Is it Better to Have Only Carpet on Stairs?

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is it better to have only carpet on stairs

If your home has stairs, you know how important they are to the functioning of the house. 

Stairs act as a centerpiece and are some of the most used areas in a home. The material that they are covered with is incredibly important and will affect almost everything. 

When the time comes to choose a material for your stairs, you have a lot of different options. Some people choose hardwood or laminate while others choose to have a carpet runner. 

One of the more popular options is to use all carpeting. 

Using only carpet on stairs has its own set of pros and cons. Knowing what to consider when thinking about this type of flooring can help you pick. 

In this article, we have laid out everything you need to know about using only carpet on stairs. By understanding the ins and outs of this material, you can make the right choice for your home. 

There are a lot of things to think about pertaining to using only carpet on stairs. These include: 

  • The pros of carpet on your stairs 
  • The cons of using only carpet 
  • The cost to carpet your stairs
  • Alternatives to carpet

How to Choose a Material for Stairs 

how to choose a material for stairs

When you are choosing a material for your stairs, there are a lot of things to think about. 

One of the most important considerations is how you are going to be using the stairs. If they are going to be a high-traffic area, the material needs to be durable and easy to clean. 

If your stairs are not going to be used as much or if you don’t mind cleaning, plush carpet can work. 

For homes with pets or children, hardwood or laminate is recommended. It is very durable and will hold up to lots of use for many years.

You can also use a carpet runner if you want a touch of style with your hardwood or laminate stairs. 

However, if you want the most luxurious and elegant solution, using only carpet is your best bet. 

Pros of Using Only Carpet on Stairs

One of the most important pros of using only carpet on stairs is their noise reduction. 

Hardwoods and laminates can squeak or make noise, which can be an issue if the bedrooms are upstairs. With all-carpet stairs, you don’t have to worry about noise when using them. 

Carpeting on stairs is also much softer, which, in turn, makes them safer. Minor falls and slips won’t be nearly as much of an issue as they would be with hardwood. 

Carpet can also be easier to fix if you drop something or some kind of accident happens. 

While carpeting will get more worn-looking, if a hole develops, it is easier to fix one section. With hardwood or laminate, much more will need to be replaced. 

Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of carpet on stairs, though, is the price. Carpeting is one of the most affordable materials you can use and can save you a lot of money. 

Cons of Using Only Carpet on Stairs 

While there are many benefits to using only carpeting on your stairs, there are also drawbacks. 

One of the biggest downsides of only carpeting is that it can be quite slippery. This may seem counterintuitive but it is a serious problem. 

Carpeting can be slippery if you are wearing socks or slippers and can turn into a safety hazard. If you have children or elderly people in your home, carpet may not be your best bet. 

Carpeting can also get incredibly dirty and worn. While it can be fixed, it is much more likely to look old, which can affect the look of the rest of your home. 

Cost of Carpeting Stairs 

cost of carpeting stairs

The cost of carpeting stairs will depend on several factors. One of the most notable factors is the square footage. 

Depending on how many stairs you have, it may cost more to carpet them. The cost will also change depending on where you live and the availability of contractors. 

For the most part, you can count on carpeting your stairs to cost somewhere between $3 and $15 per stair. It should be noted that this is the cost of labor and that materials may run more. 

If you are installing plush, high-quality carpeting, you will end up paying more for each stair. 

Alternatives to Carpet on Stairs 

If you don’t want to carpet your entire staircase, there are alternatives. 

One of the most popular alternatives is to use a carpet runner. Carpet runners are small rugs that run down the wood or laminate staircase. 

Carpet runners are a great alternative because they come in all kinds of colors and styles. They are also not permanent, which means you can change them any time you like. 

Frequently Asked Questions

faq is it better to have only carpet on stairs

How often should carpet be replaced?

Carpet should be replaced once every 15 years. However, this may change depending on your use and what you put it through. 

If you have children or pets, you may need to replace the carpet more often than that. 

Can you repair carpet without replacing it?

One of the major benefits of carpet is that you can simply repair it instead of replacing it.

All you need to do is use a scrap piece of carpet that matches the original. Then, you can cut out the damaged part and glue the new piece in place. 

How do you install carpet on stairs without tack strips?

If you don’t want to use tack strips with your carpet, you have another option. You can install the carpet using tension rods. 

However, this process is very complicated and needs to be done by a professional to be safe. 

Conclusion

If you are trying to decide on carpet for your stairs, it is best to be informed. Knowing the pros, cons, and price can be incredibly helpful. 

By understanding everything that you need to consider, you can make the right choice for your home. 

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AUTHOR

Michael J. O’Connor is a writer and marketing specialist from the Bay Area of California. A graduate of Sonoma State’s Creative Writing program, he spent many years as a contractor and carpet layer, learning the ins and outs of flooring and general contracting. When he’s not typing away at his desk, he enjoys hiking with his dogs, woodworking and collecting rare books. See full biography here.

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