Stair Treads

Stair treads are the part of the stair that is stepped on. This is simple enough, but here is where the confusion starts: there are really two kinds of stair treads:

• Treads which are part of the structural foundation of the stairs. These are often wooden boards cut to a specific size (usually governed by local building codes) that are supported by two stringers, usually pieces of wood that structurally support the stair treads. They might also be made of other materials, for example metal grate in industrial settings.

• Treads which are placed upon the foundational treads. These might be used for safety reasons, for example non slip stair treads such as rubber or vinyl ones, or for decorative reasons such as carpet or hardwood stair treads.

If we look at all types of stair treads, foundational/structural ones as well as ones that are placed upon them, there are four prime reasons for stair treads:

1) As part of the structural foundation of the stairs. As mentioned above these are commonly made of wood and supported by stringers, also called stringer boards or sometimes just strings. The stringers themselves are commonly made of wood as well. These are often covered themselves by decorative or safety oriented treads, for example carpet, vinyl, or rubber.

2) For their non slip characteristics. Now not all treads are non slip, but many are, for example rubber, vinyl, aluminum, metal, carpet, rug, and many more. We describe each of these in detail on this site.

3) For their decorative properties. Some treads are simply very attractive, some have décor as one of their characteristics, and some simply do not care. The carpet stair tread we have in our front hallway is beautiful! My wife spent countless hours looking for just the right color and pattern. The outdoor rubber stair treads on our back stairs are primarily for safety, although they also have a pleasant cut out plant and flower motif. Some treads simply are designed without regard to décor. Think industrial and commercial applications.

Wood stair treads are often decorative as well. Think of beautiful hardwood boards placed on top of less expensive construction grade wooden treads.
4) To protect the stairs they cover from both ordinary wear and tear as well as extraordinary bumps, chips, bruises, etc. It’s much easier and cheaper to replace stair tread that may be worn out than the actual stair itself, and stairs are high traffic and high wear areas.

Many stair treads can be installed as a simple do it yourself project. Even I, not a very handy man at all, have installed rubber and vinyl stair treads on the back stairs and cellar stairs respectively. The rubber stair treads were trivial to install as they had non skip backings and were just laid down like small welcome mats. The vinyl treads needed to be tacked in place, a quick and easy job. Some even come with built in self adhesive backings. I’ve also replaced rotten wooden stair treads on outdoor stairs although a major repair job is beyond me, and installing any kind of carpet is a job I leave to professionals.

Enjoy this site, and learning about stair treads. Most of this information is based on research I myself did as a homeowner on my two current properties, and previous rental properties of my wife's. I decided my research might benefit others, and put up this small site. It has grown and is still growing slowly.

Your feedback is welcome! What else would you like to see? If I can’t produce it, I can interview or hire professional to write the material, such as the last contractor we used, a very knowledgeable guy.