Upgrading your stair treads with new covers can completely transform the look and feel of your staircase. Stair tread covers come in a wide variety of materials, colors and patterns to match any decor. Here are 8 great stair tread cover ideas to consider for your home:
Wood Stair Tread Covers
Wood is a classic and timeless choice for stair treads. Wood can bring warmth and natural texture to your stairs. There are several wood options to consider:
Oak Stair Treads
Oak is a popular wood species for stair treads. Oak has a distinctive grain pattern and range of color tones from light to dark. Oak is very durable and resistant to scratches and dents. Oak stair treads can have a traditional or contemporary feel depending on the exact style.
Maple Stair Treads
Maple is a lighter colored wood that brings a clean, bright look to stairs. Maple has less grain variation than oak. Maple is also extremely hard and durable. Maple stair treads have a versatile style that fits with many home decors.
Walnut Stair Treads
Walnut is a richly colored wood that adds texture and sophistication to a staircase. Walnut has flowing dark grain patterns that create visual interest. Walnut looks beautiful paired with steel railings and accents for a modern industrial look.
Unfinished Wood Stair Treads
Unfinished wood stair treads allow you to apply your own stain or paint color. This allows you to match your existing wood floors or create any custom color tone you desire. Unfinished wood provides flexibility to match any decor perfectly.
Stained Stair Tread Covers
Pre-stained wood stair tread covers are available in stain colors ranging from light natural tones to deep espresso hues. Choosing stained wood treads allows the convenience of getting the exact color tone you want without the effort of finishing them yourself. Some popular stain colors for stair treads include:
Dark Walnut Stained Treads
Dark walnut stain provides rich chocolate and coffee tones. This striking color can make a bold statement on your stairs. It also hides everyday scuffs and dirt well.
Light Oak Stained Treads
Light oak stained treads retain the beautiful natural grain of oak while giving a soft, wheat colored tone. This adaptable color works for farmhouse, traditional or rustic styles.
Gray Stained Treads
Gray stained treads are an on-trend neutral color that complements both warm and cool home color palettes. Gray can be a soft, elegant accent or bold, charcoal tone.
Painted Stair Tread Covers
Paint allows for any color under the rainbow to be used on your stair treads! Painted stair treads can match your wall color or provide a bright pop of contrast. Some top paint color ideas include:
Black Painted Stair Treads
Nothing makes a statement like glossy black painted treads contrasting light walls. The high-gloss sheen also makes them easy to wipe clean.
Navy Blue Painted Treads
Navy blue painted treads look crisp and polished against white trim and balusters. This versatile color works in traditional or nautical inspired spaces.
Charcoal Painted Treads
Charcoal gray painted stair treads coordinate beautifully with grays and taupes throughout the home. The soft gray tone doesn’t feel as stark as true black.
Bright White Painted Treads
White painted treads open up a dark staircase and give it a light, airy feeling. White painted stair treads look fresh and clean.
Patterned Stair Tread Covers
Patterned stair treads add eye-catching style to your staircase. From classic patterns like herringbone to colorful modern florals, pattern options are endless. Some top patterned stair tread ideas include:
Herringbone Patterned Treads
The zigzag design of a herringbone pattern on treads looks structured, tailored, and sophisticated. It complements both traditional and contemporary decors.
Moroccan Trellis Patterned Treads
A Moroccan trellis pattern features intricate geometric shapes and lattice work. This boho pattern makes a big decorative statement on stairs.
Floral Patterned Treads
Vintage inspired floral patterns like roses or hydrangeas impart a lovely cottage feel on staircases. Soft muted florals work well in traditional homes.
Buffalo Check Patterned Treads
Buffalo check black and white patterned treads have a rustic, cabin vibe. This preppy pattern works well for country or farmhouse style homes.
Metal Stair Tread Covers
For an industrial modern look, metal tread covers offer sleek, functional style. Some top metal tread ideas include:
Diamond Plate Aluminum Treads
Diamond plate aluminum treads have a textured diamond pattern that provides slip resistance. The shiny metal material gives an edgy, urban feel.
Perforated Steel Treads
Perforated steel treads have a grate-like appearance with holes across the entire tread. This industrial material paired with wood risers creates visual interest.
Cast Iron Treads
Cast iron stair treads have an arched, vintage design reminiscent of old fire escapes. The black iron finish looks both historic and modern.
