Synthetic nylon carpet may be your best bet for safety and strength, while wool is a good option as its fibres repel stains and dirt (although it's more expensive). Berber carpets are another durable choice for staircases, as they are made from loops instead of strands.
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.
The hardest wearing stair carpet is one that is designed for high-traffic areas. Densely woven with a low pile or loop construction are excellent choices. Nylon and polypropylene carpets are known for their exceptional durability, resilience, and resistance to crushing.
For stairs, consider a synthetic nylon twisted or cut low-pile carpet with a low pile height that offers optimal stability.
Nylon is generally known for being the most durable type of carpet for residential use. These carpets are good for use in places with heavy foot traffic and for households with kids and pets. Some carpet manufacturers treat their nylon carpet with a protective coating, which helps it to be more stain-resistant, too.
What is the most hard-wearing/heavy-duty carpet? Typically, twists are the best heavy-duty carpets, as they combine the strengths of one carpet type with the best of another. Ideally, you should check the carpet's durability, UV protection, and stain resistance.
Grade 3: High-End Residential Grade
This grade of carpeting is made from top-quality fibers like nylon or wool, which provide exceptional durability and comfort. High-end residential grade carpeting has a plush and soft feel, offering a luxurious experience underfoot.
Stripes. Stripes have made a strong comeback in 2024, adding depth and visual interest to a staircase. Striped carpets are particularly effective at creating the illusion of a wider staircase, which is a boon for narrower properties.
It is generally best if you aim for a carpet pile height of 13mm (or less), a pile density rating of at least 8-pounds and a carpet underlay thickness of 11mm or less. Although we recommend, you get advice about the suitability of any carpet for the stairs from an expert when you purchase.
Carpet Grade: This pine is used for stairs intended to be covered with carpet, or for basement stairs, where cost outweighs aesthetics. Carpet-grade pine is knotty and may have drastic color variations, as well as voids of up to an inch in diameter filled with putty.
A combination of wool and nylon will be more sturdy and less prone to flatten over time. Another suitable option, yet pricey, is wool carpet. It doesn't easily flatten and repels stains and dirt.
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.
The average cost to carpet stairs is $650, with a typical range of $400 to $800. This cost data is based on an average set of stairs that require 60 square feet of carpeting. The price of more complicated stairs—like spiral staircases—will be on the higher end of the cost range.
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.
In conclusion, carpet stair treads offer a multitude of benefits for enhancing staircase safety for seniors, including increased traction, impact reduction, and added comfort.
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.
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. Deep pile carpets are luxurious and soft underfoot, but might not be the most practical for these high-traffic areas.
Opt for a neutral-coloured textured carpet for a timeless and versatile look. Shades like beige, grey, or cream with subtle textures or loop piles can provide a clean and contemporary appearance while also offering durability and easy maintenance.
A carpet that is too thick can be dangerous as it creates a false tread on the nosing of the step and can cause slips and falls.
Neutral tones, such as classic shades of beige, taupe, and light gray, stand out as timeless choices that effortlessly complement various design styles.
A Hollywood installation method is where the carpet is tacked down directly onto the staircase and wrapped around the edge of the tread. In fact, the carpet is stapled under the nose of the stair itself giving the staircase a crisp tailored look.
Most carpets last somewhere in the range of 5 to 15 years.
Synthetic Chemicals
Most carpet is made from synthetic fibers, usually nylon and polypropylene. Both materials are made from non-renewable petroleum and emit harmful VOCs into the air.
Wool: A Classic Luxury Choice
Wool carpeting is highly durable, maintaining its plush feel and vibrant color over time. For an extra touch of elegance, consider New Zealand wool, known for its superior quality and soft, luxurious finish.