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Best Outdoor Stair Treads : Review And Buying Guide

Brandon Forder
  Mar 29, 2024 1:55 AM

Slippery surfaces, such as outdoor stairwells, are a common hazard in residential areas.

They're also constantly at odds with the weather. Moss and mold can grow on them if proper care isn't taken, making them even more slippery under the right conditions.

The risk of a slipping and falling accident increases significantly if you have children or the children of friends and family come to visit.

It doesn't matter whether you have a two-step staircase leading to your back deck or a spiral staircase leading to your rooftop patio – stair safety is not only prudent, it's a necessity.

Anti-slip stair tread is one of the best ways to ensure the safety of your outdoor areas, including stairs, ramps, and other areas that may become slippery when wet.

We'll take you through the 10 best stair treads currently available online in this article.

Our list includes tape, paint, rubber, plastic, and metal treads, all of which can be used to fix any home's slick outdoor stair situation.

As a result, you'll be able to keep your loved ones safe from a nasty surprise.


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Buying Guide

Weatherproof

For outdoor use, anti-slip stair treads must not only withstand extreme weather conditions, they must also perform as intended.

We know this because wet weather makes stairwells and other outdoor access points extremely slick and dangerous. The corrosion resistance and durability of aluminum make it an excellent choice for anti-slip tread.

Aluminum is the material of choice if you want to protect your stairs from snow, grit, rain, and the like.

As rain falls and the heavens open, aggregate paint provides a highly effective tread that will not wear down, peel off, or slip away. Rubber mats of the highest quality are made to withstand the sun and to perform well even when wet.

They may pose a risk in extremely hazardous conditions because they are not permanently attached to the ground. Tape has the lowest traction in wet conditions due to its low tread height.

That doesn't mean it won't provide a good base level of protection, however. But there's a catch: how long will that barrier last before it starts to flake off?

Adhesion

The problem of slipping down a flight of stairs is compounded further by their lack of adhesion. In addition, it determines how well each tread type will stay affixed to your stairwell.

If the tread needs to be removed for any reason, it will have an effect on the appearance of your stairwell.

Aggregate paint is the most long-lasting method of application. If you're looking for something that won't come off in a hurry, look no further than these textured and heavy-duty paints.

Treads made of metal and plastic, which must be screwed into a surface below, are next. When it comes to long-term durability and removal, this is a good compromise.

However, removing them without filling in or replacing the screw holes will leave small dents in your stairwell.

The adhesive backing on anti-slip tape makes it quick and easy to use. The only drawback is that it can be easily peeled off.

Compared to standard tape types, they have a lot of adhesion, but not nearly as much as the other adhesion methods on this list.

Material

Anti-slip stair treads' overall effectiveness is heavily influenced by the material they're made of, as previously mentioned. It has an impact on the grip, but it also has implications for the tread's durability and long-term usefulness.

Once more, if you're looking for the most long-lasting tread material, look no further than an aluminum alloy. Aluminum's waterproofing capabilities are unmatched, but it can also withstand a wide range of heavy foot traffic without losing any of its tread integrity.

Rigid plastic treads are structurally very strong and should last for many years unless they are mistreated in a similar fashion.

In addition to being moldable and effective in the wet, rubber is another material that is used to make various tread varieties.

Rubber mats, which are often made of natural or recycled materials, are durable, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly.

To avoid putting children at risk, use PET tape instead of the more hazardous PVC variety when shopping for tape tread.


FAQS

What To Put On Outdoor Wooden Stairs To Prevent Slipping?

For the most part, wood is what you'll find on most of your house's stairways. Stairs made of hardwood are strong, long-lasting, and beautiful.

Despite this, wood is notoriously slippery without an anti-slip tread. Treads made of metal, plastic, or tape are the most popular choices for wood stair treads because of their ease of installation and ability to screw into and adhere to wood.

What Else Can I Do To Safeguard Stairs?

To ensure that your stairs are as safe as possible, there are several things you can do. Adding handrails to your stairwell is a great way to give visitors more support and prevent them from tripping and falling.

You can prevent mold growth by cleaning your stairs on a regular basis. You can greatly reduce the risk of rotting wooden stairs by treating and caring for them properly, if you have them.

What to put on outside steps to prevent slipping?

What can be used as a non-skid coating on outdoor stair treads? Effective non-slip flooring with a grittier surface should be installed on outdoor steps and stairs to prevent tripping. Stair Treads, Stair Nosing, and GRP sheets are ideal for preventing falls outside, and they are easy to set up with a few basic hand tools and some GRP.

What can I use as an outdoor stair riser?

Deck boards or fascia are commonly used to construct risers. Keep in mind that the risers will be kicked by feet, so make sure the material is strong enough to handle it. You may want to add blocking behind the riser board if you're using 1x material.


Conclusion

If your stairs are safe, it is a wonderful feeling to know that. In particular, if you have young children or the elderly in your family who are more susceptible to falling on ill-equipped stairs.

Your family and friends will be able to confidently ascend the precariously steep stairs in your home after reading this article.


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