Preparing to Replace a Stair Tread

A stair tread can be made from many different types of material including laminate, wood and concrete among others.  Replacing or retrofitting these existing stair treads with a non-slip metal stair tread can create a safe walking surface that will last years longer than these other treads.  After measuring and purchasing the new stair treads, carefully preparing the surface for proper installation can be done by following a few simple guidelines.

  • Carefully examine the surface of the stairs where the material will be installed.
    • The surface must be level and flat in order for the material to be installed properly and work correctly.  Uneven surfaces lead to slip and fall accidents and can endanger anyone who has access to the stairway.
  • Fill any visible dents, cracks or holes.
    • In order for the treads to be installed properly, the surface must be clean and smooth.  Remove all debris from the existing treads prior to using the leveling surface.
  • The stairway must level to 1/8” maximum variation.
    • In order for the slip resistant stair treads to work properly, the foundation they sit on must be somewhat level.  Making sure the stairway is level will help increase the safety the stair treads provide.
  • Do not use any type of adhesive to fill the cracks or level the surface.
    • Adhesives over time may weaken.  Stress of walking on the surface or cleaning materials may weaken the bond of the surfaces and cause the tread to peel away, creating a trip hazard.  A crack over where the adhesive is placed may also cause the bond to weaken and create hazards as well.
  • If the surface is uneven, there are high spots or overhangs, you may sand or grind these spots so they are level.
    • Stair treads may not sit right on the existing surface if there are overhangs or high spots that do not allow the tread to sit flush with the existing installation area.
  • Before welding or bolting down the treads, clean any water, oil or other types of moisture from the treads.
    • Installing metal treads over a dirty area can weaken the successfulness of the treads.  Proper cleaning of the surfaces before installation will help to increase the longevity of the stair treads and prevent premature failing of the materials.
  • After the surface is properly cleaned and level, the new metal treads can be welded or bolted down in place.

Replacing existing wood or laminate treads with non-slip metal treads will help increase safety and reduce the need to replace as often.  SLIPNOT Metal Safety Flooring manufactures stair treads that are 100% grit free and slip resistant in all directions.  They can be retrofitted over existing stair treads or used in new construction.  Fashioned from steel, stainless steel, aluminum or galvanized steel, non-slip stair treads will increase safety and decrease the risk of slip and fall accidents on stairways.  Used in food processing plants, steel mills, manufacturing facilities and more, SLIPNOT stair treads require minimal maintenance and can be cleaned with a power washer or common cleaners.

Latest from our Safety Blog

View All Safety Blogs

Let's get started

The SLIPNOT team is efficient, expert and focused on providing you with the
right safety solution. Please take a minute to complete this form to request a
quote or sample. One of our safety professionals will be in touch to help guide
you in making the right choice.