If you're lucky enough to have a gorgeous, exposed-wood staircase in your home, you've likely thought of a few essentials already. How do you keep your staircase safe for yourself, children, elders, and pets? How do you keep that exposed wood in tip-top shape? Luckily, there's a product that provides safety while also bearing the brunt of everyday wear and tear: stair treads. Excellent for protecting your stairs and the people who use them, stair treads are easy to apply, come in a variety of colors and materials, and make for a quick upgrade to an existing staircase. Plus, they're typically much more cost-efficient than carpeting your entire stairway. Here are some of our favorite stair treads available on the market today. EdenProducts Non-Slip Carpet Stair Treads Cushioned Safety These treads provide a safe and comfortable way to protect your family and your stairs. Best OverallFind on Amazon EdenProduct’s stair treads make the application process as simple as possible, so they’re an easy way to upgrade the safety of your stairs. Made of a premium-quality wool blend, these carpet treads have a unique anti-slip backing that helps them stay put even on high-traffic stairways. Pre-cut and ready to be placed on your stairs, these mats will look professionally installed at a fraction of the cost. They come with a pre-applied adhesive that won’t leave behind residue when it’s time to remove or replace them. With three different color options, each box comes with fifteen individual stair treads. Pros: Stain-resistant wool blend is easy to clean 15 8″ x 30″ treads Won’t damage wood stairs Cons: The adhesive isn’t the strongest, so if you want them to really stick, you’ll want to glue them down These are pre-cut and only come in one size Pretigo Non-Slip Stair Treads Don't Break the BankNo need to splurge with these classy, streamlined black treads.Best ValueFind on Amazon Made from a non-woven fabric surface, these non-slip stair treads from Pretigo are a definite upgrade for safety purposes. With a 2mm thickness, they aren’t so plush that you’ll be tripping over them, either. Although black tends to collect lint or pet hair, Pretigo has made these treads washable. In fact, you can wash them up to 20 times without risk of losing the built-in slip resistance. Although these treads do have a bit of a more utilitarian look to them, they’re a great value and super easy to apply, providing a simple solution to improve the overall safety of your wooden stairs. Pros: Available in both 7-piece and 14-piece sets Won’t bubble or form bumps Durable, even after repeated cleaning Cons: At only 6″ in width, these are a bit narrower than other comparable treads Dog hair tends to stick to these Trazon Black Non Slip Tape Aggressive Grip, Non-SlipThis non-slip tape offers a quick and easy solution to slippery stairs.Best TapeFind on Amazon If all you need is a simple safety strip, an entire stair covering might be overkill. That’s where this grip tape from Trazon comes in handy. With 1″ and 4″ width options available, this roll provides excellent traction on slippery surfaces. Ideal for high-traffic areas that see a lot of rain, snow, or mud, this tape is almost sandpaper-like in texture, with an 80-grit aluminum oxide that won’t shred or collect debris. In fact, it repels debris so well that, even in high-traffic areas, it can last for years before needing to be replaced. Pros: Ideal for outdoor use or mudroom steps 35 feet of tape per roll Highly abrasive, anti-slip strip resists wear and tear Cons: Not the prettiest option, this tape is best for outdoor use Thoroughly clean and smooth the surface before applying Finehous Clear Anti-Slip Indoor Strips Au NaturelLet your natural wood shine through with these clear stair treads. Best ClearFind on Amazon If you love the look of your wooden staircase but need a non-slip surface, Finehous has come up with an ingenious solution. These clear stair treads are designed to showcase the beauty of natural wood while supplying the security you expect from stair treads. For a completely seamless application, it’s best to use the included roller on clean, smooth stairs. Available in two different sizes, we recommend going with the larger one to cover more surface area since it can be hard to notice the treads once applied. Pros: Clear, smooth application lets the natural wood show through Includes a seamless installation roller Works on a variety of surfaces Cons: If you’re unfamiliar with this type of material, it can be hard to apply without any bubbles showing through A bit on the pricier side for comparable products, but worth it for those who don’t want to compromise the look of their wood stairs Natural Area Rugs Carpet Stair Treads Class It Up Premium-quality stair treads add a bit of class to your stairwell. Best PremiumFind on Amazon If you’re going to splurge a bit on stair treads, these are the ones to choose. They not only offer superior anti-slip capabilities, but they add a punch of class in an unexpected place. Made from incredibly durable Sisal, these stair treads stand the test of time even in the highest traffic areas. Each rectangular stair tread is bordered with a solid fabric, making the treads pop and adding a bit of contrast to an area of your home that might not generally receive attention. Pros: Easy installation process Resists folds and wrinkles Multiple color options available Cons: Double-sided carpet tape required for installation is sold separately Pricier than most options, but a great choice if you want to make a statement with your stair treads Frequently Asked Questions What’s the point of stair treads? Stair treads are meant to improve upon two key aspects of having a staircase. First, they’re meant as a safety measure. Exposed wooden staircases are notoriously slippery, and stair treads provide a necessary grip that prevents slipping. The other purpose of stair treads is to prolong the lifespan of your stairs. By taking the brunt of normal wear and tear, stair treads decrease maintenance costs over time. Is it easy to remove stair treads once applied? If you need to update your stair treads, it’s fairly easy to do so. Begin by applying heat to the treads with a hairdryer or heat gun. Next, scrape the tread with a high-quality, sharp scraper. Once completely removed, you’ll need to clean up the residue with mineral spirits and a clean rag. Related posts: The Best Dog Stairs The Best Dog Stairs The Best Dog Stairs For Large Breeds