Stairs - removing carpet - Wood or Re-Treads?
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can r The best option, assuming you can afford it, is to replace the particle with solid wood stair treads, and you should do this with a professional stair place. (most flooring companies do not do this work as it is tricky. They need to remove the treads and insert the new treads into the stringers. I would make risers white as it's more stylish, adds light and will save you some money.
This is the best looking, safest and longest lasting options. Also, if it's done right, you won't have creaking. Ideally, you can also add a carpet runner for safety (and decor).
Hardwood is most popular and can be refinished many times (will probably last for 100+ years (maybe even 200). It is the most beautiful and will help you with resale value. It's easy to change the color (if you refinish or change the color on either level of the home. You can add a runner or leave bare.
I would NEVER do tile (as that is very unsafe and hard on your feet and hard on your back, especially if someone falls...and it probably will happen at some point). Tile is also likely to crack a few years down the road due to vibrations. It's also very bad for resale value. Also, it doesn't look nice at the edges.
I would try to avoid laminate as it's a floating floor and not very safe. I'd avoid vinyl as it looks cheap.
You could do wood stair caps, but these are still generally expensive and edges often don't match up and they can cause tripping hazards. They also don't last as long, and yes, I have seen people sand through them and need to replace them (which isn't cheap).
Alternatively, if you can't afford to do this right, then I would paint the particle board (e.g. white) and then add a carpet runner for safety, decor and to make sure the paint lasts.
You can read more about carpet runners here.
http://theflooringgirl.com/featured/carpet-runners-for-westchester-county.html
You'll also see that more people prefer white for the risers.