Choosing the best carpet for stairs can be difficult because the carpet must have the right thickness and durability to function properly. It should also look good when it is cut, wrapped, and tucked around the edges of the steps and railing posts. If you have stairs that are frequently walked on or have small children at home, it is advisable to carpet your home stairs.
Consider thickness
The thickness of the carpet is an important factor in its suitability for stairs. A thick carpet with a high pile may be ideal for a bedroom, but too thick for a staircase. Thick carpets can be a safety hazard as they wrap around the front of the stairs. The carpet acts as a ramp for your feet. Without a firm surface to support your feet, you risk falling.
Resilience
There is a difference between stains and dirt, although spills are more likely to occur on living room carpets than on stairs. It’s still important to look for a carpet with stain-resistant qualities for your stairs.
Style and appearance
While any style of carpet can be used on a staircase, it’s a good idea to consider how the carpet will look when wrapped around the edges of treads or joining seams around posts. Also, consider the pattern on the carpet and how it will look when installed. For aesthetic and performance reasons, carpet patterns should be laid vertically, never horizontally, on stairs.
Choosing a carpet installation method
Waterfall method
This involves bending the carpet at the edge of the stairs and letting it fall straight down until the last step. This is an easy and quick way to install carpets and this method has already been used by many housebuilders.
French cap method
Also known as Hollywood style, this is a luxurious, bespoke look for staircases. The installer wraps the carpet tightly around the edge of each step, then tucks and clips it under the lip of the staircase, following the shape of the step. This method requires more time and skill from the installer. Stair treads can also be installed using the French cap method to accentuate the ends of the stairs.
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