protection to the underlying stair treads.
Pros and Cons
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Adds a decorative touch to the stairs: Stair runners come in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, allowing homeowners to customize the look of their staircase.
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Protects the underlying stair treads: By covering the central part of the stairs, runners can help extend the life of the underlying treads by reducing wear and tear.
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May require professional installation for a polished look: Achieving a seamless and polished look with stair runners may require professional installation, adding to the overall cost.
Rubber
Rubber stair tread covers are great exterior stair tread ideas. They are a durable and practical option for high-traffic staircases. They are often used in commercial and industrial settings but can also be a great choice for residential staircases, especially in areas prone to moisture or outdoor exposure.
Pros and Cons
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Durable and easy to clean: Rubber stair treads are resistant to wear and tear, making them a long-lasting option. They are also easy to clean and maintain, requiring simple wiping or hosing down.
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Provides excellent traction: The textured surface of rubber treads offers superior traction, making them a safe choice for stairs.
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Limited color and design options: While rubber treads are available in a few different colors and patterns, they may not offer as much variety as other materials like carpet or wood.
Paint
Painting stair treads is a budget-friendly and customizable option for updating the look of a staircase. It allows homeowners to choose from a wide range of colors and finishes to match their decor style.
Pros and Cons
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Offers a customizable and budget-friendly option: Painting stair treads is a cost-effective way to refresh the look of the stairs, and it provides the flexibility to choose from various colors and designs.
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Requires regular touchups and maintenance: Over time, painted stair treads may show signs of wear and require touch-ups or repainting to maintain their appearance.
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May not provide as much traction as other options: Depending on the type of paint and finish used, painted stair treads may not offer the same level of traction as carpet or rubber treads.
Professionally Installed Carpet
For a seamless and polished look, many homeowners opt for professionally installed wall-to-wall carpeting on their staircases. This option provides a wide range of design and material choices to suit different preferences and home styles.
Pros and Cons
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Provides a polished and seamless look: Professionally installed carpeting creates a cohesive and elegant look for the staircase, especially when coordinated with other flooring in the home.
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Offers a wide range of design and material options: Homeowners can choose from various carpet materials, colors, and patterns to achieve the desired aesthetic for their stairs.
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Can be costly and may require professional installation: The cost of materials and professional installation for wall-to-wall carpeting on stairs can be higher compared to other options, making it a more significant investment.
Average Cost and Benefits of Each Option
Carpet Stair Treads
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Average cost per tread: The cost of carpet stair treads can vary depending on the material, size, and design, but they typically range from $10 to $50 per tread.
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Benefits of choosing this option: Carpet stair treads provide comfort, traction, and noise reduction while adding a decorative element to the staircase.
Runners
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Average cost per runner: Stair runners can range from $15 to $150 per linear foot, with additional costs for installation.
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Benefits of choosing this option: Runners offer a decorative touch, protect the underlying treads, and can be customized to match the home decor.
Rubber
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Average cost per square foot: Rubber stair tread covers typically range from $10 to $40 per square foot.
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Benefits of choosing this option: Rubber treads are durable, easy to clean, and provide excellent traction for safety.
Paint
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Average cost of materials and labor: The cost of painting stair treads can vary based on the type of paint and labor involved, but it generally ranges from $50 to $200 per staircase.
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Benefits of choosing this option: Painting provides a customizable and budget-friendly option for updating the look of the stairs.
Professionally Installed Carpet
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Average cost per square foot: The cost of professionally installed carpeting on stairs can range from $20 to $100 per square foot, including materials and installation.
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Benefits of choosing this option: Professionally installed carpet offers a seamless and polished look with a wide range of design and material options to choose from.
Conclusion
The choice of stair tread covering depends on factors such as budget, design preferences, maintenance requirements, and safety considerations. By weighing the pros and cons of each option and considering the average cost and benefits, homeowners can make an informed decision to enhance the look and functionality of their staircase.
