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Furniture pads and rugs are simple ways to protect your floors as they prevent furniture from scratching them, reducing wear and tear. The same goes for trimming your pet’s nails since they can scratch the floors as well. You can also apply a protective finish every few years to maintain the floor’s appearance.

Hard materials like wood or vinyl flooring on stairs can look great but can also be slippery, posing a risk of injury. On the other hand, carpet often has much more traction, is a lot softer and cushioned, and is still aesthetically pleasing. With all this in mind, carpet is the ideal choice for stairs. 

There are a few different types of finishes to choose from for the final step of the project. 

Water-based polyurethane sealants emit fewer odors and fumes but dry quickly, which can pose a challenge when trying to get a smooth coat. Oil-based polyurethane sealants let out more odors and fumes into the air (it’s especially important to wear a respirator if you choose this type), but they take longer to dry, which can be more forgiving during the finishing step. 

Some may prefer wood oil to polyurethane because rather than creating a layer, it becomes part of the wood. Wood oil takes longer to dry, and is less resistant to wear and tear; however, it creates a natural-looking result by enhancing the grain of the wood. 

Carpeting has a few benefits on stairs in addition to being a cost-effective floor covering. It absorbs sound, dampening footsteps. It also provides additional traction, which is especially important if you install linoleum floors, epoxy flooring, or any other floor covering that can become slippery if you’re wearing socks. Therefore, carpets can help prevent slips.