What Carpet Is Best for Stairs?

Choosing the best carpet for stairs can be tricky because it has to have the appropriate durability and thickness for the job. It also has to look good as it is cut, wrapped, and tucked around the edges of the steps and railing posts. If you have stairs with high traffic or you have young children at home, it's a good idea to carpet them. Read on to learn how to choose the best carpet for your staircase.

Why Should You Carpet Stairs?

Soft, carpeted stairs can help reduce injuries from slips and falls versus landing on bare, hard-surfaced stairs. Carpeted stairs will absorb and reduce the noise made by foot traffic. If your stairs have surface blemishes but are still in good structural shape, carpet can fix the aesthetic issues while further protecting the floor from wear and tear.

Choose the Right Material

The impact of foot traffic is greater on stairs than on flat areas due to the added force of gravity as you descend the stairs. This means taking into consideration the quality and durability of the materials, keeping the pile height low, and choosing the best carpet and cushion you can afford.

For stairs, consider a synthetic nylon twisted or cut low-pile carpet with a low pile height that offers optimal stability. Another option is a high-quality nylon Berber for its texture, durability, and stain-resistant qualities. However, check that the specific carpet is not slippery, as some polyester carpeting can be, which can increase the risk of falling. If you have pets, note that looped piles on some Berbers can catch on claws or snag.

Thickness Consideration

The thickness of the carpet is an important factor in the suitability of carpeting for stairs. However, a plush carpet with a high pile may be ideal for the bedroom but too thick for the stairs. A carpet that is too thick can be a safety hazard because as it wraps around the nosing (front edge) of the stair, it acts as a down ramp for your foot, with nothing substantial to support your foot from underneath, all of which can lead to slips and falls.

Also, carpet installers don’t prefer working with thick carpets on stairs. It is more difficult to wrap a thick carpet around the nosing and through the railing pickets. It is best to get a carpet with a pile height of 1/2 inch or less, a carpet padding of 7/16 inches or less, and a pile density rating of at least 8 pounds.

Soil Resistance

There is a difference between staining and soiling. Though spills tend to happen more often on the family room carpet than on the stairs, it still pays to look for carpet with soil-resistant qualities for your staircase. That's because the oils on the bottoms of your feet (and your pet's paws) can leave a residue on the carpet, which sticks to the fibers and attracts dirt particles as you walk up and down the stairs.

Style and Appearance

Though any style of carpet can be used on stairs. it helps to consider how a carpet will look as it "bends" or wraps around the edges of a tread or joins seams around a post. Also, consider the direction of the pile of the carpet and how it will look installed. The pile should run vertically, never horizontally on stairs for aesthetic and performance reasons. Longer pile carpets, such as friezes and some saxonies, may also hide seams better than some short or looped piles.

Installing Carpet on Stairs

There are a few methods used for installing carpets on stairs. Each method has a different look.

The Waterfall Method

The waterfall method involves bending the carpet over the edge of the stair and letting it fall straight down to meet the tread of the next step. It is an easy and fast way to install the carpet, and for this reason, many new home builders use this method. It is also the traditional way of installing a stair runner though there may be a slightly noticeable gap from the side of the steps.

The French Cap Method

The French cap method, also called Hollywood style, is a high-end, tailored look for a staircase. Installers tightly wrap the carpet around the edge of each step, then tuck and staple it under the lip, contouring to the shape of the step. This method requires more time and skill on the part of the installer. Stair runners can also be installed with the French cap method to highlight staircase nosing (edge of the stair).

Open Stair Carpet Installation

Open stairs, or floating staircases, require different carpet installation methods. Open stairs are defined as treads attached to stringers but without risers, leaving an open space between each step. Installing carpet on the stringers of open stairs is an older style typically used for masking imperfections. Stair treads are often used on open stairs to soften the surface and prevent slipping. However, treads and stringers are often left uncovered in modern interiors and painted or stained the same color as the trim or hardwood flooring.

Warranty Coverage

Historically, many carpet manufacturers excluded all stairs from a carpet's warranty coverage. However, in recent years, more manufacturers have been offering carpets with a warranty on stairs. If you are concerned about protection, make sure that the carpet you choose covers stairs under the warranty.

All Things Considered for Stair Carpeting

The best carpet for stairs meets all of the factors outlined above, including durability, an appropriate thickness of about 1/2 an inch, soil resistance, skid resistance (such as what a Berber offers), and warranty coverage. With proper selection and installation, carpet can create a beautiful finished look on the stairs.