Slip Resistant Tape for Wooden, Metal, and Concrete Stairs: What to Use and Why

Slips on stairs can cause serious injuries. Whether it’s at home, a warehouse, or a job site, preventing falls starts with traction. Slip resistant tape is one of the fastest and most effective ways to reduce this risk. But not all stairs are the same.

Wood. Metal. Concrete.

Each surface has its own challenges. The type of tape you choose — and how you apply it — makes a difference in how well it works.

This guide will help you choose the right Jessup Manufacturing slip resistant tape for each type of stair.

Why Slip Resistant Tape Matters

Stairs are high-risk zones for falls. Rain, dust, foot traffic, and worn surfaces reduce grip. Add smooth or worn-out materials, and the risk increases.

Slip resistant tape creates friction where people step. It helps your shoes grip the surface and keeps you from losing balance.

You don’t need to rebuild your stairs. You just need the right tape in the right place.

Wood Stairs: Surface Movement and Moisture

Wood is common in homes, decks, porches, and outdoor walkways. But wood stairs are tricky.

They expand and contract with humidity. They soak up moisture if not sealed. And they can splinter or wear unevenly.

What to Use:

Use 46 Grit Heavy Duty Safety Track® or 60 Grit General Purpose Safety Track® from Jessup.

• Bonds well with sealed, painted, or pressure-treated wood

• Strong adhesive resists peeling on slightly flexible surfaces

• Works in wet and dry conditions

Where to Use It:

• Residential decks

• Outdoor porches

• Wooden basement stairs

• Temporary site stairs made from plywood or OSB

Tips:

• Clean the surface completely

• Make sure the wood is dry

• Press tape firmly across the entire surface

• Use edge sealing in high-moisture areas

Metal Stairs: Smooth and Slippery

Metal stairs are found in industrial buildings, fire escapes, catwalks, and maintenance platforms. They are durable but very slippery when wet.

Bare steel or aluminum doesn’t offer traction. Over time, rust or grime can also interfere with grip.

What to Use:

Use 24 Grit Xtreme® Anti-Slip Tape or 46 Grit Heavy Duty Safety Track®.

• Maximum traction, especially for work boots or heavy gear

• Aggressive grit surface resists wear from traffic and machinery

• Built for rugged environments

Jessup tapes have industrial-grade adhesive that bonds tightly to smooth, non-porous surfaces like steel and aluminum.

Where to Use It:

• Exterior metal staircases

• Industrial steps and platforms

• Rooftop access stairs

• Oil and gas facilities

Tips:

• Degrease the surface before applying

• Use a wire brush to remove rust or flaking paint

• Apply in dry conditions

• Press down hard and allow full adhesion time

Concrete Stairs: Porous and Uneven

Concrete is strong and stable but highly porous. Dirt, algae, or moss buildup can reduce traction fast.

Old concrete may also have cracks or wear patterns that interfere with tape adhesion.

What to Use:

Use 46 Grit Heavy Duty Safety Track® or 60 Grit General Purpose Safety Track® for clean concrete.

For rough, cracked, or outdoor exposed stairs, go with 24 Grit Xtreme® Anti-Slip Tape.

• Penetrates textured surfaces better

• Resists UV rays, snow, and extreme temperatures

• Holds up against outdoor foot traffic and equipment use

Where to Use It:

• Building entry stairs

• Parking garages

• Schools and hospitals

• Exterior stairwells

Tips:

• Sweep and wash the surface

• Remove moss, dirt, or salt

• Wait until completely dry

• Use edge sealing for outdoor stairs

Comparing Grit Levels

Choosing grit level affects comfort and safety. Here’s a quick breakdown:

The higher the grit number, the finer the surface. Lower grit gives better grip in muddy, dirty, or wet environments.

Where to Place the Tape on Stairs

You don’t need to cover the entire step. Focus on the high-impact area:

• Place tape about 1 inch from the edge of each step

• Cut pieces to fit the full width or use 2 smaller strips

• For extra safety, add a vertical strip to the front edge for visibility

Add photoluminescent tape if stairs are used in low-light conditions. Jessup offers glow-in-the-dark stair markers that charge with daylight and guide users in darkness.

Maintenance and Longevity

Slip resistant tape doesn’t require much maintenance, but small steps help it last longer.

• Clean with a stiff brush or mop

• Avoid using oils or wax-based cleaners

• Inspect edges for peeling

• Reapply or replace worn-out sections

With Jessup tape, expect 1 to 3 years of strong performance depending on traffic, weather, and surface type.

Real-World Example: Warehouse Stair Safety

A logistics manager at a regional warehouse installed Jessup 24 Grit Xtreme® Anti-Slip Tape on all outdoor steel stairs and loading dock access points.

After heavy rain, staff often slipped on the smooth steps. After the install:

• Incidents dropped to zero over six months

• Workers reported better confidence walking between shifts

• The tape held up despite forklifts and cart wheels brushing the edge daily

This is the type of change that shows fast results.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy

To make the right choice, answer these:

• What is the stair material — wood, metal, or concrete?

• Is the location indoors or outdoors?

• What type of footwear is common?

• Do you need visual markings for low-light safety?

• Will it be exposed to chemicals, snow, or heavy traffic?

Your answers will guide you to the right grit, backing, and tape format.

Why Choose Jessup Manufacturing?

Jessup has been manufacturing safety tapes for over 60 years. Their slip resistant tapes are used in:

• Industrial plants

• Military and government buildings

• Public infrastructure

• Residential and commercial properties

Every tape is built to meet tough performance standards. Their grip, adhesion, and outdoor durability consistently perform across a wide range of surfaces.

You get quality that lasts — without shortcuts.

Final Thoughts

Wood, metal, and concrete stairs each need the right kind of tape. Using the wrong product reduces safety and wastes time.

Jessup Manufacturing offers a full range of grit levels, tape widths, and visibility options to match your surface, usage, and safety needs.

Take a few minutes to assess your stairs and apply the right tape. The payoff is a safer environment for everyone who uses them.