Vinyl Stair Treads and Risers for Modern Interiors

For commercial use, two kinds of stair treads that are used currently – vinyl treads and rubber stair treads.  Though they may seem to be identical, both compounds of the two Stair Treads have certain advantages and disadvantages depending on the environment.  

Vinyl stair treads are the top-selling stair covering on the market. Vinyl treads are a popular product for less heavy-duty applications where traction is needed but budget is a major concern.  Vinyl stair treads, similar to rubber treads, need to be glued down for a permanent installation.  This provides a firm stepping surface and prevents tripping. All three of the vinyl tread thicknesses come up to 96" (8') wide and can be cut to whatever width is needed. Top surface ribbed pattern provides scarring action for cleaning off dirt and debris from shoes and also provides added traction for additional slip resistance.  The four most common colors of the commercial application are available on non-slip stair treads, which will match and blend in and around nearly any stairway. Matching color risers can be employed to produce a finished, unbroken look.

Additionally, they have grit strip inserts (similar to sandpaper in texture) for even more grip and glow-in-the-dark inserts for the sight-impaired or for complying with specific code requirements. Generally, non-slip vinyl stair treads are intended for light to medium interior traffic locations and, due to their expense, are an excellent choice for emergency stairs, garages, side and rear doors and any stairs that require additional traction.  Rubber Stair Treads are constructed for heavier-duty commercial areas and the appropriate product for office buildings, schools, hospitals, high-traffic retail stores and etc.

Rubber is available in all manner of styles, a number of thicknesses and the full spectrum of colors to fit any setting.  Rubber is more slip resistant, particularly when wet, than vinyl and as such rubber Anti Slip Stair Tread Covers can significantly increase traction on any stairway. Whereas smooth surface design is available, all other rubber treads are available in high-low surface design, i.e., diamond, raised disk, ribbed, chevron, etc. designs.  The textured surface provides more slip-resistance and scours dirt and debris from shoes. Coved and straight stair risers and stringers are available in the 10 solid and 16 marbleized colors to match with all of the rubber treads.

Risers and stair stringers make a clean, smooth appearance and also help shield the stairway. Pattern- and color-coordinated rubber floor tiles can be had as well.

Rubber stair treads, similar to vinyl treads, can have grip strip inserts of numerous colors and also include glow-in-the-dark inserts for the blind or visually impaired user and/or in areas of dim light. Rubber treads are usually placed in heavy to medium traffic locations where safety, and maybe appearance, are of primary importance.  Both vinyl and rubber stair treads are protective and enhance slip-resistance on stairs. While both come in various colors and thicknesses, the proper stair covers will depend on location, traffic, budget, appearance, and building code requirements.