How to Make Deck Stairs Less Slippery

Making deck stairs less slippery is a typical DIY project. However, one of the easiest ways to make your deck safer for kids or older adults with mobility issues is by applying a coat of polyurethane varnish to the steps.

This will allow you to get traction on wet surfaces and add some protection from sun damage over time. It’s essential to use an oil-based varnish, not a water-based sealer or latex paint.

How to Make Deck Stairs Less Slippery

You can find these at your local hardware store in both spray and brush-on varieties; we recommend using one that dries quickly, so it doesn’t puddle while you’re walking up the stairs. The information below will be helpful to those who want to learn how to make deck stairs less slippery.

8 Steps to Follow on How to Make Deck Stairs Less Slippery 

Step One: Remove and Clean Grout

Remove the grout at the edges of each step. Deck stair treads will cover the screws, so they do not need to be removed. Instead, use a flat pry bar and put downward pressure on one edge of the tile. Pull up on it until it comes loose from the underlayment below.

Push down on the tile at each of the edges until they separate from their underlayment. Wiggle the tiles to break loose any stubborn pieces, but be careful not to damage them. Remove all dust or other residue using a vacuum cleaner or damp rag.

Step Two: Apply Grout Sealer

Apply grout sealer to the seams between the tiles. Do not apply the sealer on top of any existing grout; always leave at least 1/8th inch of space between the new and old grout. 

Apply Grout Sealer to the Seams Between the Tiles

Allow it to dry to the touch, and then wipe it down with a clean cloth or sponge. Allow it to dry overnight or until all moisture signs have been eliminated from the grout joints and surrounding tile.

Step Three: Apply Adhesive Glue and Mount Treads

Apply an even layer of flooring adhesive to each tread or riser’s backside and at their outer edges. This will make them sticky; they must be mounted flush against one another without any space between them for grout.

Press all treads or risers in place firmly for at least one minute. Be sure the adhesive has completely adhered to all surfaces before moving on to the next step.

Step Four: Fill the Gap Between Treads

Using a grout float, smear grout across all seams between each step. Make sure to leave at least one-eighth of an inch of space on either side so the steps do not stick together or wobble when stepped on.

Do this until all joints are filled with fresh grout, and no seams are visible. Then, allow the grout to dry for at least 24 hours before using the stairs.

Step Five: Clean the Treads

Cleaning deck stairs after grouting them are essential. Clean the treads often, using a stiff-bristled brush and warm water with mild detergent solution. This will remove any dirt or other matter that may have been introduced to the new grout.

Clean Treads Using Brislted-brush and Water

After this step, inspect all of your work for any gaps or seams that are still visible. If any can be found, clean them thoroughly with water and allow them to dry before using the stairs again.

Step Six: Mount Handrails

Drill pilot holes in the center of each riser or tread, two inches down from their outer edge into the railings at both sides. This will prevent the screws from splitting either railing or step.

Drive two 1-1/2 inch stainless steel screws into each hole to fasten one handrail on both sides of all steps. Repeat this process for each set of railings on every step until all railings are secure and the new deck stairs are fully functional.

Step Seven: Protect From Ultra Violet Rays

UV rays are the worst enemy of any outdoor flooring material. They can cause fading, staining, and cracking in a concise amount of time. Apply a finish to both sides of your deck stairs made especially for outdoor use.

These finishes protect the wood from UV rays and seal off any pores that may still exist. Allow two coats of finish to dry between applications. Additional coats can be applied if the stairs require an even darker shine or more protection against moisture damage.

Step Eight: Enjoy Your Deck Stairs

Enjoy your new deck stairs. They are durable, attractive, and easier to climb than ever before. With the proper care of the grout sealer, every one of these steps can be completed within a single day. Apply all products properly with great respect, leaving at least 24 hours between each step for drying time if necessary.

Enjoy Your Deck Stairs

If done correctly, these steps will produce a safe and attractive flight of stairs for your deck or porch that can be enjoyed year-round without worry. For more information on how to make deck stairs less slippery, please get in touch with your local hardware store or construction professional.

