Stairs take more abuse than just about any other part of your home. As high-traffic zones, they deal with more movement, more pressure, and more potential for wear than flat flooring ever will. And if the flooring isn’t up to the job, it can be a safety risk too.
Because of this, choosing the right flooring for stairs is a different ballgame. You need to think about traction, durability, thickness, proper edging, and how it all ties in with the rest of your space.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top flooring options for stairs: what works, what doesn’t, and how to choose the right fit for your home.
What to Consider When Choosing Flooring for Stairs?
Not every flooring material works well on stairs. While looks are part of the equation, there’s a lot more to think about before you decide on flooring choices for stairs.
1) Traction and Slip-Resistance
Safety should always come first. Some materials look great but are slick underfoot, especially in socks or with smooth-soled shoes. If you’re installing flooring on stairs that kids, older adults, or pets use daily, lean toward options with natural texture or added grip (like low-pile carpet or textured vinyl).
2) Durability for High-Traffic Areas
Stairs don’t just get walked on. They get stomped, scuffed, and dragged across every day. You need something that can take a beating without falling apart a month later.
Hardwoods, luxury vinyl planks, and dense low-pile carpets are all built for wear and tear. Laminate can work too, as long as it’s high-quality and installed correctly. Just remember: whatever material you choose, it’s going to get tested daily.
3) Maintenance Requirements
Some floors are easier to live with than others. If you don’t want to be vacuuming, polishing, or deep-cleaning every week, choose something low-maintenance. Vinyl and laminate are usually easy to clean. Carpets require more effort, especially on stairs where dirt and pet hair love to settle in the corners.
Think about how much time you realistically want to spend keeping your stairs looking good. If your lifestyle’s already packed, skip anything that needs constant upkeep.
4) Comfort and Aesthetics
Stairs don’t have to be all function and no style. The right material should also feel good underfoot and match the rest of your home. Make sure the material you choose flows with the rooms above and below. It shouldn’t feel like a totally different space.
5) Budget Considerations
Price will always factor in. Some materials cost more upfront but last longer. Others are budget-friendly but might need replacing sooner. For example, laminate and vinyl plank offer a great middle ground if you’re trying to balance cost with appearance and durability.
Top Flooring Options for Stairs
Now that you know what to look for, here are some of the most popular flooring options for stairs, along with their strengths and drawbacks.
1) Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood is classic, durable, and adds value to your home. If you already have wood floors elsewhere, it also keeps things consistent.
Pros:
- Timeless and stylish
- Tough enough to handle heavy use
- Easy to keep clean
- Adds resale value
Cons:
- Can be slippery (especially if finished too smoothly)
- Costs more upfront
In case you’re going the hardwood route, stick with species like oak, hickory, or maple. They’re less prone to dents and offer a more natural texture underfoot. Also, avoid glossy finishes unless you’re adding safety treads.
Explore our hand-scraped hardwood collection here.
2) Carpet
Carpet is soft, quiet, and provides more grip than hard surfaces, which is perfect if you have little ones running around or anyone in the house who’s not as steady on their feet.
Pros:
- Cushiony feel
- Safer for kids and older adults
- Quieter than hard flooring
Cons:
- Can stain and show wear faster
- Needs regular cleaning
The trick with carpets is choosing the right kind. Plush or shag styles might look cozy, but they’re not great for stairs. A low-pile, tightly woven carpet, like Berber or a nylon blend, is a better bet. It holds up longer and won’t bunch or fray.
3) Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Luxury vinyl plank is one of the most practical options around. It gives you the look of wood, but with better durability and much less maintenance.
Pros:
- Water-resistant or waterproof
- Durable and low-maintenance
- Good traction with textured finishes
- Comes in a wide range of styles
Cons:
- Doesn’t have the same high-end feel as real wood
- Needs stair noses or special pieces to look finished
LVP works great on stairs, but the installation takes a little more care. You’ll need to measure and cut each piece, and use matching trim for a clean edge. Once it’s in, though, it holds up well and cleans up easily.
Here are some luxury vinyl flooring trends for 2025 you’ll love!
4) Laminate Flooring
Like vinyl flooring on stairs, laminate also mimics hardwood. It’s budget-friendly, relatively easy to install, and comes in a huge variety of styles. Just make sure you’re picking a high-quality product because cheap laminate won’t last long on stairs.
Pros:
- Mimics hardwood at a lower price point
- Durable and easy to clean
- DIY-friendly for confident homeowners
Cons:
- Can be slippery or noisy
- Chips more easily than other hard surfaces
- Quality matters
For stairs, you’ll want to go with textured or embossed laminate to add some grip. And like with LVP, make sure you get matching trim and stair noses to complete the look.
Carpet vs. Hardwood Stairs: Which is Best for You?
The choice between carpet vs hardwood stairs will come down to your lifestyle.
- Hardwood looks polished, adds resale value, and is easy to clean. It’s durable and long-lasting but can be slippery and noisy without added treads.
- Carpet is soft, quiet, and safe for kids, seniors, and pets. It offers more traction but needs frequent cleaning and wears out faster.
Go with carpet if:
- You want maximum comfort
- You’re prioritizing safety
- You’re not concerned about resale value
Go with hardwood if:
- You want a sleek, timeless look
- Durability and low maintenance matter
- You’re thinking long-term
Current and Upcoming Trends in Stair Flooring
Staircases are getting more design attention than ever, and the latest trends prove it. Homeowners are stepping away from basic finishes and looking for ways to turn stairs into a standout feature: not just a functional one.
Natural wood flooring in Jacksonville continues to dominate in 2025, particularly with matte finishes and visible grain. Wide planks, warm tones, and wire-brushed textures are showing up in more homes to give stairs a clean, organic, yet polished feel.
Bold patterns and colors are also making a comeback with stair runners in deep blues, geometric patterns, and vintage-inspired motifs. It’s an easy way to bring personality into your space without overcommitting.
Looking ahead to flooring trends in 2025, expect to see more mixed materials, like combining hardwood treads with painted risers or using metal accents for a modern twist. Eco-conscious options like cork, bamboo, and reclaimed wood are also on the rise.
Professional Installation: Getting the Best Results
Stairs are tricky, and even the best materials can fall short if the job’s not done right. The fit has to be exact, the nosing has to line up, and the surface needs to be safe, sturdy, and built to last.
In this regard, professional installation can make sure your flooring holds up over time. Plus, many product warranties require expert installs to stay valid.
At Lifetime Flooring, our flooring contractors in Jacksonville know how to handle stair projects from start to finish. We offer free in-home estimates, honest recommendations, and 100% financing options to make things easier for you. If you’re not sure what works best for your space or your family, we’re happy to walk you through your options.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what the best flooring for stairs is. It all depends on how your household lives, your design style, and what kind of upkeep you’re willing to handle. That said, some materials consistently deliver comfort, safety, and style.
No matter which direction you go, don’t treat your stairs as an afterthought. They get used every single day and deserve a material that can handle the wear without sacrificing style.
If you’re still weighing your options, we’ve got you covered. The team at Lifetime Flooring is here to help you find the best fit for your space, lifestyle, and budget. Book your free in-home estimate today and discover why we’re a trusted name in flooring in Jacksonville, FL.