Vinyl Flooring On Stairs (Pros and Cons)

Vinyl flooring on stairs is considered an excellent option for modern homes because not only is it beautiful, but also durable and budget-friendly. While you might have already heard this flooring type is good in general, in this post, we’re going to look into whether this material is suitable for your home.

Of course, one of the primary considerations when discussing flooring options for stairs is safety. You want the floor of your stairs to be both beautiful and safe to walk on, so you need a slip-proof surface for all ages. With that in mind, let’s look at vinyl flooring on stairs, the pros and the cons.

Pros of Vinyl Floors for Stairs

If you consider using vinyl in your stairways, these are the other pros of vinyl on stairs.

1. It is affordable

It should cost about $1-10 per square foot, and this is quite a bargain compared to hardwood or ceramic flooring. Hardwood flooring material will cost about $10-30 per square foot, while a ceramic floor will cost up to $35 per square foot.   

2. It is easy to install

You don’t need to hire a contractor for the installation of this flooring; it’s a pretty easy DIY project.

Most come in “peel and stick” form. You buy sheets of vinyl material, cut or trim them into the size you need, peel off the backing, and stick it firmly on the floor—no need for nails or any special tools.

3. It comes in many attractive designs

It is available in various colors, textures, and patterns. You will surely find the design that will match your particular style and taste.

4. It is durable

This material is durable and can last you up to 10 to 20 years. Many vinyl manufacturers are so confident in the durability of their products that they offer warranties of up to 15 years. They are scratch-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about the high foot traffic scuffing up your stairs.

5. It is easy to clean

It is low maintenance and easy to care for your flooring, you need to sweep the surface regularly and maybe mop it weekly. PVC is waterproof, so spills are easily cleaned up.

6. It is comfortable to walk on.

This material feels soft to the touch, making it a comfortable surface to walk on – even with bare feet. Unlike some materials, like tile, polyvinyl isn’t really affected by the surrounding temperature, so it doesn’t get too cold or hot.

7. Has a good slip resistance

Both sheet and luxury vinyl tiles come in products with a textured surface for superior slip-resistance making them ideal for areas like staircases. Look for flooring products with an ‘R’ slip-resistance rating of (R9 to R13), with the higher numbers offering better anti-slip characteritics.

Cons of Vinyl Floors for Stairs

While there are many pros to this flooring type, there are also a few cons. Before deciding on PVC for your stairways, you need to study the cons of polyvinyl on stairs.

1. You need to have a completely smooth and clean surface to install this flooring material

Before installing such flooring, you need to ensure that the surface of your stairs is entirely smooth and clean. Imperfections such as holes and bumps will show through the vinyl as an uneven or bubbly surface.

2. It can be hard to remove

The back of this material has strong adhesives on it; the better to make sure the polyvinyl really sticks to the surfaces it’s installed on. This means, however, that you need to be careful when installing it, as removing PVC is time-consuming, and there’s no way to do it without damaging the material.

3. It can be damaged by the sun

Polyvinyl is susceptible to UV damage. This means that if it’s exposed to the sun, it can fade and become discolored. If your stairs get a lot of sun exposure, spend a bit more to make sure that your vinyl flooring material has a layer of UV-resistant coating.

4. It can be dented

While polyvinyl is scratch-resistant, it’s not entirely damage-proof. If something sharp or heavy hits a PVC surface, it can leave a permanent dent on the surface. 

Is Vinyl Plank Slippery on Stairs?

One problem with this flooring is that some types of PVC planks can be slippery on stairs. It is waterproof, which means water and other liquids don’t seep into the material. However, they can linger on the surface, making the floors slippery. 

Some high-quality polyvinyl plank flooring materials can have an anti-slip coating and textures which increases the traction surface of the floor. This is something you should look for when choosing flooring for stairs. You can also buy anti-slip spray or anti-slip mats and rugs to decrease the risk of slipping. 

As previously mentioned look for products with ‘R’ slip resistance ratings of R9 to R13, with the higher number being better.

How Do Vinyl Sheets Differ from Luxury Vinyl Type Flooring?

You can buy PVC flooring in three forms: sheets, planks, and luxury vinyl. 

Sheet or plank PVC is either square of material or wide strips or planks of material. The PVC is bonded onto a thin backing layer, usually felt or fiberglass. An adhesive material will also attach to surfaces, so all you have to do is peel and stick the material onto your floors.

On the other hand, luxury vinyl is a semi-rigid material that is sold as either planks or tiles. They use several layers of PVC making it thicker and more robust than the standard type. They have click-lock edge joints, so you lay several pieces close together to form your polyvinyl floor.

Luxury vinyl flooring is more durable than standard type lasting as much as 25 years. However, it is also a little more expensive, costing around $2-7 per square foot. 

Is a Vinyl Floor Good for Stairs?

Your home’s stairs are considered a high-traffic area. Since many people use your home’s stairs daily, they need to be made of durable material. Also, since many stairs are prominently visible, you want to use flooring material that is beautiful and matches your overall vision of how your dream home should look.

One reason vinyl is so popular is its ability to mimic the look of more expensive flooring options, such as wood and stone.

It comes in various colors and textures; some are even attractively patterned. Given the variety of looks that vinyl can mimic, you are sure to find one that will match your vision and style.

It is also durable, being both scratch and stain-resistant. As stairways are high-traffic areas, such material is suitable for stairs as it will resist getting scuffed or scratched from people’s shoes.

What Is the Safest Floor Covering for Stairs?

Most safety experts will agree that carpet is actually the safest covering for stairs, which is valid for stairs with polyvinyl. As we mentioned, if you want to keep your PVC floors from being slippery, it’s best to invest in anti-slip mats and rugs.

A good carpet can also help prevent slipping and add an extra layer of interest to your stairway. See the popular types of carpet here.

A carpet runner is great for showing off a beautiful PVC floor. It will add color and increase traction without totally hiding the vinyl on your staircase. It’s also cheaper to install and maintain than full carpeting, allowing you to have the best of both worlds. 

Visit our indoor stair railing design ideas for more related content.