Pay attention to how the carpet is made To make stairs safe, choose a low pile – ¾ inch or less to ensure resilience and stable grounding underfoot. It will also stand the test of time with high traffic moving up and down several times a day. A synthetic plush style with twisted or cut pile is always a good bet.
So, although thick, soft carpets make a great choice for cosy bedrooms, they are not the best choice for stairs. Instead, we recommend choosing dense, thinner carpets, with a pile that is 0.5 inches, maximum.
6lb is a carpet padding weight most commonly used in residential homes. 8lb padding is recommended for stairs and other high-traffic areas. 8lb carpet padding isn't as soft as the 6lb padding, but it's more durable. Thicker is not better.
What carpet should you avoid for stairs? Avoid plush, high-pile, or thick carpets on your stairs because they can increase the risk of slipping and wear down quickly in busy homes. Also, ensure the carpet you install is stain-resistant, particularly if you select a light color.
Dense, short or looped pile carpets work best as they're hardwearing but not too fluffy. Opt for patterns or mid-tone colours to hide dirt and wear. Prioritise carpets that provide a good grip for safety, especially on stairs, and add underlay for extra comfort and noise reduction.
For stairs, consider a synthetic nylon twisted or cut low-pile carpet with a low pile height that offers optimal stability.
Medium pile – 7mm to 13mm
Medium pile carpets are the Goldilocks of the carpet world. Being able to be soft and hardwearing.
In high-traffic areas, you'll want your carpet to be durable. Materials like polypropylene are really tough and look great for years to come, while wool twist carpets are extremely hard-wearing if you prefer a natural material.
Yes, it is advised to lay a pad beneath carpet on stairs. It not only reduces noise and offers comfort, but it also lessens wear and tear on your carpet, extending its lifespan. The carpet on the hard edges of the steps can easily become worn and squeezed in the absence of a pad.
Foot Traffic. Considering the level of foot traffic is crucial in selecting a carpet colour that remains vibrant and wear-resistant over time. Opting for neutral or darker shades is advisable for high-traffic areas like stairs and landings, as they are less prone to showing dirt and wear.
Depending on the application, I most often recommend between 40 oz. to 60 oz. as a good to best moderate weight. Spending more for “high end” 75 oz. carpet doesn't necessarily mean you'll get “high end” performance.
Heavy Traffic: Areas that experience a high amount of foot traffic, like hallways or stairs, require additional support. A carpet pad with an 8- to 10-pound density rating or higher is recommended.
For stairs, you want at least five to seven tufted rows per inch with a face weight of at least 35 ounces, though preferably higher if you can fit it into your budget.
From timeless patterns to bold, eye-catching designs, we've curated our five favorite installations for 2024. Our top 5 stair runner installations include a striking antelope-patterned runner, a chic grey ombre rendition, a bold zipper pattern, a vibrant Missoni creation, and a sophisticated Roger Oates classic.
If you're building wood stairs, stair treads should be at least 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick. When carpeting stairs, stair treads should be about 1/2 an inch thick.
A carpet is essentially just fiber woven together. Without padding, the backing will break. Once this happens, the carpet starts to age.
Find a low-pile carpet.
Carpet fibers can be twisted together to create a cut pile or woven in a loop pattern. Low-pile carpets are often preferable for stairs, as they are less likely to show signs of wear and tear and reduce the risk of tripping.
Gripper rods - are strips of wood with pointed nails or tacks protruding from them. They are often used along the edges of the runner to hold it in place. The tacks grip the runner and keep it from shifting. Staples: Staples can be used to secure the runner to the stair treads and risers.
Pay attention to how the carpet is made
To make stairs safe, choose a low pile – ¾ inch or less to ensure resilience and stable grounding underfoot. It will also stand the test of time with high traffic moving up and down several times a day. A synthetic plush style with twisted or cut pile is always a good bet.
In conclusion, carpet stair treads offer a multitude of benefits for enhancing staircase safety for seniors, including increased traction, impact reduction, and added comfort.
Low pile carpet is the best option for stair treads as it provides better grip and is less likely to mat down over time. High pile carpet can be difficult to clean and may become slippery over time.
Carpet stair treads can come in a range of thicknesses. Minimum stair tread thickness is usually ¼ inch thick. And the maximum thickness can be as much as 2 inches. The thickness of the tread can impact its overall durability and comfort underfoot.
The more fibers, the heavier the weight and the better the carpet quality. Density: The number of fibers in a pile. The more fibers, the denser the pile, and the higher the carpet quality. Height: The length of the wear layer of the carpet, measured from the top of the pile to the top of the backing.
Thick carpets can be more challenging to clean and maintain, especially if they have a high pile. They can also trap more dirt and allergens than thinner carpets since they have more fibers. In some cases, thicker carpets may trap moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.