Stair Components
Before getting into the choices for stair treads, it may be a good idea to learn the main components of a staircase.
Stair Stringers: Stringers are the vertical support boards that provide the spine or framework of the staircase. Commonly they support each side of the steps, but there can also be a center stringer in certain installations. Stringers support the stair treads and risers on the stairs.
Stair Risers: Stair risers are the vertical parts of the steps that you see when facing the staircase. They maintain the step distance between the stair treads. Attached to the stringer, they provide security for the stairs and can add a visual changeover from one step to another.
Stair Treads: Stair treads are the horizontal boards or treads that you step on when using the stairs. They are available in a wide variety of materials. Stairs with treads should have a tread depth of at least 9.5-inches, as too narrow or too wide of a tread can be a safety hazard. When thinking about your stair treads, make sure that they are fabricated for safety and ease of use.
Handrails: Handrails are made for assistance when using the stairs. Also known as a banister, they can be attached to the stairs, to the wall along the stairs, or in both places. All stairs should have a handrail, with wider staircases requiring two or even three rails to aid in using the stairs.
Wood Stair Treads
Whether it’s an interior or exterior staircase, wood is the overwhelmingly popular choice for stair treads. From pressure-treated wood for outside stairs to exotic species to create a stunning indoor stairway, wood can be an integral part of your stairs and home décor. Let’s look at some of the most popular stair treads for wooden stairs.
Red Oak
Oak is a very traditional wood for stair treads, and red oak is one of the most popular sub-species used. It is plentiful and long-lasting. Oak stair treads may have a higher cost than other materials due to its longevity. Red oak can be finished naturally for a slightly reddish hue or can be stained for a richer color as the wood can absorb tints well. The solid grain can also hide damage like scratches and dents.
White Oak
Along with red oak, white oak is a widely used material for flooring in homes. If you want to match the stair treads to your hardwood flooring, then white oak is a great choice. White oak will resist rotting and is better than red oak when thinking about gray or other lighter tinted stains.
Maple
Once the most popular choice for stair treads, maple has fallen behind oak and hickory as the best choice. The creamy tan and white tones can add texture to your staircase and is easy to complement other flooring colors. It is very durable and at a middle price point for wood stair treads. Maple is easy to stain and can replicate more expensive woods like cherry or mahogany.
Hickory
If you are looking for a durable alternative to oak, then hickory would be an excellent choice. Hickory has a distinct grain pattern that will have more disparity in color than oak or maple. This makes this wood a great choice for homes that have a more rural theme.
Cherry
Cherry and Brazilian cherry stair treads are solid hardwoods that are tougher than most other woods. It has a rich hue with reddish undertones that can bring elegance and a warm presence to your home. Cherry can darken further over time with exposure to light. Cherry should not be used in high-humidity settings because of the wood’s tendency to hold water.
Poplar
Poplar is a plentiful hardwood that has a darker grain pattern than most of the other wood choices. With the right stain, poplar can make a dramatic staircase statement. While less expensive than other woods, the durability is also less than the others. If your stairs get a lot of traffic, poplar is probably not the choice here.
Walnut
Walnut is a long lasting and sturdy wood for stairs. Most of the walnut used for stairs is black walnut, which has a light to chocolate brown color. This darker tone is best finished with a clear coat or wood oil. Walnut is also one of the more expensive woods to use due to its lower availability.
Pine
Pine is the economical choice for wood stair treads. It is a plentiful wood choice that wears well over time. It is however a very light and softer wood than other options that can show damage from dings and scratches. White pine has a light brown tone with a straight grain pattern. Knotty pine will give a rustic lodge look to your floors.
Laminate Stair Treads
Laminate has made incredible gains in popularity as new or replacement flooring in many homes. This popularity has even translated to stair treads. With its affordable price and the chance to make a seamless transition from floor to staircase, laminate is a great choice for redoing your stair treads.
Laminate stair treads are exceptionally durable, so they are perfect for a high-traffic staircase. Laminate is also quite easy to install, clean and maintain. However the treads may be louder with foot traffic than wood or carpeted steps. Also, look for a textured surface to reduce the chance of slipping.
Vinyl Stair Treads
Much like laminate, vinyl stair treads are an inexpensive way to redo your staircase. Along with wood and tile-look patterns, vinyl stair treads are available in textured designs. These can be either grooved or raised dots to aid in providing traction and safety for staircase users. These treads are great for covering stair treads that have become worn or are in need of a safer stepping surface.
Along with being very affordable, vinyl is extremely durable, waterproof and will resist stains. It also is scratch resistant. Maintenance can be done with regular sweeping and wet mopping. Replacement and repair are also easier than other stair treads.
Aluminum Stair Treads
If you have an exterior deck stairway that is showing signs of wear or is becoming slippery, then aluminum stair treads can be the solution. These non-slip metal treads have superior durability and a high traction factor, making them perfect for both outdoor and indoor applications. They also can update older stairs to a more modern look. Aluminum stair treads are available in a variety of tread patterns and color finishes, including safety yellow. These metal treads are more expensive than other styles but are also the longest-lasting style of stair tread you can get.
MDF Stair Treads
If you’re going to install carpet on your stairs or are building an inexpensive stairway, then MDF stair treads are the choice to go with. MDF is an engineered wood made up of wood fiber, resin adhesive and moisture content. This provides a consistent and dense platform that has reliable strength. It is shrink and warp resistant versus solid woods and the smooth surface is good for painting and staining if needed. MDF is also cost effective compared to other tread materials.