Everyone agrees that hardwood flooring brings out the best in a home. Hardwood flooring not only has superb aesthetics but adds value to the home as well. Now, many homeowners are considering adding hardwood to their stairs with the reason being that, if hardwood looks great on floors, it can also look great on stairs. While this philosophy is correct, adding hardwood to stairs is a completely different ballgame. 

Can you put hardwood flooring on stairs?  Well… you can. But it may not be the optimal choice. We’ll tell you why – and how to get the look you want for your home.

THE PROBLEM(S) WITH USING HARDWOOD FLOORING ON STAIRS

Stairs are actually a lot more complicated than most of us think. The rise and run have to be carefully calculated to ensure safety, and if anything is out of whack, as it were, then we risk injury and even issues with durability and longevity. The design of the stairs has to be considered.

For example, nosing is a pretty big deal! This refers to the horizontal, protruding edge of the stair. This is the component of stairs that receive the heaviest foot traffic. In short, they can take a beating, and you need to ensure the surfaces are prepared to receive it. Now, hardwood flooring is designed for, you guessed it, floors. It does not have the appropriate nosing for applications on stairs. This can create one heck of a trip hazard, as well as messing with the careful math involved calculating the needed projections to create a staircase.

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER

Can you put hardwood flooring on stairs? Here are a few things you need to consider if you want to add hardwood flooring to your staircase.

  1. Professional installation.  When a high-quality wooden staircase is installed by professionals, it can immediately be stunning. But this is definitely not a DIY project. It takes experience, the right equipment and tools, and good hand skills to repurpose stairs with hardwood.
  2. Slippage. The first thing to appreciate is that hardwood steps also have a slightly higher risk of slippage compared to other options, like carpet. If you have senior family members in your home who have difficulty walking, children, and those using ambulatory devices, hardwood steps may not be a good option. Placing mats or rugs over the steps with wooden flooring further increases the risk of slipping. However, to have the classic look of hardwood stairs and, at the same time, lower the risk of slippage, you will need to add a stair runner or a rug that is properly fitted to increase the foot grip. 
  3. Hardwood vs softwood. The next thing you need to know is whether you want hardwood flooring on stairs or softwood because it can affect the feel, look, and durability. There are subtle differences between hardwood and softwood, and these differences will affect the end result. Even though most people assume that hardwood is harder than softwood, this is not necessarily true. Hardwood, though, is stronger, denser, and more durable than softwood. Hardwood is derived from deciduous trees, like ash, oak, and walnut – all good options for staircases. These wood types are very popular because of their aesthetics, durability, and strength. More importantly, hardwood is also easier to clean, which simplifies maintenance. In the long run, hardwood stairs are a wise investment, but like hardwood flooring, they will also need to be refinished at least once every decade.
  4. Not a quick install. If you are considering hardwood for your staircase, remember this is not a half-day job. It may take one or several days to get the job done. If the staircase is complex with winding corners, it can take even longer. Each piece of the hardwood has to be cut exactly to match the size of the steps.
  5. Not a DIY job. The other thing about installing hardwood on your steps is that this is not a DIY job. Getting the shape, trim, and size of the nose correct on each step requires great skill and an imaginative mind. In addition, It takes experience and good hands to get the job done, which is best left to the professionals.
  6. Stain and finish. Once the construction is done, the stairway has to be swept clean of all the debris before applying the stain and finish, which means you cannot immediately use the stairway.

Can you put hardwood flooring on stairs?  Hardwood stairs are possible. The key is to avoid repurposing flooring for this application. It is better to opt for premade stair treads or custom-made stair treads. This ensures that your stairs are safe, durable, and stable. The best woods for gorgeous stairs include:

  • Ash 
  • Birch
  • Mahogany
  • African Mahogany 
  • American Cherry
  • Brazilian Cherry
  • Cypress
  • Red Oak
  • White Oak

CONCLUSION

Can you put hardwood flooring on stairs? Flooring solutions are meant for floors. Stairs are a whole different story, and their complexity calls for different solutions. Whether you opt for premade treads or custom hardwood floors, you can be assured of safe and exceptionally beautiful results when professionally installed.

Not sure where to start when deciding on hardwood flooring on stairs? Contact East Coast Flooring & Interiors. While we made our name, literally, in flooring, we have extensive experience in custom stairs as well. Make sure every step you and your family take is as safe as possible; we’re here to help. Call 1-954-626-8053 today.