Stair treads are the flat, horizontal parts of a staircase that we step on when going up or down. While treads come in all sorts of materials, wooden ones are especially popular because of their durability and natural beauty.

Solid wood treads are the classic choice—made from a single piece of wood, they offer a timeless look and can be customized with various finishes. Engineered wood treads, which are made from layers of wood veneer, are a more budget-friendly option but still strong and can mimic the appearance of solid wood. If your stairs get a lot of foot traffic, solid wood might be the better option since it’s tougher and can be refinished multiple times. But if the stairs are used less frequently, engineered wood could be a more affordable choice.