What is the best flooring option for stairs? That is something many people ask, especially when they don’t want to opt for the same as everyone else. It will depend on a number of factors including the size and style of your staircase. Here are a few considerations to make sure you find flooring that is safe, secure, and looks good.
Cork for Closed and Open Staircases
If you have a closed or open staircase, one of the best flooring options is cork. This is safe to use and will be secure to walk on. At the same time, it collects minimal dust, so it is great for those with allergies. The material also comes in different colors, which is perfect for those who want to match their flooring to their walls with a small budget. Cork is also the safest option for stairs since it does not become slippery.
Using Hardwood Flooring Safely
Hardwood flooring is great for various types of stairs, especially open and curved staircases. However, you need planks that are long and wide enough to cover the stairs. This is for safety reasons. If you have two or three planks per stair, you run the risk of not leveling them and they can cause a trip hazard or problems with laying carpets, etc.
Laminate Flooring for Easy Maintenance
When laid along the stair in one piece, laminate could be beneficial. This is more the case for curved or open staircases. Laminate is one of the best options when you want easy maintenance. It is very easy to wash, often just wiping it down. However, it can become slippery. This is very important to think about considering safety on stairs.
Cork is another easy maintenance option that you could consider. If you’re considering carpets, consider the vacuuming that needs to be done periodically. Getting the vacuum cleaner up and down the stairs will take a lot of work and can be dangerous. Hardwood floors stain very easily, so if there is a spillage it needs to be cleaned quickly.
The best flooring will depend on the type of staircase you have and your needs. Cork is one of the easiest and safest options for all types of stairs. However, laminate is one option available if you have an open or curved staircase. Hardwood flooring and carpets may be easier, look professional and stay warm, but they require more maintenance.