HandiTreads vs. Clearway Non-Slip Stair Nosings: Which is the Better Choice? - Handi-Treads Solutions for Slips, Trips & Falls

When it comes to outdoor stair safety, homeowners are faced with a critical choice—selecting a stair nosing that effectively prevents slips and falls while standing the test of time. Two popular options are HandiTreads aluminum stair nosings and imitation non-slip stair nosings, such as those offered by Clearway Supply. While both products claim to provide a safer walking surface for outdoor stairs, by the end of this blogpost you’ll surely agree: not all stair nosings are created equal.

In this guide, we’ll compare HandiTreads stair nosings to imitations, breaking down key differences in design, safety, durability, and value to help you make the best choice for your home.

The Importance of Outdoor Stair Safety

Slippery stairs, whether made of brick, concrete, or wood, pose a major safety risk, especially in wet, snowy, or icy conditions. Outdoor anti-slip stair treads provide a textured surface that helps prevent dangerous falls. However, the effectiveness of these treads depends on their material, design, and durability. A poorly designed stair nosing can actually increase the risk of slips rather than prevent them.

Without further ado, let’s get into what makes HandiTreads so great!

Key Differences Between HandiTreads and Clearway Nosings

1. Traction Design: Raised Scalloped vs. Flat Edges

The biggest design difference between HandiTreads stair nosings and imitations like Clearway Supply’s product is the edge shape:

HandiTreads: Feature a raised scalloped edge, which significantly improves traction and grip.
Clearway Supply: Uses a flat edge, which can be slippery in wet or icy conditions.

We’ve tested flat edges and scalloped edges, and the results were not ambiguous: flat design was still slippery, especially when wet. This small but crucial difference is a primary reason why HandiTreads are the superior choice for year-round stair safety.

Additionally, the paint finish is very different between HandiTreads and other imitation products:

HandiTreads: Feature an exclusive grit powder-coated finish, adding more traction to the tread’s surface.
Clearway Supply: Is painted or powder-coated without any grit additives, creating a completely smooth surface.

The grit powder-coat finish on HandiTreads provides superior traction and durability compared to the smooth paint used on imitation treads. Unlike the imitations’ paint, which can both wear down and become slippery around the already lacking raised buttons and scalloped edges, the HandiTreads powder-coat is embedded with a textured grit that maintains grip in all weather conditions, ensuring long-lasting safety.

2. Material Quality & Durability

HandiTreads and imitation stair nosings may look similar at first glance, but the devil lies in the details—it’s the materials and construction quality that set them apart:

HandiTreads: Made from high-quality, heavy-duty aluminum, designed to resist wear and corrosion for a lifetime.
Imitation Nosings: Often made from thinner, lower-quality aluminum, which may bend, corrode, or wear down faster.

Since outdoor stair treads are constantly exposed to rain, snow, and UV rays, it’s important to invest in a product that won’t degrade quickly. HandiTreads nosings are built to last, making them a cost-effective long-term investment.

3. Installation & Fit

Both HandiTreads and imitation non-slip stair treads can be installed on wood stairs, concrete stairs, and brick steps, but ease of installation varies:

HandiTreads: Comes with stainless steel, color-matched screws, ensuring a seamless look that blends well with any staircase.
Imitation Nosings: May come with lower-quality fasteners that don’t provide the same secure fit, leading to potential loosening over time.

4. Performance in All Weather Conditions

When choosing non-slip stair treads outdoors, you need to consider how well they perform in rain, ice, and snow.

HandiTreads: The patented raised-button traction surface effectively channels water, snow, and debris away, maintaining grip in any condition.
Imitation Nosings: Often lack proper spacing and height of traction elements, leading to poor drainage and reduced grip in wet conditions.

5. Safety for Pets & Bare Feet

If you have pets or frequently walk on your stairs barefoot, comfort matters:

HandiTreads: Designed with rounded, smooth traction buttons that won’t snag paws or scratch feet.
Imitation Nosings: Often feature rough, sharp edges that can be uncomfortable or even hazardous.

6. Warranty & Customer Support

A warranty is a sign of a company’s confidence in its product:

HandiTreads: Offers a lifetime residential warranty, ensuring you get a long-lasting, high-value product.

Imitation Nosings: Often come with limited or no warranty, meaning you may have to replace them sooner than expected.

Why HandiTreads are the Better Choice

Choosing the right outdoor stair treads is an investment in safety and durability. Here’s a quick recap of why HandiTreads outperform imitation products:

Scalloped edges provide superior grip compared to slippery flat edges.
Thicker, high-quality aluminum ensures long-term durability.
Patented raised-button traction surface disperses water, snow, and debris effectively.
Safe for pets and bare feet, with no sharp edges.
Lifetime residential warranty for peace of mind.
Color-matched stainless steel screws for a secure, attractive installation.

The Verdict: HandiTreads for Safer Outdoor Stairs

When it comes to non-slip stair treads outdoors, HandiTreads stair nosings are the clear winner over imitation products. With their scalloped-edge design, superior materials, and lifetime warranty, they offer unmatched safety, durability, and value for homeowners looking to prevent slips and falls.

If you’re ready to make your wood stairs, concrete stairs, or brick steps safer, choose HandiTreads stair nosings for a reliable, long-term solution.

👉 Explore HandiTreads Nosings Now: HandiTreads Aluminum Nosings

Have questions? Contact us today—we’re happy to help you find the perfect non-slip solution for your stairs!