Stairs are not a bedroom.
Every trip upstairs turns the same few tufts on the nose of each step. Add shoes, bags and the dog and you have the hardest-working carpet in the house. A thick, soft pile that feels lovely in a bedroom will flatten and wear on a staircase.
Look for a dense twist pile with a heavy-domestic usage rating and confirmation that the range is suitable for stairs. Wool-rich blends and good-quality polypropylene twists both do well here.
A firmer underlay, fitted securely.
Stairs need a firm, dense underlay that holds the carpet tight over the nose of each step. A very soft underlay can feel unstable underfoot and let the carpet move. We recommend the right type when we measure.
Colours that forgive.
Heathered and flecked shades hide the marks of everyday life far better than plain pale colours. Stripes look smart on a straight flight but need careful planning around winders and landings.
If pets use the stairs, choose a cut pile rather than a loop, which claws can catch.
- Heavy-domestic usage rating, suitable for stairs.
- Dense twist or wool-rich blend.
- Firm underlay, fitted with gripper.
- A forgiving heathered colour.
Why stairs need a proper measure.
Winders, half-landings, open-string stairs and bullnose bottom steps each change how the carpet is cut and joined. Pile direction should run the same way on every step. Multiplying a rough length by width is not enough, so arrange a measure before ordering.
Tell us whether the hall and landing are being carpeted at the same time so joins can be planned and the quantity worked out in one go.
Want to talk it through?
Bring your questions to the shop, or tell us a little about your room before you visit.
Ask us about your floor