I removed carpeting from a set of stairs going down to a basement. The structure of the stairs is just plywood on stringers, but is fully boxed in, meaning it is built out with both risers and treads.
To re-cover the stairs I am wondering what my options are? My preference would be for something slip resistant, waterproof and relatively quiet. Cost is no object and the absolute highest quality commercial option would be preferable. I want the best of the best.
If cost is no object, rip it all out and replace it with all new treads and risers to your liking instead of covering it up with something. Placing additional material over the existing will typical make the bottom tread higher than the rest, and the top tread shorter that the rest. Code only allows 3/8" difference from the shortest to the highest.
If you just want to recover the treads you have, do a Google search on "tread resurfacing" there will tons of companies out there that have the things I think you are looking for.
I think rubber or similar material would make sense. Something like this example picked at random from Home Depot:
Slip resistant, waterproof and quiet: I would recommend stair tread grip tape. It also has the added benefit of not messing with riser heights at all.
Some examples (all courtesy of Amazon.com. No recommendation expressed or implied.)
Regular:
High visibility safety:
Glow in the dark for even more safety:
