Options to Cover Concrete Stairs

Wood

• Covering your concrete stairs with wood provides a classic, traditional look that warms up any room. You can use a plywood skin or veneer to cover the stairs for an easy, budget-friendly option. For the easiest installation, cut the plywood to size according to the dimensions of your staircase's risers and treads. Use screws to connect the plywood risers to the treads, and spread a generous amount of construction adhesive to the backside. Set them in place on the concrete, carefully stepping on the plywood to attach them. Finish up by using a decorative molding or trim along the edge of the plywood with finishing nails and wood glue. You can stain the plywood in a color of your choosing, or apply a coat of polyurethane to showcase the natural finish.

Carpeting

• One knock against concrete stairs is their hard, cold surface. If you prefer a softer, warmer covering for your stairs, carpet is an ideal option. Carpeting is available in a variety of materials, textures, colors and patterns, so you can create a customized look for your staircase. Because of the heavy traffic that a staircase usually sees, a textured carpet is usually your best option when covering a concrete staircase. When applying carpeting to a concrete surface, moisture issues may develop. As a result, you should cement some type of padding to your staircase before laying the carpeting. Be aware that carpet installation on concrete surfaces requires special equipment, so you are better off hiring a professional installer for the project than attempting it yourself.

Ceramic Tile

• To dress up a worn, drab concrete staircase, use ceramic tile to cover the surface. Ceramic tiles are very durable and hold up well to wear and tear. They are available in a variety of colors and sizes as well, so you can create as decorative a look as you like. However, you should select unglazed ceramic tile to provide effective traction for the treads and help prevent slips and falls. For added color and pattern, you can use decorative, glazed tile on the risers where traction is not an issue. Verify that your concrete steps are clean prior to laying the tile, and use a cement thinset to adhere the tile. You can use bullnose or cap tile on the front edge of the stairs to provide a finished look.

Stone Tile

• If you are covering exterior concrete stairs, stone tile is an ideal option. Stone tile is highly durable, so it works well in heavily trafficked areas like a staircase. It also has a textured surface that provides effective traction outdoors where the surface may often be wet. The natural look of the stone pairs well with your landscape as well. You can choose from a variety of stone materials for your tile. Slate is one of the most durable options, but sandstone and travertine are also attractive materials. Use thinset mortar to adhere the stone tile, and after it has cured overnight, grout the tile for an even surface.