What is the best (cheaper) alternative to hardwood steps?
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This is what I designed for our indoor staircase ( 8 steps). My husband framed each stair top with stained & sealed maple (like a picture frame) & I filled in the center with small ceramic tiles. It was really pretty & easy to clean & the wood frame kept them from being too slippery. When we sold, the new owners loved the tiled stairs so much, they did the back stairs the same way. I used lighter tiles with med. dark grout, since the grout will darken with wear. On the stairs down to our rec room, we used stained & sealed pine on the treads & white painted beadboard for the risers. The stairs coordinate with the beadboard on the 1/2 walls of the staircase. It brightened up a dim area & again it's easy to wash. Hope this helps.
If you are using a runner, I recommend using one that grips and doesn't have pile like rugs do. I think it is easier on the feet (and wood is, too) and prevents slipping or losing balance. I have always been more confident and steady on a wooden floor without a slippery survace. The flatter, the better.