Covering for stairs

Old carpet is wrecked. I have bad allergies and would like to get rid of the carpet, there is no other carpet in the house.


What are the alternatives?
Priorities:
Cheap
Non slip
Nice looking would be nice...

I'd go for varnished but am worried that it would be slippy. Any experiences?

Sand down and paint or varnish? Painting is easier in that it doesn't require complete stripping back to bare wood. Rub down, undercoat (or two) and topcoat. With the right paint - or maybe sealer on top - should be durable.