Are you planning to install hardwood stairs in your home? How much do they cost? Are they durable? Hardwood stairs can be a stunning addition to a house, but how do you know if they are the right decision for your home and your specific needs? Below, we’ll go over everything you need to know about installing hardwood stairs in your home, including how much hardwood stairs cost, how durable they are and whether or not they are right for homes with pets. 

How Much Does It Cost To Install Hardwood Stairs?

Hardwood stairs generally cost between $100-$200 a step. So if your staircase has eight steps, you’ll be paying at least $800 to have hardwood stairs installed. However, the price can go up depending on the things like the type of wood used and the style of your staircase (round, straight, etc.).

How To Install Hardwood Stairs?

Hardwood stairs are installed using your existing stairs stripped down to the bare wood. You can install them yourself, but hiring a professional will ensure the job is done right the first time without you having to lift a finger.  

How Durable Are Hardwood Stairs?

If you have kids or other family members in the house with you, you’ll want to make sure the stairs, and the material that covers them, will hold up under heavy traffic. Luckily, hardwood stairs are actually more durable than carpet and won’t wear or crush like carpet would. This means you won’t have to replace hardwood like you would carpet after a few years.

Will Pets Leave Scratch Marks on Hardwood Stairs?

Yes, they can. “If you've got a big dog that feels like he's slipping and he's really digging in as he's going up and down, yes, you're going to see those scratches on the stairs for sure,” says Brookfield Senior Interior Designer Deborah Armstrong.

Are Hardwood Stairs Waterproof?

Hardwood stairs are not waterproof. To waterproof them, you’ll need to use a sealant and reseal them every few years.

Are Hardwood Stairs Slippery?

Hardwood stairs are extremely slippery and not suitable for homes with young children, elderly people, or pets that get free reign of the house. “If you're not holding on to the stairs correctly, it's so easy with sock feet just to slip down those stairs, and there's nothing going to stop you,” says Deborah.

Ways To Make Hardwood Stairs Less Slippery

Carpet Runner

Carpet runners are a great option for making hardwood stairs less slippery. You can also have hardwood placed on the sides of each step with carpet inlaid in the middle to avoid the slipperiness altogether, but this may end up costing more than simply installing hardwood across the entire step. 

Non-slip Sealant

Non-slip sealant is another option to make hardwood stairs less slippery. However, it does change the color of the wood slightly and, because of the sticky, rubbery feel of the product, it can attract dust.

Takeaway

Hardwood stairs can be a wonderful edition to a home as long as the circumstances are right for them. If you’re planning to install hardwood flooring in your home, consider who or what will be using them everyday. For more interior design tips, read our blog post on how to incorporate Feng Shui into your home or scroll through our other blog offerings for anything that might interest you.

For more information or questions about Brookfield homes, take a look at the areas where we build and connect with our sales team to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!