How to Fix Slippery Stairs

How to Fix Slippery Stairs

Hardwood stairs are a stunning addition in a home, but they have one major downside: they’re slippery. You don’t want accidents or slips and falls happening because of slippery stairs, especially if kids will be running up and down them throughout the day. 

To improve stair safety in your home, try one of these slippery stair fixes.

 

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Hardwood stairs are a stunning addition in a home, but they have one major downside: they’re slippery. You don’t want accidents or slips and falls happening because of slippery stairs, especially if kids will be running up and down them throughout the day. 

To improve stair safety in your home, try one of these slippery stair fixes.

Non-Slip Stair Coatings

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painting stairs

One of the least obtrusive ways to fix slippery indoor and outdoor stairs that are too slippery is to add a stair coating. Stair coatings are specialized finishes or treatments applied to the surface of stairs to enhance traction and reduce the risk of slips and falls. This option is an effective way to address the issue of slippery stairs in areas prone to moisture or heavy use. 

When considering a stair coating, it's essential to choose a product that suits the specific material of your stairs, as well as one that aligns with your aesthetic preferences and performance requirements.

Non-slip paint is a good choice for indoor stairs. It can be applied to various stair materials, including wood and concrete. Non-slip paints also are available in different colors, allowing you to match them with your existing decor.

Clear coating is another option for a low profile non-slip surface. Like non-slip paint, clear coating is painted on the stairs, but rather than transforming your stairway into a new color, it allows the natural beauty of the hardwood to shine, free of worries of slipping. 

Some coatings include rubber compounds that create a soft and grippy surface. These are particularly beneficial for outdoor stairs exposed to the elements, as rubberized coatings can withstand extreme weather conditions.

Stair Treads 

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Wooden Stair Treads

Stair treads are protective coverings placed on the surfaces of stairs, designed to reduce slipping hazards while also protecting the stairs from wear and tear. The surface of the treads is often designed to be textured or have a non-slip feature, creating a secure, non-slip footing for anyone going up or down the staircase. 

Stair treads are generally designed for easy installation. They often feature adhesive backing, allowing for straightforward attachment to the stair surface. This makes them a practical and accessible solution for homeowners looking for a DIY approach to enhancing stair safety. 

Stair treads are available in various materials, such as carpet, rubber, vinyl, wool, and synthetic blends. Each material offers its own combination of benefits, such as comfort, durability, and resistance to weather conditions. But when it comes to anti-slip considerations, each material is well suited for use on stairs and will help make your stairs less slippery. 

Grip Tape

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grip tape

 

Grip tape is one of the fastest and easiest ways to fix slippery stairs. Simply peel and stick it onto the surface of your wood stairs, and voila! You've got an instant non-slip surface. 

You may know grip tape from its near-ubiquity in the skateboarding world. This tape consists of a durable backing material, typically made of paper or fabric, and an abrasive material on the top surface. The abrasive material is often made of mineral grit, such as silicon carbide or aluminum oxide, which creates a textured surface. Grip tape is known for its excellent grip and is commonly used on the top surface of skateboard decks to provide traction for the rider's feet.

In the context of stairs, grip tape serves a similar purpose. It is applied to the stair treads to create a non-slip surface, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Grip tape is particularly useful for outdoor stairs, where exposure to weather conditions can make surfaces slippery. It is easy to install, requiring only a clean, dry surface for proper adhesion.

Slip Strips 

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Winder curve stairs with no slip strips

 

Slip strips are similar to grip tape in function but tend to have different design and composition. Slip strips are designed to be applied to the leading edge or the entire surface of stair treads to increase traction and prevent slipping accidents.

Slip strips come in various materials, including rubber, vinyl, or other non-slip materials. Some may have a peel-and-stick adhesive backing for easy installation, while others may require additional adhesives. The primary advantage of slip strips is that they are pre-cut, so creating a neat, uniform look on your stairs is simpler than with grip tape, which would need to be measured and cut precisely by hand to match slip strips’ uniformity. 

The beauty of both grip tape and slip strips options lies in their versatility—they work equally well on indoor and outdoor wooden stairs. Plus, installation is a breeze, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a hassle-free way to prevent slips and falls.

Stair Runner Rug

Athens Beige - Brown Serged EdgeAthens Beige - Brown Serged Edge

Carpeted stair runners are a happy medium between slippery stairs and fully carpeting your wood stairs. They cover the center of the stairs to increase traction while walking up and down, yet they leave the hardwood exposed on the edges to show off the wood’s natural beauty.

Whether you opt for a classic look or a more contemporary style, runner rugs offer a cushioned, non-slip surface that makes your stairs safer while contributing to the overall charm and comfort of your home. 

Wool is one of the most popular fibers for stair runners because of its softness and durability, which makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like stairs. Wool stair runners can withstand the friction and compression caused by frequent trips up and down the stairs. 

But runners are not limited to wool. You can get a custom runner for your stairs woven from sisal, sisal-wool blend, seagrass, jute—whatever fiber works best for your taste. 

If you’re looking for the ideal stair runner to add to your slippery stairs, you can start by browsing our complete selection of custom rugs. Every rug we sell can be cut to the exact dimensions of your stairs, ensuring that your stair runner will fit and look just right. 

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