Anti-Slip Mats for Stairs: How to Choose the Right Step Mat

Stairs are one of the easiest places at home to slip, especially smooth tile or marble steps and outdoor steps that get wet. A step mat on each tread adds grip underfoot. Here is how to choose the right one.

1. Indoor or outdoor stairs?

• Indoor stairs (tile, marble, wood): choose a mat with a grippy backing that lies flat. Our Polypropylene Anti-Skid Step Mat has a polypropylene top with rubber backing and can be placed over wood, metal or tile. It works on indoor and outdoor steps.
• Outdoor steps that face the weather: choose all-rubber step mats. Our Rubber Step Mat and Stars of Heaven Step Mat are made of heavy, 100% recyclable rubber, so they won't slip or slide, and they're suitable for all weather, indoors and outdoors.

2. Measure your stair tread

Measure the depth and width of one step. The mat should sit flat on the tread without hanging over the edge.

• Polypropylene Anti-Skid Step Mat: 26 x 77 cm
• Rubber Step Mat and Stars of Heaven Step Mat: 9 x 30 inches (about 23 x 76 cm)

3. Pick the look

• Polypropylene step mat: a plain mat that comes in a few colours.
• Rubber Step Mat: black, with an open scroll pattern.
• Stars of Heaven: black, with an open star-and-lattice pattern.

Both rubber designs are decorative enough to use as wall decor too.

4. How many do you need?

Count your steps: you need one mat per step. Stars of Heaven comes in sets of 1, 2 or 4.

Quick comparison

Looking after step mats

Shake or sweep off loose dirt regularly so the grip keeps working. Rubber step mats can be rinsed with water.

A step mat adds grip, but it's still important to keep stairs dry and well lit.

Shop: Polypropylene Anti-Skid Step Mat · Rubber Step Mat · Stars of Heaven Step Mat · all Rubber Mats

Written by the ATMAH team in Cherthala, Kerala. ATMAH is part of Mayithara, which has been making and exporting coir doormats since 1920.