What Are the Different Types of Stair Treads?

April 30, 2014

Are you building a new house, decorating, refurbishing or remodeling a staircase, are you unsure what the different types of stair treads available are. Don’t worry, you are not alone. Understanding the variety and types of hardwood stair treads that are available today can feel like daunting effort, however, the most import aspect of stair treads is the type of wood used. Of course, the type of design matters as well. Stair treads are wonderful for providing a sophisticated look and they turn any stair case into a classy masterpiece. With that said, let’s review some of the wood types available for stair treads?

What Are the Different Types of Stair Treads?

If decorated and constructed right, stairs or the main stair case can become a room’s center piece. Although there are different types of wood that are ideal for use on stairs, you will want to choose a hardwood type that is found in other areas of your home. When choosing hardwood stair treads take not of the wood’s colour, matching it with the interior wood used in your residence is important. Divided into three groups, wood used for stair treads are listed below:

Traditional Solid Wood

All natural, durable, long lasting hardwoods are considered by many as the best to use for stair treads. It can be stained to match your interior, however, natural wood material tends to contract and expand with the seasons. And, it is expensive and will require skilled wood craftsmen to install it.

Engineered Wood/Green Building Material

Unlike natural woods, these fabricated types of engineered wood are not susceptible to changing temperatures and are much more affordable, although, it doesn’t last as many years as solid hardwood. Still, fabricated engineered wood looks amazing as stair treads, and even to the trained eye, it looks like hardwood.

False End Treads

For those looking to save some money, but still want to have a hardwood look and feel, false end treads fits-the-bill. These inexpensive type stair treads are really just a type of add-on, which only cover the sides of each step. For homes that have carpeted stairs, these false end treads are an ideal way to spruce up the appearance of the carpet running down the middle of the stairs.

For more information about what are the different types of stair treads available, and the types of tread designs, contact your local experts they will be more than happy to give you the details.