Best Flooring for Stairs, from Hardwood to Laminate

If your home is like many houses in the United States, you probably have stairs somewhere, whether they go up to a second floor or attic, partially up or down in a split-level, or down to a basement. And unless those stairs are located in a secret passageway behind a false wall (we won’t tell!), it is safe to assume you, or someone in your home, is probably using them almost every day. 

Stairs are an essential part of any household that includes multiple levels, and choosing the right flooring for your stairs is about so much more than just how it looks. Your choice of flooring for your stairs should equally take into account safety, durability, comfort, and how well your stairs connect to the rest of your home’s design. Whether you are updating your staircase with a fresh look or simply replacing worn treads that are past their prime, it’s worth taking the time to explore your options carefully so you can make the best investment for your space. 

Below, we’ll break down the best flooring for stairs and landings, highlight the pros and cons of each, and share some key considerations before you start your project.

What are the top flooring options for stairs? 

When deciding what flooring is best for stairs, it’s essential to consider form and function equally. Not only are stairs used daily; they also tend to be situated in areas where they are both highly visible and also adjacent to multiple rooms and hallways. Since these areas may or may not share the same appearance, the burden falls on the stairs to effectively and stylistically transition between other rooms and spaces. The right stair style choice depends on your home’s layout, traffic levels, and personal preferences. Here is an overview of some of the most popular and practical stair flooring options:

Hardwood Treads (Solid or Engineered)

Hardwood is a timeless choice for stairs, offering a warm, classic look that blends beautifully with wood floors throughout the home. If you have a main staircase in a high-visibility area of your home, hardwood stair treads are an excellent and exquisite choice. 

• Pros: Hardwood stairs are durable, long-lasting, add resale value, and easy to refinish.
• Cons: Hardwood stairs can be slippery without added grip, as well as more expensive than other options.

Many top hardwood flooring brands offer products designed specifically for stairs. If budget is a concern, there are different varieties of hardwood flooring types and wood species available at different price points. Solid hardwood offers maximum longevity, while engineered hardwood provides better stability in humid conditions, such as near a basement or entryway. 

Vinyl Treads

Vinyl is known for mimicking the appearance of wood or stone, but it comes with added resilience and slip resistance, making it one of the best non-slip flooring options for stairs in busy households with pets or larger families.

• Pros: Vinyl stair treads are water-resistant, affordable, easy to maintain, and softer underfoot than hardwood.
• Cons: Vinyl stair treads may not have the same upscale feel as natural materials, and are usually considered to be a less sustainable option than other flooring types.

Vinyl is also an excellent choice for basement stairs, where moisture resistance is crucial and visual appearance is of less importance.

Laminate Treads

Laminate flooring is considered to be a cost-effective alternative to hardwood, offering similar looks at a lower price. Laminate is a very popular choice for secondary staircases, like back-of-house or attic stairs, and laminate stair treads preserve a sense of style with unbeatable value. 

• Pros: Laminate stair treads are budget-friendly, durable, scratch-resistant, easy to clean.
• Cons: Laminate stair treads can be slippery and are not ideal for areas with excess moisture, like basements.

For added traction, choose textured or matte-finish laminates designed specifically for stairs to help prevent slips and falls.

Carpeted Stairs

Carpeted stairs are popular, and for good reason. Carpet is comfortable, quiet, and naturally non-slip, making it a popular choice for households with families and older adults. If the adjacent hallways or rooms have hard surface floors, but you want the benefits of carpeted stairs, consider a carpet runner over your existing hard surface treads for an easy transition between spaces. 

• Pros: Carpet is soft underfoot, reduces noise, provides better grip.
• Cons: Carpeted stairs require more maintenance and can wear down faster in high-traffic areas. 

If you love style and variety, you’ll love carpeted stairs. Besides the many carpet options available to you, you can also customize your carpeted stairs in a few ways. Classic, full-coverage carpet wraps each tread and riser so you don’t see the surface of the original step, while partial-coverage, or runner-style carpet consists of a strip of carpet down the center, leaving hardwood edges exposed for contrast. There are also different styles of stair carpeting, from the elegant Hollywood style, in which the carpet is tightly wrapped around the tread for a more polished look, to the more relaxed waterfall style, where the carpet flows smoothly over each step for a more casual, often cozier appearance. 

What should you consider before replacing your stair flooring?

Beyond each material’s inherent pros and cons, there are several important factors to keep in mind when deciding what flooring is best for the stairs in your own home:

• Safety: Consider carpet as an excellent non-slip option, or look for materials with slip-resistant textures, especially in homes with children or older adults.
• Durability: Stairs take heavy daily use; select materials that resist scratches and dents, particularly if you have pets in the home, or expect that items may be dragged up and down the stairs often. 
• Maintenance: Choose surfaces (or carpet colors) that are easy to clean and maintain over time. With minimal effort, you can keep your stairs looking crisp and clean for years to come. 
• Design consistency: As a transitional space, your staircase and its carpet or treads should match or complement nearby rooms for a cohesive look. 
• Edge profiles: Your stair edges matter! Consider stair nosing and trim options that protect edges, enhance style, and reduce the likelihood of such misfortunes as splinters or stubbed toes (you will thank yourself later!)
• Budget: Balance cost with long-term value. While hardwood may have a higher upfront cost, it may last for decades, as well as increase home resale value. On the other hand, if you are simply looking for a small enhancement, stair carpeting can be an affordable, accessible project option.
• Future plans: If you are planning to sell your home soon, you might opt for classic materials like hardwood or neutral carpet that appeal to buyers.

Shop stair flooring and carpeting at Floor Concepts in Wexford, PA

At Floor Concepts, we offer a wide range of beautiful, durable flooring options for stairs and landings, from hardwood and laminate to all kinds of carpet or runner styles. Our design experts can help you find the perfect combination of safety, style, and performance for your home.

Visit our showroom in Wexford, PA, or browse our collection online to explore the best flooring for stairs and discover why homeowners across the Pittsburgh area trust Floor Concepts for quality flooring solutions. Contact us or stop by our showroom to explore our flooring and carpet products in person. You can also schedule a free in-home measurement now to get started on a carpet renovation project.