The Best Flooring for Stairs
The Best Flooring for Stairs
Our top picks: Best flooring for stairs
Want to make your stairs a standout feature? This guide breaks down the best flooring choices for safety, style, and long-lasting beauty. Let's get started!
What are the best flooring options for stairs?
Before we answer that question, let’s talk about what makes staircase flooring so important. The best flooring for your stairs is a matter of safety, practicality, and style. Keep these factors in mind as you explore your options:
Safety: Slip-resistant surfaces are a must, especially if you have kids or older adults in the house. Avoid anything too slick or shiny.
Noise: Footsteps on stairs can be loud, especially with hard surfaces. Consider sound absorption if you want to minimize noise, especially if you have kids and dogs running up and down.
Traffic: Stairs see a lot of foot traffic, so you need something that can withstand daily wear and tear. Durability and resistance to wear, scratches, and dents are crucial.
Budget: Staircases can be expensive to floor, especially if you’re using high-end materials and hiring a professional (which we recommend)!
Now, let's get to our top picks for flooring options for stairs!
Hardwood
Hardwood stairs offer timeless elegance and durability, adding a touch of sophistication to any home. With proper installation and maintenance, hardwood stairs can last for decades, making them a worthwhile investment.
Cost: Hardwood floor installation costs $11 to $25 per square foot, while materials range from $4 to $15 per square foot.
Best materials: Opt for durable hardwood species like oak, maple, or hickory, which can withstand heavy foot traffic and resist dents and scratches.
Additional notes: Hardwood stairs can be slippery, so consider adding a runner or non-slip treads for safety. Proper sealing and finishing are essential to protect the wood from moisture and wear.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood offers a similar aesthetic to hardwood but with enhanced stability and moisture resistance. This makes it a practical choice for stairs, especially in areas with fluctuating humidity levels, like the stairs leading down to a moisture-prone basement.
Cost: Engineered wood flooring costs $7 to $20 per square foot, including installation. Material prices range from $4 to $12 per square foot.
Best materials: Look for engineered wood with a thick wear layer to ensure durability and longevity. Choose options with a slip-resistant finish for added safety.
Additional notes: Engineered wood can be installed over various subfloors, making it a versatile option for staircases. Be sure to use a high-quality adhesive to ensure a secure and long-lasting installation.
Laminate
Laminate is a budget-friendly option that mimics the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost. It's durable and easy to maintain, making it a practical choice for high-traffic staircases.
Cost: Laminate flooring costs from $4 to $14 per square foot with installation or $1 to $6 per square foot for materials alone.
Best materials: Opt for laminate with a high abrasion class (AC) rating to ensure it can withstand daily wear and tear. Look for options with a textured surface for added slip resistance.
Additional notes: Laminate is easy to clean, but it can be slippery when wet. Consider adding a runner or non-slip treads for safety.
Luxury vinyl
Luxury vinyl, available in planks (LVP) or tiles (LVT), offers a waterproof and scratch-resistant flooring option that's ideal for stairs in high-traffic areas. With its realistic wood and stone designs, luxury vinyl can add a touch of style to any staircase.
Cost: Luxury vinyl flooring costs $4 to $16 per square foot installed. Material prices range from $2 to $10 per square foot, depending on the quality.
Best materials: Look for luxury vinyl with a thick wear layer (20 mil or higher) for maximum durability. Choose options with a textured surface for added slip resistance.
Additional notes: Luxury vinyl is easy to clean and maintain, making it a practical choice for busy households. It can also go directly over concrete or wood subfloors.
Carpet
Carpeted stairs provide a soft and comfortable surface underfoot, reducing noise and minimizing the risk of slips and falls. With a wide range of colors and textures available, carpet can add warmth and style to any staircase.
Cost: The cost to carpet stairs ranges from $15 to $55 per step, or $180 to $880 total for the staircase, depending on the carpet type and number of steps.
Best materials: Opt for low-pile carpets like Berber or cut pile for stairs, as they're more durable and less likely to mat down over time. Avoid high-pile carpets, which can be slippery and difficult to clean.
Additional notes: Professional installation is best to ensure a secure and long-lasting installation. Consider adding a carpet pad for extra cushioning and noise reduction.
Keep in mind that removal and disposal of your old carpet costs extra, so factor that into your budget.
