Different Flooring Options for Stairs

If you are in the process of selecting a new flooring option for your two story home then you may need to consider the stairs as an important factor in deciding what flooring material to install in your home.

Stairs are one of the most important parts of any home. Your staircase does not just serve a functional purpose but it also adds style and sophistication to your home. The angle, style, lighting and floor surface of your stairs play a significant part in how you will see and enjoy your home. Writers and artists have used stairs for centuries as symbolism in stories. Movie producers often use staircase scenes to communicate specific messages about the plot, character and themes to the viewer. In classic film noir movies for example, spiraling, dark and intricate stairs act as a hint to the convoluted mind of the antagonist. Whereas in contemporary cinema, stairs often represent a way the director projects the power of a character or the accomplishment of an impossible task.

Bellow you will find a quick guide that will help you find out the pros and cons of selecting different flooring products for you home and stairs.

The most important factors to consider when selecting your new floor coverings are the structure, style and the functional purpose of the stairs.

Ceramic & Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain Tile Staircase

Porcelain or ceramic tiles for example are a great option if your main concern is cleanliness and durability. Tile surfaces are exceptionally easy to clean and maintain and do not ware our easily even with high foot traffic. Tile however, on stairs can turn out to be very slippery and add to that some incredibly hard and sharp corners that can turn this home set piece into painful deathtrap.

Hardwood & Laminate

Hardwood is a classic look that when installed correctly will give a handcrafted look and feel to the home. Another positive is that there are limitless hardwood species and stains to choose from, enough to select a style that fits the traditional, transitional and modern homes. Because stairs are high foot traffic areas we recommend that you choose a product that ranks high on the Janka Hardness Scale. In Austin and Central Texas area, hickory and oaks are among the most popular hardwood surfaces. They are strong, resilient woods that do very well in a residential setting.

If you enjoy the look and feel of hardwood, but would like something more resilient to heavy traffic, laminates can be a great alternative for a multistory home. You will have a limitless pool of colors and styles to choose the product that best fits the functionality and style of your home. More-so, laminates are very easy to clean and maintain.

Carpet

Finally! Did you know that in the famous 1939 movie Gone With The Wind the central piece of the home and the story was the staircase? In fact, some of the most important narrative moments in this iconic movie happen on the stairs. Important characters are introduced to each other and to the audience as they are walking down the stairs. Emotional dialogue happens as characters stand near or ascend the stairs. In addition, the emotionally charged last scene of the film is intentionally set

The infamous red carpet stairs as seen in Gone With The Wind

Now if you also want to have the crimson red stairs in your home you have to choose carpet. Carpet is quite, soft and worm. If you have small children, carpeted stairs are also safer in case of slips and falls. The downside of carpet on stairs however is the difficulty to maintain clean and vacuuming can be a real chore.

Before selecting your flooring surface, consider the style, the structure and who will be using the staircase. If you would like a flooring professional help you pick the best option for your home contact us today.

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