What Kind of Flooring Works on a Stairway? An Expert Guide

Choosing the right flooring for your stairway is essential for both aesthetics and functionality. Stairs are high-traffic areas that endure daily wear and tear, so the flooring must be durable, safe, and visually appealing. 

At Baker Bros, we specialize in helping homeowners make informed decisions about their flooring options.

In this guide, we’ll explore the types of flooring that work best on stairways, highlighting key materials, their benefits, and practical considerations to help you choose the ideal fit for your home.

Understanding Stairway Flooring Requirements

Unlike regular flooring, stairways experience concentrated impact forces and directional stress with every step. According to the National Safety Council, falls on stairs account for over 1 million injuries annually, making the choice of flooring material crucial for overall safety.

Think about how you use your stairs throughout the day—rushing down in the morning or carrying laundry baskets upstairs. Each trip places significant wear on your flooring, particularly at the edges of each step. This is why durability and traction should be primary considerations in your selection process.

Popular Stairway Flooring Options

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood stairs are a timeless choice, offering both elegance and durability. Natural wood brings warmth to your home while providing a stable surface that can last for generations with proper maintenance. Oak and maple are particularly popular options for stairs due to their high hardness ratings and resistance to wear.

Luxury Vinyl

If you want something that's easy to maintain and still looks great, luxury vinyl is worth considering. It’s evolved over the years—you can now get vinyl that looks just like real wood but handles wear and tear better. Many of our customers with busy households love it because it’s tough and easy to clean, especially in high-traffic areas like stairs.

Carpeted Stairs

When it comes to extra traction and safety, carpeted stairs are hard to beat. They provide a good grip when you’re going up and down, and they’re much quieter than hard surfaces.

Today's carpets are also significantly better at handling stains and daily wear and tear than they used to be. If you have kids running up and down the stairs or older family members who need secure footing, carpet is definitely worth considering.

Stair Runners

Combining the best of both worlds, stair runners offer the beauty of hardwood with the safety of carpet. These long, narrow carpets can be installed over hardwood stairs, providing a safe walking path while showcasing the wood’s natural beauty along the edges.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Stairway Flooring

Before choosing flooring for your stairs, it’s important to weigh practical considerations to ensure you strike the right balance between style and functionality.

Traction and Safety

Safety should be your top priority when choosing stairway flooring. Smooth surfaces, like polished hardwood or tile, can become slippery, especially when wearing socks or walking barefoot. 

Materials with built-in texture, like carpet or luxury vinyl, provide extra traction and help reduce the risk of slips. If you opt for hardwood, consider adding stair treads or a stair runner for additional safety.

Durability and Maintenance

Stairs are likely to endure more wear and tear than other areas in your home. Look for flooring materials that can withstand daily use, particularly at the edges, where impact forces are high.

Durable options like hardwood, luxury vinyl, and loop-pile carpets perform well in high-traffic environments.

Your choice also needs to be easy to maintain for busy households. Luxury vinyl offers a low-maintenance solution, while carpet may require more frequent cleaning to preserve its appearance.

Aesthetic Appeal

Your stairs are a prominent feature in your home, often setting the tone when people walk in. Choose flooring that complements your existing décor.

Hardwood stairs, for example, exude timeless elegance, while luxury vinyl can mimic natural materials like wood or stone for a cohesive look at a more affordable price point.

Tile Flooring: A Durable and Stylish Option

While less common, tile flooring on stairs can make a bold design statement. Tile is highly durable, resistant to scratches and moisture, and available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures.

Tile is particularly well-suited for modern or Mediterranean-style homes, where its sleek, polished appearance can enhance the overall aesthetic. 

Textured or non-slip tiles are essential for improving safety, as smooth tiles can be slippery, especially when wet. While installation can be more expensive and labor-intensive, the long-lasting benefits of tile make it a worthwhile option.

Enhancing Stairway Flooring with Accessories

Adding the right accessories can elevate both the functionality and style of your staircase.

Decorative Stair Treads

If you want to add a touch of personality and extra traction, consider decorative stair treads. These can be applied directly to hardwood or luxury vinyl stairs, offering a soft, non-slip surface while introducing new patterns, colors, or textures. Stair treads are easy to replace and maintain, making them a practical and stylish solution for families.

Stair Nosing

Protecting the edges of your stairs is important to prolonging the life of your flooring. Stair nosing adds a layer of durability, reducing wear and tear at the step edges. Available in various materials and finishes, stair nosing can also enhance the overall look of your staircase.

Layered Accents

If you’re looking to add personality to your stairs, consider layered accents like decorative stair treads or small area rugs. These can be used to introduce pops of color, texture, or pattern while also providing additional grip.

Choosing the Perfect Stairway Flooring

Selecting the right flooring for your stairway requires balancing safety, durability, and aesthetics. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of hardwood, the practicality of luxury vinyl, or the comfort of carpet, your choice will set the tone for one of the most used areas of your home.

At Baker Bros, we’re here to help you make an informed decision that matches your lifestyle and design preferences. Our wide range of flooring options includes hardwood, luxury vinyl, carpet, and stair runners, all designed to bring style and functionality to your home.

Stop by one of our showrooms to explore the possibilities and consult with our flooring experts. Together, we’ll create a staircase that’s as beautiful as it is practical.