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Braided Stair Treads
There are a number of benefits to using stair tread rugs such as; they complement the overall decor in your home, they protect your stairs, they prevent family and friends from slipping and falling, and they reduce the amount of noise made when someone is using the stairs. Braided stair treads have been in existence for many years. During the early colonial days in America settlers would tear long strips out of old pieces of clothing and the strips were then braided together and made into rugs by rotating the edges and sewing them together. These rugs were extremely durable and became the country’s signature style for home decor.
Now in modern times, people do not have the time, skill, or materials to make their own rugs so they buy them ready made in a style that suits their home. There are many different colors and shapes to choose from. Oval braided rugs are the more traditional style; modern styles include round or rectangular rugs as well.
The braided rugs used for stair treads come in small oval shapes; they look the same as the larger rugs, but are specifically made to fit on steps. These rugs are perfect for areas of high traffic in the home such as the staircase because they are so durable. They typically are crafted from compact cotton making them sturdy and thick for extra protection of your hard wood stairs.
In general, placing rugs on stairs is not safe. If they are not properly secured to the stairs they can cause a person to slip and perhaps fall, thus defeating the purpose of having stair treads. Mounting the treads securely will prevent any movement. The following are some tips to assist you with their installation.
You should inspect each rug individually before fitting the treads. Things that you should look for include loose or frayed edges as this is an indication that the rug should not be used as it could cause a person to trip and or fall. You should also measure the width of the tread to ensure that it fits properly onto the steps to prevent any overhang; which can also cause a person to trip and fall.
You should place carpet padding underneath each stair tread. The rubber coating on the padding grips to the tread as well as the stair, which prevents the tread from moving or placing stress on the anchors. This also prevents the tread from unraveling as well as preventing the anchors from coming lose.
Carpet anchors are used to hold the tread permanently in place. They are tacks placed on both sides of each stair tread. They are similar to nails which are driven permanently into the stairs causing some damage to the wood. However, this is required when using stair treads and the damage is usually minimal.
If you prefer not to use carpet anchors, you can use a long solid carpet runner instead. For installation you can secure carpet dowels to the back of each step. The benefit of using this method is that no damage is caused to the rug or the stairs, but the rug is still held in place.
Regardless of your preference, braided stair treads are not only functional, but can be aesthetically pleasing and will add a little pizazz to your home décor.