Outdoor Non-Slip Stair Treads for Wooden Steps
Outdoor wood stairs can become slick when exposed to rain, morning frost, snow, ice, wet leaves, algae and everyday weathering. ComposiGrip™ non-slip stair treads for wood create a durable traction surface on deck stairs, porch steps, backyard stairs, cottages and exterior entrances.
Whether you are upgrading an older wood staircase or adding traction to a newer deck, ComposiGrip offers both full stair tread covers and narrower grip strips so you can choose the amount of stair coverage that fits your project.
Non-Slip Stair Treads for Wood & Deck Stairs
Wooden staircases are popular for decks, porches and outdoor living spaces, but the walking surface can lose traction when it gets wet. Smooth boards, weathered finishes, moisture, moss, algae and seasonal debris can all make wooden deck stairs harder to navigate.
Adding a dedicated traction surface allows you to improve grip without replacing the entire staircase. ComposiGrip stair safety products can be installed over sound wooden steps to create a more slip-resistant surface while retaining the existing stair structure.
For more information about why wood becomes slippery and the different options available, read our guide to making wood stairs non-slip →
Wooden Deck Stairs, Porch Steps & Outdoor Wooden Stairs
Deck Stairs
Add traction to outdoor wooden deck stairs that become slippery from rain, frost, leaves or seasonal weather.
Porch Steps
Improve traction on front porch stairs, side entrances and other wooden access steps exposed to outdoor conditions.
Outdoor Wooden Steps
Full tread covers provide broad walking-surface coverage for outdoor wooden steps where more substantial traction is desired.
Cottages & Garden Stairs
Grip strips are useful where you want added traction while leaving more of the original wooden step visible.
Prevent Slipping on Wet Wood, Snow & Ice
Exterior wooden stairs are exposed to repeated wet and dry cycles throughout the year. Rain can leave smooth wood slick, while freezing temperatures can create frost and ice. Snow tracked onto steps can melt and refreeze, creating another potential slipping condition.
ComposiGrip products add a textured traction surface to the stair, making them useful for properties in wet climates and regions that experience winter snow and freeze-thaw cycles.
Wood Moisture, Weathering & Stair Condition
Moisture does more than make wooden stairs slippery. Repeated exposure to water can contribute to weathering, surface deterioration and, over time, wood decay if the staircase is not properly maintained.
A stair tread cover should not be used to hide or compensate for structurally damaged or rotted wood. Before installation, inspect the staircase and repair deteriorated boards, loose components, voids or uneven areas. ComposiGrip tread covers are safety surfaces, not structural replacements for damaged stairs.
How ComposiGrip Installs on Wooden Stairs
Installation begins with a clean, dry and structurally sound stair surface. Position the stair tread cover or strip so the traction surface is properly aligned with the walking area.
For pressure-treated or regular wood steps, ComposiGrip recommends self-tapping stainless-steel #6 wood screws. Appropriate construction adhesive may also be used where required, followed by stainless-steel fasteners.
Always follow the installation instructions for the specific ComposiGrip product and stair condition.
Stair Tread Covers vs. Stair Strips for Wood Steps
ComposiGrip offers two different approaches to improving traction on wood stairs. The best choice depends on how much of the stair you want to cover and the condition of the existing tread.
Full Stair Tread Covers
Choose full covers when you want broader traction coverage and additional protection over the walking surface and front stair edge.
- Broad walking-surface coverage
- Covers the front stair edge
- Standard 48-inch size available
- Custom-cut options available
Non-Slip Stair Strips
Choose grip strips when the wood stair is in good condition and you want traction along a selected walking area.
- Low-profile 2-inch design
- Leaves most wood visible
- 12", 18" and 32" lengths
- Useful for decks and porch stairs
Residential & Commercial Wooden Stair Applications
Homes & Cottages
Improve traction on front steps, porches, decks, backyard stairs, cottage entrances and other residential wooden steps.
Rental & Multi-Residential
Add a more durable traction surface to shared deck stairs, entrances and exterior wood stairways used by tenants and visitors.
Commercial Properties
Suitable for offices, businesses, institutions and commercial buildings with wooden entrance stairs or exterior deck access.
Standard & Custom-Cut Treads for Wooden Stairs
Standard 48-inch tread covers fit many common stair widths. For wood stairs with unusual dimensions, ComposiGrip also offers custom-cut stair tread covers for project-specific sizing.
Custom sizing can be useful for wider deck stairs, commercial wooden stairs or renovation projects where the existing stair dimensions do not match a standard tread cover.
Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Slip Treads for Wood Stairs
What are the best non-slip stair treads for outdoor wood stairs?
For outdoor wooden steps, choose a durable traction product designed for exterior conditions. Full tread covers provide broader coverage, while stair strips provide focused grip with a lower-profile appearance.
Can ComposiGrip be installed on wooden deck stairs?
Yes. ComposiGrip tread covers and stair strips can be installed on suitable wooden deck stairs using the appropriate wood fasteners and installation method.
Do non-slip stair treads work on wet wood?
They add a dedicated textured traction surface over the wooden stair, making them useful on steps exposed to rain, moisture and changing weather.
Can I install ComposiGrip over rotted wood?
No. Damaged, deteriorated or structurally unsound wood should be repaired before installing a tread cover. ComposiGrip products are not structural replacements for damaged stair components.
What screws should I use for wooden steps?
ComposiGrip recommends self-tapping stainless-steel #6 wood screws for pressure-treated or regular wooden stairs.
Should I choose stair covers or grip strips for my deck stairs?
Choose full tread covers for greater walking-surface and stair-edge coverage. Choose strips when you want focused traction while leaving more of the original deck stair visible.
Can these be used on porch stairs?
Yes. Wooden porch stairs, deck stairs and exterior entry steps are common applications for ComposiGrip stair safety products.
Are these suitable for commercial wooden stairs?
Yes. ComposiGrip stair tread covers and strips can be used for residential and commercial wood stair applications where additional traction is required.
Make Your Wooden & Deck Stairs Safer
Shop ComposiGrip™ non-slip stair tread covers and grip strips for outdoor wooden steps, decks, porches and commercial wood stairs.









