Stairs are something that many people don’t spend too much time thinking about. They are more than a bridge between floors. They are also the main centerpiece of your home. Your stairs are one of the first things visitors see, influencing their overall perception of your home.
If you’re considering having a hardwood staircase, knowing its benefits may help you decide to go with it and be glad you did.
There are many different benefits. First and foremost, they are low-maintenance. You don’t have to worry about lugging a heavy vacuum up and down them; instead, all you need is a broom or dust mop.
The benefits of a hardwood staircase go well beyond just the looks and ease of cleaning. Hardwood is warm, timeless, and luxurious, making it one of the best choices for flooring. If you’re curious about additional benefits, we’ve listed some more below to help you make an informed decision.
Extremely Durable
Hardwood is solid and resilient, making it an excellent choice for stairs. When the wood is kiln-dried, installed by a professional, and finished properly, it can last generations. If you have them varnished and waxed, it will provide further protection and help prevent wear and tear. You can also paint them if you like. If you choose to paint them and change the color later, you need to strip them first.
Easy to Clean
Unlike carpeting, wood is easy to clean and maintain. If spills occur, they can easily be cleaned up with a damp cloth. Otherwise, all you need to do is sweep them and occasionally mop them. If they end up with a stain, you can simply sand it and varnish it, and it’ll come right out.
Increase Your Home’s Value
Hardwood flooring, including staircases, can increase the value of your home by 3–5%, resulting in a return on your investment. While you may not be interested in selling your home right now, you may be at a later time. In fact, roughly 50% of buyers are willing to pay more for hardwood in homes.
Aesthetic Value
There’s no denying that there’s a beauty that hardwood floors have that carpet can’t match. Wood stairs leave a lasting impression on visitors and create a natural focal point. Plus, it is a great selling point if you decide to sell it later. There are many types of designs for staircases, from modern to minimalist or vintage; all are striking.
It promotes healthier living.
Stairs don’t collect allergens as carpet does. Allergens such as pet dander, pollen, dust mites, and mold collect in the carpet. Even regular vacuuming isn’t enough to remove them altogether. These allergens can trigger asthma attacks, allergies, eczema, and sinus infections. These symptoms are exasperated in children and the elderly.
Environmentally Friendly
Hardwood is all-natural and chemical-free, unlike carpeting, which can release harmful chemicals when first laid. These chemicals can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation. The adhesives that affix the carpet to the staircase contain benzene and toluene, two harmful and volatile organic compounds.
Easily Adaptable
Many people are worried that stairs can be noisy or pose a tripping hazard. If this is one of your concerns, a staircase runner or tread rug can be added. This reduces noise and prevents slip-and-fall accidents without sacrificing beauty.
Wood Is Versatile.
Wooden stairs offer more options than carpeting. There are many different types of wood and wood finishes so that your stairs can match the rest of your decor. With new staircase designs, there are a lot of things you can do, such as floating stairs or an open stairwell.