When finishing a basement, one of the most important considerations is choosing the right material to cover the basement stairs. The basement stairs take a lot of abuse as the main passageway between floors, so you’ll want to choose a durable material that can stand up to heavy foot traffic. You’ll also want to consider factors like cost, ease of installation, aesthetics, and safety.
Page Contents
What are the options for covering basement stairs?
Here are some of the most popular options for covering basement stairs:
- Carpet – Carpet is a soft, warm, and quiet option for basement stairs. It comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, and price points. However, carpet shows wear quickly and can be difficult to clean.
- Vinyl – Vinyl tile or sheet vinyl can be an affordable and water-resistant option for basement stairs. It is available in many colors and patterns. However, vinyl can crack or peel over time.
- Laminate – Laminate offers the look of hardwood with more durability and moisture resistance. It’s easy to install and maintain. But laminate can be slippery, and hollow sounds when stepped on.
- Engineered wood – Engineered wood has a real wood veneer over a plywood base. It has the rich look of hardwood with added structural stability. But it is one of the more expensive options.
- Luxury vinyl plank – LVP combines the look of wood or stone with the durability and water-resistance of vinyl. It’s comfortable underfoot and easy to install and maintain. But the planks can separate over time.
- Rubber – Rubber treads are extremely durable options for basement stairs. They are waterproof and slip-resistant. But rubber does not have the best aesthetic.
- Concrete – Stained or painted concrete stairs are very durable and utilitarian. But concrete is hard underfoot and can crack over time.
- Tile – Ceramic or porcelain tile can be very durable and water-resistant. It offers endless design options. But tile can be very hard underfoot and slippery when wet.
What are the key factors to consider?
When selecting the best basement stair covering material for your home, here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:
Durability
Durability is absolutely key for high-traffic basement stairs. Look for materials that can withstand years of daily use without showing excessive wear and tear. Avoid fragile or delicate materials.
Slip resistance
Safety should be a top concern. Be sure to select a stair tread material that has good traction and slip resistance, even when wet. A fall on hard basement stairs can cause serious injury.
Moisture resistance
Basement stairs are prone to getting wet from rain, snow, and groundwater. Choose a material that can withstand moisture without warping, growing mold, or being damaged.
Comfort underfoot
Consider how the material will feel to walk on with bare feet or socks. Materials that are too hard or cold can be uncomfortable over time.
Easy maintenance
Opt for materials that will not require frequent repairs or renovations. Also consider the effort required to clean and maintain the stairs regularly.
Aesthetics
Pick a material and color scheme that aligns with your overall basement decor. But don’t sacrifice function for aesthetics on basement stairs.
Grip
Prioritize materials that have an inherent grip or patterns to provide traction. This is especially important if family members are elderly or young children will use the stairs.
Sound absorption
Consider acoustics too – some materials, like carpet, will better absorb sound and footsteps.
Cost
Budget is always a factor. Determine what you can reasonably afford for your basement stair makeover.
What are the pros and cons of each material?
Here is a detailed overview of the pros and cons of each of the most common basement stair covering options:
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet |
|
|
| Vinyl |
|
|
| Laminate |
|
|
| Engineered wood |
|
|
| Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) |
|
|
| Rubber |
|
|
| Concrete |
|
|
| Tile |
|
|
Which material is best for basement stairs?
When weighing all the options and factors involved, here are our top recommendations for covering basement stairs:
Overall Best – Rubber Treads
For most homeowners, rubber treads are the best choice for basement stairs. Here’s why:
- Extremely durable – Withstands decades of heavy use.
- Slip-resistant – Provides sure footing, even when wet.
- Waterproof – Won’t be damaged by groundwater or flooding.
- Low-maintenance – Just needs occasional cleaning.
- Fair cost – Comparable to vinyl or laminate.
The only real downside to rubber is the utilitarian appearance. But many rubber tread options now come in colors, patterns, and textures to improve the aesthetics. Overall, it’s hard to beat rubber for durability, safety, and moisture resistance on basement stairs.
Best for Looks – Engineered Hardwood
If your priority is making your basement stairs look like high-end wood steps, engineered hardwood is the way to go.
- Gorgeous natural wood look
- Very durable and scratch-resistant
- Resists moisture better than solid hardwood
- Can be refinished over time
The downsides are the higher cost and more complicated installation. Overall, engineered wood is unbeatable in terms of beauty and sophistication for basement stairs. Just be prepared to pay more and take proper moisture protection measures.
Best on a Budget – Vinyl Plank
If budget is your top concern, vinyl plank (LVP) provides the best value:
- Extremely affordable material and installation cost
- Holds up well to foot traffic
- Resists water damage
- Many options to mimic wood/tile looks
Vinyl plank won’t last as long as rubber or engineered hardwood. But for basement stairs you can redo every 5-10 years, it’s a great budget-friendly solution.
Key installation and preparation tips
Proper installation is key to getting the most durability and longevity out of your basement stair covering. Here are some important tips:
- Thoroughly clean and prep the concrete stairs first – Remove any old carpet, glue, or existing coverings. Clean deeply and let dry fully before installing new treads.
- Check for moisture – Test concrete stairs for excess moisture problems before installation. Address any groundwater leaks or moisture vapor transmission before laying new flooring.
- Use quality underlayment – Underlayment creates a moisture barrier and smoother, more cushioned surface for flooring. Use underlayment recommended for the specific flooring material.
- Follow manufacturer instructions – Carefully follow the flooring manufacturer’s guide for sub-floor prep, adhesive use, seam sealing, and installation steps.
- Consider professional installation – Especially for materials like engineered hardwood, you may get better long-term results by hiring professional installers rather than DIY.
- Seal perimeter edges – Use silicone caulk around the edges of stair treads to prevent moisture ingress that could lift or damage flooring.
- Use grip strips – Adhesive grip strips provide added traction on the leading edge of each step. This is highly recommended to prevent slips and falls.
Conclusion
Finding the right material for covering basement stairs requires balancing factors like moisture resistance, durability, aesthetics, slip-resistance, comfort, and installation effort. For most homeowners, quality rubber stair treads provide the best combination of performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Vinyl plank or engineered hardwood stairs are also smart options under certain scenarios. Be sure to properly prep and install any basement stair covering to maximize its lifetime and performance.