Selecting the right materials for outdoor stair treads can make a dramatic difference in the look, feel, and safety of your exterior stairs. With so many options available, from classic wooden stair treads to more modern materials like composite, metal, and stone, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each type to choose the best fit for your needs and budget.
Benefits of Proper Stair Treads
Installing high-quality stair treads on your outdoor steps provides a number of important benefits:
- Enhanced Safety – Proper treads give you solid and stable footing, even when conditions are wet or icy. This prevents slips and falls on slick stair surfaces.
- Durability – Outdoor stair treads are designed to stand up to heavy foot traffic and exposure to elements like sun, rain, and snow. Quality materials will last for years.
- Improved Appearance – Attractive, well-installed stair treads enhance the look of your outdoor steps and complement your home’s style.
- Added Value – Upgrading old or worn-out stairs with new treads can increase your home’s curb appeal and resale value.
Factors to Consider
Before choosing materials for your outdoor stair treads, there are several important factors to keep in mind:
Climate and Exposure
Consider the climate in your region and how much sun, rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations your stairs will be exposed to throughout the year. Some materials hold up better than others in certain conditions.
Foot Traffic
Think about the amount of daily use your exterior stairs will get. High-traffic areas will require more durable materials than stairs used only occasionally.
Safety
Opt for stair treads with some traction and textured surfaces to prevent slipping. This is especially important on stairs that will get wet.
Building Codes
Check your local building codes for any requirements on tread depth, size, spacing, and materials based on the height and width of your staircase.
Style
Choose materials and designs that will complement your home’s existing architectural style and aesthetics.
Budget
Outdoor stair treads can range dramatically in price. Determine how much you can reasonably spend before starting your search.
Best Materials for Outdoor Stairs
Now let’s explore some of the most popular options for outdoor stair treads, along with the benefits and drawbacks of each material:
Wood Stair Treads
Wood is a traditional and versatile choice for outdoor stairs. It’s an attractive material that can complement many home styles.
Benefits
- Natural beauty and visual appeal
- Can be stained, painted, or left natural
- Warm and soft underfoot
- Relatively affordable and easy to install
Drawbacks
- Requires ongoing maintenance and sealing
- Can easily warp, rot, or split when exposed to elements
- May be slippery when wet
- Not as durable as composite or metal
Popular wood species for outdoor stairs include cedar, redwood, treated pine, and pressure-treated lumber. ipé and garapa are dense exotic hardwoods that resist rot and last longer than domestic softwoods.
Composite Outdoor Stair Treads
Composite treads are made from a blend of synthetic and natural materials, like wood fibers, plastics, and resins. Brands like Trex are popular choices.
Benefits
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Stain, rot, and insect resistant
- Low maintenance, no sealing needed
- Resists warping and cracking
- Provides good traction and stability
Drawbacks
- Can get extremely hot in direct sunlight
- More expensive than pressure-treated wood
- Limited style and color options available
Composite is one of the best choices for outdoor stairs that get heavy use in tough climates. It won’t rot or splinter like traditional wood.
Metal Outdoor Stair Treads
Metal treads like aluminum and galvanized steel are very strong, durable options suitable for any climate.
Benefits
- Nearly indestructible and long-lasting
- Resists damage from sun, rain, snow, and salt
- Stays cooler than other materials in hot weather
- Provides excellent traction with textured surfaces
Drawbacks
- Can be slippery when wet if lacking texture
- Dents and shows wear more visibly over time
- Makes noise when walked on
- Can be expensive
Metal works well for contemporary homes. Add traction tape or abrasive coatings on treads to prevent slippage in wet weather.
Stone or Concrete Stair Treads
Concrete and natural stone like flagstone, bluestone, granite, and limestone create a classic, elegant look on exterior stairs.
Benefits
- Highly durable, long-lasting materials
- Natural visual appeal and unique textures
- Stays cool in hot climates
- Requires little maintenance
Drawbacks
- Textured but relatively smooth surfaces can be slippery
- Natural stone is more expensive
- Chipping, cracking, and fractures are possible over time
Stone treads work well for traditional, Mediterranean, or rustic home styles. Concrete offers a cheaper alternative but requires staining or other treatments to improve appearance. Sealing these materials helps prevent damage and staining.
