Stopping wear patterns on your stairs is only one benefit of a stair tread

Stair treads are an excellent way to add color, pizzaz, to a otherwise pretty boring area. They are by far an easier solution than adding a stair runner.

In many cases you can also get a matching area rug to place at the bottom or top of the stairwell. This can also enhance the whole décor of the home.

• To review all stair treads and go here. Treads are the easiest way to decorate these areas.

Often if the stairway is in a high traffic area, the tread will  prolong the life of the stairs. Treads also reduce the amount of noise from people walking down stairs with hard soled shoes.

Rug runners perfect for the hallway

Runners on the other hand are a perfect solutions for a narrow space or if you want to direct traffic in a certain direction in an open area. Many people will use stair runners to cover up a worn carpeting or other flooring.

• runner and pad sizes can be anywhere from 2X7 feet long.

Remember too that you may need a rug pad for underneath it. You will want to ensure that the stair runners are properly installed or attached to prevent any injury.

The biggest problem you may find is on corners, if the runner has a sag or bump someone could trip over this. There are metal strips that you can nail into the corner of the stair risers to keep it tight.

• For tips on installing a carpet runner go here.

You will want to ensure that you read the measuring instructions before you confirm the order.

If you are going to use an area rug at the bottom of the stairs be sure to add a rug pad underneath. What may happen is when you take the last step of the stairs you are liable to slip because of the forward motion of your foot.