What Do I Put on My Steps for Flooring?

Laminate

• Laminate flooring will provide a shine to the steps. The wood-style floor is ideal for steps, but its installation requires you to glue the planks down. Laminate flooring comes in a variety of styles and colors, including dark, light or textured wood laminates.

Carpeting

• Carpeting comes in a variety of thickness that will enhance the stairway. You can use carpet runners that only cover the middle of the steps, or you can cover the entire step in a plush carpet or a thinner indoor/outdoor carpeting. Carpeting is attached to the steps using glue or tack strips.

Stain or Paint

• If you have new wood steps or the wood on the stairs is unfinished, you can stain the steps to match the hand rails or walls. Although this process is tedious and you won't be able to use the stairway until it is completed, it will add a touch of natural beauty to the staircase. Paint is another option for stairs. Choose from many different colors. Accenting the stairway with light walls and dark steps will enhance the overall appearance.

Vinyl and Ceramic

• Vinyl or ceramic tiles are another option for covering stairs. Vinyl tiles or sheets can be used to cover the steps, but they do require precision cutting and gluing. Ceramic tiles will add a shine to the stairway. Use peel and stick, glued or grouted tiles. Various color options and textures are available. Vinyl and ceramic tiles are a good choice for stairs that are near an entrance way because they are easier to wipe clean of snow and water that are tracked indoors.