Rubber Stair Treads
Exterior rubber treads provide great traction and sure footing in an affordable package.
Benefits
- Excellent slip resistance, even when wet
- Cushioned and comfortable underfoot
- Quick and easy self-adhesive installation
- Low cost compared to other materials
Drawbacks
- Can trap moisture, dirt, and debris
- Not as visually appealing or refined
- Needs replaced more often than other options
- Limited colors and size options
Rubber is ideal for slick wood or concrete stairs where safety trumps aesthetics. Use high-quality commercial-grade treads for longer life.
Key Considerations for Installation
Proper installation is critical to ensure your outdoor stair treads function safely for years to come:
- Carefully measure and account for the depth and dimensions of each stair when cutting treads.
- Use construction adhesive and bolts or screws to securely fasten treads in place.
- Allow small gaps between treads for drainage and expansion.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions for recommended hardware, tools, and methods.
- Start at the bottom and work up the stairs for easiest installation.
- Consider adding traction tape, abrasive paints or coatings for extra slip resistance.
- Make sure treads are level across each step with no lifting edges or gaps between the tread and riser.
Taking the time to correctly measure, cut, and anchor your stair treads ensures they won’t buckle, crack, or shift out of place over years of use.
Maintaining and Protecting Your Outdoor Stair Treads
Regular cleaning and maintenance ensures your treads continue to function safely while looking their best.
General Tips:
- Sweep or wash treads regularly to prevent buildup of dirt, leaves, and other debris
- Check for signs of damage, cracking, splintering, or loose treads and repair immediately
- Re-adhere any loose traction tape or slip-resistant coatings
- Tighten any loose screws or hardware
Wood Treads:
- Reseal with water repellent every 1-2 years
- Inspect annually for rot, splintering, or warping and sand down any raised edges
- Prep, prime and repaint painted wood treads as needed
Stone and Concrete Treads:
- Reapply sealants regularly to protect from staining and damage
- Patch small cracks and chips with epoxy filler designed for the material
- Use concrete cleaner to remove stubborn stains
With proper installation and care, high-quality outdoor stair treads should continue to perform for many years before replacement is needed. Paying attention to factors like climate, traction, and home style will ensure you choose the perfect treads to match your exterior stairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are outdoor stair treads necessary?
A: Outdoor stair treads are highly recommended for safety and aesthetic reasons. Bare wood or concrete stairs are prone to rotting, cracking, and slipping. Quality treads enhance traction, greatly reducing your risk of injuries. They also give your stairs a clean, finished look that complements your home.
Q: How much do outdoor stair treads cost?
A: Pricing can range dramatically based on the material, from as low as $5 per tread for basic rubber treads up to $100+ per tread for exotic hardwoods and natural stone. However, you can expect to pay around $25-$60 per tread for good-quality wood, composite, or metal.
Q: Should all outdoor stairs have treads?
A: Yes, all exterior staircases should have properly installed treads for safety, function, and appearance. The only exception would be small front steps with just 1-3 stairs, where treads are sometimes omitted. Any larger exterior staircase should always have treads installed.
Q: How long do composite outdoor stair treads last?
A: Quality composite like Trex can last 20-30 years or more with proper installation and care. The material resists rot, cracking, warping, and other damage better than natural wood.
Q: What is the best outdoor stair tread depth?
A: Building codes recommend a tread depth between 9 to 11 inches. 10 to 12 inches is ideal for comfort and safety. Deeper treads give you more room to step securely. Proper tread depth helps prevent slips and falls.
Q: Can you use indoor stair treads outside?
A: Indoor stair treads usually aren’t durable enough to withstand outdoor exposure and weather. Outdoor treads are designed to resist moisture, sun, temperature changes, and heavy use. Using indoor treads externally risks premature failure or slipping.
Conclusion
Installing quality stair treads suited to your climate, staircase design, and home style provides an attractive, durable, and slip-resistant surface for safer traversing of outdoor steps and landings. Careful shopping and professional installation ensures exterior stairs that are strong, stable, and visually appealing for decades to come. Paying attention to factors like materials, traction, and proper care will provide the ideal stair treads to upgrade your home’s entrance.