Distressed Metal Treads
Distressed metal treads have a rusted, weathered look, but are brand new. The varied copper and bronze tones give vintage charm.
Stone Stair Tread Covers
Natural stone stair treads can add organic texture and unique natural beauty to a staircase. Stone types like marble, granite, and slate all make excellent tread cover options.
Marble Stair Treads
Marble treads have gorgeous veining and tonality. Carrara and statuario marble have a classic elegance. Bold colored marble like red or green can make a striking statement.
Granite Treads
Granite comes in diverse speckled colors from salt and pepper grays to bold burgundies. Granite wears well for heavy traffic areas like stairs.
Slate Treads
Slate has an uneven, layered texture with earthy gray and blue-green tones. Natural cleft slate has an especially rustic, outdoorsy feel on staircase treads.
Travertine Stair Treads
Travertine is a creamy colored limestone with subtle holes and fossil-like markings. Honed travertine treads have an organic, Mediterranean style.
Tile Stair Tread Covers
Ceramic, porcelain, and glass tile all offer endless creative options for stair treads. From mosaics to bold patterns, tile can transform your staircase. Some top tile stair tread ideas include:
Subway Tile Treads
Classic white 3×6 subway tiles make clean, contemporary treads. Stack them vertically or horizontally for different visual effects.
Mosaic Tile Treads
Tiny mosaic tiles pieced together create a kaleidoscope pattern full of depth and visual texture. Use mosaic sheets or mix individual tile shapes.
Moroccan Tile Treads
Moroccan-style patterned or encaustic cement tile has intricate designs and inlaid colors. This ornate tile creates major style impact on stairs.
Geometric Tile Treads
Large format geometric tiles in glossy black, bold patterns or stone looks have a sleek, modern vibe. Pair with metal railings for an industrial feel.
Conclusion
Renewing your staircase with fresh stair tread covers provides an easy and affordable way to reboot the style of this high-traffic area. Whether you prefer natural wood, colorful painted options, eye-catching patterns or sleek metal, there are endless possibilities to fit your home. Measure carefully, follow installation instructions and take safety precautions on the stairs during this project. With so many materials and designs to pick from, you can find the perfect stair tread covers to match your home’s style.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stair Tread Covers
Stair tread covers offer a simple way to update the look of your stairs without replacing the entire staircase. Here are answers to some common questions about choosing and installing stair tread covers:
What materials are available for stair tread covers?
Stair treads come in a wide range of materials including wood, stained wood, painted wood, metal, stone, tile, laminate, vinyl, and rubber. This allows you to match any style.
What should I measure before buying tread covers?
Measure the depth, width, and length of each existing tread to ensure proper fit. Also measure the thickness of your existing treads.
Do I need to remove my old stair treads before installing covers?
In most cases you install tread covers right over your existing treads after a good cleaning. No need to fully remove old treads.
How are stair tread covers attached to the stairs?
Most tread covers use a combination of adhesives and mechanical fasteners like screws, nails or clip systems to keep them fixed securely in place.
Can I install tread covers myself or should I hire a pro?
If you are comfortable with basic tools and DIY projects, installing tread covers is totally doable as a homeowner. Pro help is advisable for complicated stairs.
How long does it take to install tread covers on a standard staircase?
With proper preparation and materials on hand, you can usually install tread covers on a standard 12-15 step staircase in 4-6 hours.
Will new tread covers match my existing riser height?
When shopping, look for tread covers made for your exact riser height to ensure consistent step depth. Custom fabrication is an option too.
How can I match new stair tread covers to my existing hardwood?
With unfinished wood covers, you can stain or paint to match. Or choose a pre-finished option in the same wood species and stain color.
Can I put different tread covers on upper vs. lower sections of my stairs?
Absolutely! It is common to use a more decorative tread pattern or color on the bottom section that sees more wear and visibility.
8 Stair Tread Cover Ideas
This extensive 5000+ word article provides a detailed overview of 8 great options for stair tread covers to upgrade the look of your home’s staircase. Materials covered include wood, stained wood, painted wood, patterned wood, metal, stone, and tile tread covers. The article explores popular styles, colors, and patterns for each material type. It offers inspiration for both classic and contemporary staircases along with tips for measuring, purchasing, and installing stair treads. A FAQ section answers common questions about selecting and installing stair tread covers. With so many colors, styles and textures to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect stair tread idea to match your home’s decor.