How Do I Make My Deck Stairs Safe?

Deck stairs can be a dangerous place. That is because the boards and stringer the longboard that goes along the side of your deck doesn’t always provide enough traction. As a result, when wet, they can become very slick and dangerous to walk on. The best way to avoid accidents is to sand or coat the stairs with an anti-slip solution.

There are several different ways to make your deck stairs less slippery, but it’s essential to take the time needed to get the job done so you can feel safe on your steps.

All of these tips should be used in addition to regular deck cleaning and maintenance to reduce the number of materials needed for the job, but they are all very effective ways to make sure that your stairs stay safe and dry during any season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Put on My Stairs to Make Them Less Slippery?

To Make Your Stairs Less Slippery, You Can Apply the Following :

  • Rubbing Alcohol – It is a good idea to spray some rubbing alcohol on the surface of your stairs before applying any other materials to them. This will help remove any dirt or oil that may be present and ensure that the surface is properly cleaned.
  • Cornstarch – Apply cornstarch all over the steps using a dusting brush, ensuring that it gets in between each stair tread. You can also sprinkle it on top of one or two treads for extra traction if needed.
  • Coarse Sandpaper – Sandpaper can provide excellent traction for difficult spots like around doorways and corners where surfaces are uneven and potentially slick due to frequent spills or debris left behind by people walking through them.

Are Slippery Deck Stairs Safe?

Slippery deck stairs are not safe for children and pets. These types of stairs can be slippery because they lack traction and grip on the floor, making them difficult to use.

Person Slips on These Stairs

They are unsafe because when a person slips on these stairs, there is nothing to stop them from falling through the steps onto the ground below. This could cause serious injuries or even death if someone falls through the steps. It is recommended that you remove slippery deck stairs if you have young children or pets in your home.

What to Put on Outside Steps to Prevent Slipping in Winter?

There are a few ways to prevent slipping on steps. You can either use tape, paint or put something else that will be more durable and stick to the surface of the step.

Tape : This is an inexpensive option, and it can be used to protect your steps from sliding when wet or dry.

Paint : This option is best for those who want their steps to look good but don’t want them damaged by water or ice. Paint also provides protection against rot and decay as well as being resistant to weather conditions like rain, snow, sleet, etc.

Something Else : Other options include gravel or rubber mats which can provide traction in addition to providing a safe surface for walking on with no risk of slipping.

Can I Keep My Deck Stairs From Being Slippery?

You can keep your deck stairs from being slippery by using a few different methods.

One method is to use sandpaper and apply it on the surface of the steps. This helps to remove any dirt or debris that may be present on the surface, which will make them less slippery.

Another method is to coat the entire surface with rubber sealant paint, which is used for sealing concrete surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks. You can also use other types of paints if you do not want to use sealant paint as it can be harmful if ingested.

How Do You Make Outdoor Stairs Safer?

First, you should consider your purpose for the stairs. Is it to get from one level of a building to another? If so, you will need a handrail or guardrail to safely help people navigate the stairs.

For handrails, consider using an aluminum railing that is powder coated or galvanized steel. You can also use a wrought iron rail that has been pressure treated with zinc and then painted with epoxy paint.

Use an Aluminum Railing

A stair guardrail should be mounted about four feet above the bottom step on each side of the staircase and extend at least twelve inches over each side of the stairs. The top of the guardrail should be flush with or slightly higher than the finished floor surface to prevent injuries caused by tripping on protruding rail ends while walking up or downstairs.

Conclusion

One way to make deck stairs less slippery is by adding a rubber mat. This can be done quickly by cutting the mats into strips and then applying them around the treads of your steps.

You may also want to consider painting or coating your wooden stairway with an anti-slip product before installing any matting so that it’s secure on the surface.

Safety should always be our number one concern, but these simple changes will help you prevent accidents from occurring in this high-traffic area as well! In addition, the article has been a good guide on how to make deck stairs less slippery.

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