HandiTreads Frequently Asked Questions

A:  Yes. We are able to manufacture custom sizes and colors but be aware that they are more expensive than our standard sizes and colors. Please give our team a call at 877-328-7389 to learn more!

A: We recommend that the tread be aligned with the front of the nose of the stair and then moved back ¾ of an inch or so. This provides space for the screws to bind into solid wood while also maximizing traction in the sweet spot of the stair tread. This guide provides even more info about proper tread placement. 

HandiTreads can be installed in any weather or temperature, unlike adhesive-backed grit tape. Before installing, remove any debris from the surface. Align your HandiTreads, then use a power drill and the included wood screws to install the treads. Here’s a link to the installation instructions. If installing on concrete, stone, brick, or masonry, be sure to use concrete anchor pins. Here is a link to the installation instructions on concrete. 

A: Yes! The included wood screws can be used with Trex and other composite wood decking. 

A: When installing HandiTreads on concrete, stone, brick, or masonry, be sure to use concrete anchor pins. Here are the full installation instructions. 

A: We recommend placing the treads on every or every other wood plank. The treads can be placed across the entirety of your deck, or just in places that pose the most slip and fall risks or have the most foot traffic like in front of doors, pools, or the grill. 

A: If your ramp is made of wood, we recommend placing the treads on every or every other plank, depending upon the ramp’s incline. If your ramp is the typical 1” rise over 12” run, every other board will provide adequate safety. If the incline of your ramp is steeper than this, we recommend placement every six inches which typically translates into one tread per board. 

A: We know residential stair sizes can vary greatly from home to home. That’s why we authored this guide for selecting the best size HandiTreads for your stairs! 

A: Yes! HandiTreads can be installed on railroad ties using the included wood screws.

A: Yes. Hard-wearing aluminum HandiTreads are durable yet low profile so wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices can smoothly pass over them. 

A: HandiTreads aluminum non-slip treads are typically ⅛” of an inch thick when measured to the top of the traction dimples. The actual aluminum substrate measures from 0.063” to 0.100”. Once installed, the edges of the tread will be essentially flush with the stair tread and will not pose any sort of slip-and-fall hazard. 

A: When we think of stepping on something flat and metal, many of us would imagine it to be a very slippery surface. However, HandiTreads are not completely flat as they feature our patented non-slip traction buttons. The treads are also powder-coated with a grit paint to add additional traction. You can read more about how metal HandiTreads create unbeatable traction in this blog. 

A: You can safely use a snow shovel on HandiTreads without damaging it to remove heavy accumulations of snow and ice. However, we recommend using plastic snow shovels as metal ones can potentially scratch the powder coating on HandiTreads. 

A: Yes. While the salt may create deposits on the tread surface after prolonged exposure, salt water will not affect the performance of the treads. The salt deposits can be easily removed with a sponge. 

A: Yes! HandiTreads provide traction even when completely submerged. Madison Blue Spring State Park installed HandiTreads on the submerged stairs leading to the Martz Sink cave so divers can safely descend and ascend.