Carpet runners
Even if you love your existing hardwood or tile stairs, a carpet runner can be a fantastic addition! Carpet runners offer a stylish way to add traction, protect your stairs, and showcase your unique taste. They come in a dazzling array of colors, patterns, and materials, allowing you to create a truly custom look.
Cost: A carpet or stair runner costs $500 to $2,000 to install and covers the middle portion of each step.
Best materials: Choose durable, low-pile carpets like wool or nylon for runners, as they can withstand heavy foot traffic and resist stains.
Additional notes: Professional installation will ensure a secure installation. Consider adding a non-slip pad underneath the runner to prevent it from sliding.
Tile steps
Tile stairs offer a durable and waterproof flooring option that's ideal for high-moisture areas. With a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures available, tile can add a touch of elegance to any staircase. For maximum durability, consider tiling the entire staircase.
Alternatively, you can make a stylish statement by tiling just the risers, pairing them with wood treads for a sophisticated look.
Cost: Tile installation costs $10 to $50 per square foot, depending on the tile material and labor rates in your area.
Best materials: Choose durable, slip-resistant tiles with a textured surface for added safety. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are popular choices for stairs.
Additional notes: Professional installation is best for proper adhesion and grout sealing. Consider adding a bullnose edge to the treads for a finished look.
Flooring cost comparison
Planning a staircase makeover involves weighing various factors, including flooring installation costs, durability, and design style. Whether you're aiming for a classic, timeless look or a sleek, modern appearance, there are numerous flooring options to choose from. The following table compares flooring options for your staircase:
| Flooring type | Average installed cost (per square foot) |
Durability (Lifespan) | Our top picks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardwood | $11 – $25 | 50+ years | Best resale value |
| Engineered wood | $7 – $20 | 20 – 30+ years | Best for humidity-prone areas |
| Laminate | $4 – $14 | 10 – 25 years | Best on a budget |
| Luxury vinyl | $4 – $16 | 15 – 25 years | Best waterproof option |
| Carpet | $2 – $8 | 5 – 15 years | Best noise reduction |
| Carpet runners | $500 – $2,000 total | 5 – 15 years | Best safety & floor protection |
| Tile | $10 – $50 | 50+ years | Best durability for high traffic |
FAQs about flooring for stairs
What floor covering is best for stairs?
The best flooring depends on your priorities:
For safety, try carpet runners or low-pile carpets.
For durability, consider hardwood or luxury vinyl (with textured finishes for slip resistance).
For budget, you can’t go wrong with affordable laminate.
For moisture-prone areas, porcelain tile or waterproof luxury vinyl work well.
Can I use laminate flooring for stairs?
Yes, you can use laminate flooring on stairs, but it requires some precautions to ensure safety and durability. Choose laminates with textured or embossed finishes, which provide better traction. Additionally, consider adding non-slip adhesive treads or mats to enhance safety further.
How do you calculate flooring for stairs?
To calculate flooring for stairs:
Measure each tread’s width and depth
Multiply tread depth + riser height by width (per step)
Convert to square feet (total sq. in. ÷ 144)
Add 10 to 15% for waste and errors
What is the safest flooring for stairs?
The safest flooring for stairs is low-pile carpet or carpet runners, which provide cushioning, noise reduction, and slip resistance, especially in homes with children or mobility concerns.
Getting estimates from flooring installers
For accurate estimates from flooring installers, follow these instructions:
Ensure that the installer measures each step individually, as dimensions can vary. This is especially important for bullnose stairs, which require more material and labor.
Make sure the estimate covers all necessary components, such as stair nosing, risers, and any additional features like landings or curves.
If you're replacing existing flooring, factor in the extra time and cost for removal and disposal.
Get estimates from at least three different installers to compare prices and services offered.
Questions to ask a flooring installer
Asking these questions can help you choose the best flooring installer for your staircase project:
What experience do you have with staircase flooring installations?
How will you ensure the flooring securely attaches to the stairs?
What type of underlayment do you recommend for staircase installations?
How will you handle uneven or irregularly shaped stairs?
How will you protect the surrounding areas from dust and debris?
Can you provide examples of previous staircase installations?
What kind of warranty do you offer on materials and labor?
How will you ensure that the stair nosing is properly installed for safety and aesthetics?
What is the estimated timeline for the project, and how will you manage any delays?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.