Ideas for Hardwood on Stairways

Carpeting

• Crazy as it may seem, some people don't like hardwood stairs. Either they want the staircase to match other carpeted sections of the house, or they are worried about slipping. Or perhaps they have a pet that refuses to go up hardwood stairs. Whatever the reason, many opt to solve the issue by completely carpeting over the wooden stairs. There's also the option of carpet runners for those who would like a bit of carpeting but want to keep the hardwood look. Carpet runners allow you to carpet the middle of the stairs while leaving the rest alone. Stair rods may be set in place to hold down the carpeting and keep it from shifting.

Painting or Tiling

• Painting or tiling a wooden staircase will give it extra life. This option is especially attractive for those who want to do without carpet runners. Leave the steps themselves alone, and paint or tile the vertical section between the steps. Get a professional artist or tiler if you are not confident in your own artistic abilities. Remember that you'll be seeing these stairs day after day and will want an end result that you can enjoy even after the initial rush of creative pride wears away. Tile is also a good way to avoid the problem of scuffing as people wearing shoes run up the stairs.

Banisters

• Handrails and banisters are all but an absolute must for hardwood stairs. Make sure that the railing is strong and not likely to break away, even when tasked with handling a sudden influx of weight. Banisters may be made of wood, iron or any other sturdy substance. Paint the banister or railing to match the staircase and general decor of the room, or leave it untouched for a rustic feel. Make sure that the banister or railing reaches from the top stair to the bottom stair. The tops and bottoms of staircases are often the most dangerous for children and the elderly.

Safety

• Aside from having a sturdy banister in place, there are some other basic safety considerations to keep in mind with wood stairs. Because falling down on hardwood is more painful and dangerous than on carpeting, safety is more important than ever. Keep clutter off the staircase, and make sure that the staircase is always well lit at night. If there are outlets nearby, install a nightlight. Put it on a timer so that it will turn on and off when appropriate. Be especially vigilant of young children, pets and the elderly around the staircase.