Slippery steps can be hazardous--but the following tips can make your stairs more slip-proof. For outside stairs, consider using slip-proof paint, which provides a texture that allows your feet to get a better grip on each step. You can buy slip-proof paint at most home-improvement centers or make your own by adding builder's sand to a good-quality latex floor paint (figure A). Stir slip-proof paint often so the sand doesn't settle to the bottom. If you'd like a quicker fix, apply slip-proof tape (figure B), which has a sandpaperlike surface for added traction. Clip off the corners of the tape before you attach it to the steps to reduce the likelihood that the tape will peel. Slip-proof tape usually costs about 60 cents per foot and lasts several years. For slippery interior stairs, attach carpet tiles (figure C) with construction adhesive or a staple gun.
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