apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Try mixing a clear stain or varnish with sand and then either paint a 2 inch warning band or the entire stair tread. Hardware stores may even have an off-the-shelf product like this. Good luck!

I wonder if varnishing the steps/porch and pouring some sand into the varnish could act as an anti-skid coating - plus protecting the wood and enhancing the color?

I don't know if they're durable enough for outdoors, or if they'd work at all, but they do make clear anti-slip treads for bathroom tiles. I bought strips about 12" x 1" long that are on my shower floor and are barely noticeable in that bright light on white tiles, they'd probably disappear on your steps... And they're waterproof.... they may just get worn quicker when being stepped on with shoes and stuff. Maybe they make for outdoor that is clear?

In Montreal, they sell sisal by the yard (it's super cheap -- about a buck a yard). People use it as a runner on the stairs, and it looks good.

did some research online and found an epoxy spray that seems like a good alternative...here is the link:

http://www.superior-industries.com/traction_kote_400_product_189.html?gclid=CK6ykuSZoZsCFR7yDAod7gl2DQ

hope this helps!

a bunch of google ads popped up onto this page because of the keywords that look like they may offer solutions...

As the first 2 posters say, mix something into a clear varnish. Sand might not be enough to provide real traction. A neighbor of mine had her concrete steps redone, and the feel is much grittier than what sand would do. Ask at a (small) hardware store what products are out there, or do a Google search.

The steps WILL feel rough if you step out on them barefoot, but safety is the goal here.

Also, before going this route, my neighbor put some clear strippy things out there--they did not hold on the concrete. Maybe they would on the wood.

But a question: Is this a typical way to do a porch? To use flooring? On first thought, I wouldn't think that it'd hold up under the elements--even just rain. But the stuff you chose, which is lovely, is designed for outdoor use and to repel the elements?

I used sandbox sand mixed into clear coat and it works. I live at the beach and have a constant struggle with slippery surfaces. make sure you use sandbox sand as it is the cleanest and has the most consistent particle size. do yourself a favor and patch test as it does make the surface look different, and it does wear away over time (we reapply about every other year).

Yup - here are some directions from a boat website... If it works on the wet deck of a boat, it should work on your stairs.

http://www.boatwoodfinishing.com/boat-wood-varnishing.html

Adding Non-Skid to Your Varnish

For special applications such as cockpit grates and cabin soles, the more durable two-part varnishes are a good choice. To add a little traction, I sprinkle a little sand over the second-to-last coat after it is applied, or just mix it with the varnish. Let it cure thoroughly, wipe down with solvent, and apply the final coat over the sand. It makes a good non-skid surface as long as the sand lasts, but does need recoating once it is worn down enough that the sand starts to come off.

Paint stores sell a grit additive for paint to use on stairs or wherever an anti-slip surface is needed.

It is similar to sand but is clean. Sand has dust and dirt in it that will shorten the adhesion lifespan of the paint. It will work but the paint job won't last as one with the clean grit additive.

I used this myself and it looks fine and functions well.

I worked at two different marinas in my time. One had a long, sloped wooden walk down to the wooden dock and the other had various metal and wood docks. We used play sand (it is extremely fine grain) and spread it on the wet varnish or paint as we went. It makes a great, nearly invisible anti slip surface. There may be commercial versions of this now. I liked that we could determine ourselves how much sand we needed. The sloping walkway required copious amounts. Not so much with the docks themselves.

I know this won't help now, but when exterior stairs are built, they should be sloped at 1/4" height (minimum) per 1'-0" length in the shorter dimension, so that water drains off of the steps. It's generally done for concrete and stone steps, but it should help with wood steps, too. It won't completely solve the slipping problem, but it will help, and will minimize water damage to the stairs.

reading your question reminded me of something i saw in the ballard design catalog the other day. i know you mentioned that you didn't want gray or black tones, but these seem to be one of the more attractive and practical options for a non-permanent way to make your steps safer.

http://www.ballarddesigns.com/jump.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&itemID=10886&fromNewSearch=true&mercadoResultId=0

There is a company called Handi-Treads (www.handitreads.com) that manufactures a stamped aluminum tread. They produce them in different colors including a dark brown. Would it look good on the stairs? That is up to the individual. But I know that it will provide excellent traction and they guarantee them for life.