Customized Stop-the-Slip Solutions
For Your Unique Conditions
Your Stop-the-Slip Solutions Graded:
ClearGrip Treads: B
ClearGrip Treads rubberized vinyl provides very good traction on wood stairs and they’re comfortable on bare feet, socks, slippers, shoes and even pet paws! ClearGrip Treads are an excellent solution when appearance is the most important consideration when selecting a non-slip solution for wood stairs.
The non-slip vinyl treads are easy to apply with an adhesive backing that is strong enough to keep the treads securely in place, but that also can be removed in the future if desired. ClearGrip Treads come in either 6″ x 24″ or 6″ x 12″ sizes that can be trimmed to size.
Maintenance of ClearGrip Treads is easy. They can be mopped or wiped down with soap and water or a mild cleaner.
ClearGrip treads can also be used on many other surfaces including ceramic tile, laminate flooring, natural stone and sealed concrete.
You can expect ClearGrip Treads to last for 3 to 5 years, depending on the foot traffic on the stairs.
Total Score: B
Effectiveness: C
Installation & Maintenance: A
Durability: A
Initial Price: B
Long-Term Value: B
Non-Slip Grit Treads: A-
Handi-Treads Stop-the-Slip Grit Treads are perfect for wood stairs where a maximum amount of traction is required and you’re not as concerned about appearance.
The commercial grade non-slip grit treads provide a high traction surface for wood stairs in the work place or at home in even the most adverse wet or greasy conditions. Stop-the-Slip Grit Treads are intended for stairs where footwear are normally worn. They are not appropriate for stairs where socks and bare feet are the norm.
These non-slip treads are 6″ x 24″, meet Prop 65 and ADA standards, are NFSI certified for “High Traction”, and can be cut to meet custom size needs. Treads come four (4) per-package and are available in black, black with glow strip, black with reflective strip, and a luminescent (glow-in-the-dark) form.
Installation is simple and fast. The peel-and-stick backing of the grit treads provides maximum adhesion to properly cleaned painted or sealed wood surfaces an is intended to last for many years. No maintenance is required for grit treads.
Grit treads will maintain their effectiveness, depending on the level of use, from 3 to 5 years.
Total Score: A-
Effectiveness: A
Installation & Maintenance: A
Durability: B
Initial Price: B
Long-Term Value: B
Stair Runners & Treads: B-
Stair runners and individual treads made of short loop carpet can be an effective way to improve traction on finished wood stairs. However, long or cut pile carpeting can actually be more dangerous than finished wood steps.
Installation of carpet runners and non-adhesive backed carpeted treads usually require a professional. The carpet must be securely fastened to the stair treads and risers with specialized tack rails or staples. These methods of installation make the safest stairs. There are also DIY carpet treads available with an adhesive backing. While there are some good quality adhesive-backed carpet treads on the market, we do not believe that adhesive backed treads are appropriate for most homes. The are simply not secure enough and if not properly installed, can catch a toe.
Maintenance of carpet runners and treads can be a challenge as one must carry a vacuum up or down the steps to clean the carpet. This in and of itself can be a hazard.
With professional installation carpet stair runners or treads can be expected to last 5 to 8 years, depending on the quality and the use and abuse they receive. It’s important to remember that once a runner or tread is placed on the wooden stairs, the finish will be marred with nail or tack holes. To return the stairs to their original wood beauty, they will likely need to be refinished.
The cost of purchase and proper installation of carpet runners or treads by a professional can run into several hundreds of dollars, depending on the quality of the carpet purchased.
Total Score: B-
Effectiveness: A
Installation & Maintenance: D
Durability: A
Initial Price: D
Long-Term Value: B
Anti-Slip Paint or Finish: C
Grit paint can provide excellent traction on wood stairs where appearance isn’t a concern and people always wear shoes. Non-slip paints suspend an aggregate, like sand, that creates a rough, slip resistant surface.
Grit paint can be difficult to apply as surface preparation and careful application is critical. Once applied to stained or sealed steps it’s almost impossible to successfully return the stairs to their natural wood finish.
There’s no maintenance required for grit paint, but cleaning steps coated with grit paint can be a challenge. While there’s no problem using soap and water to wash anti-slip paint, the aggregate in the paint will rip up a sponge or cloth mop. In most instances cleaning with a vacuum is the best way to maintain grip paint.
There is a family of new non-slip paints that are supposed to make wood stairs coated with polyurethane less slippery. We’ll report back once we have real-world experience with the product.
The cost of anti-slip paint is $60 to $120 a gallon. Used inside the home, grit paint will last for 8 to 10 years.
Total Score: C
Effectiveness: C
Installation & Maintenance: D
Durability: B
Initial Price: D
Long-Term Value: B