Which Carpet is Best for Stairs?

If you are looking to get your stairs carpeted, you may be wondering which type of carpet is best for the job. Carpet is a popular option that can bring warmth, color and traction to your stairs, but not all options are created equal.

If you are not sure which carpet is best for your stairs, the Virgin Carpets and Flooring team is here to help you out in this guide. We will discuss the different factors you need to consider when choosing the best carpet for your stairs, so you can make the right choice.

Fiber Type

The first option to consider is carpet fiber type. There are three different types of fibers that are commonly used in carpets: nylon, polyester, and wool. Nylon is a synthetic fiber that is known for its strength and durability. Polyester is also a synthetic fiber that is known for being resistant to fading and staining. Wool is a natural fiber that comes from sheep and is known for its softness and resilience.

When it comes to stairs, we recommend using a carpet with a high-density fiber because it will be more durable and less likely to show wear and tear over time. Nylon or polyester fibers are good options for this type of application. Natural fibers like wool should be avoided for stairs because they are not as more prone to staining and are difficult to clean.

Pile Height

The next thing you will want to consider when choosing a carpet for your stairs is carpet pile height. Pile height is the length of the carpet fibers, and it can vary from low to high. A higher pile height will create a softer surface, while a lower pile height will be more durable.

For stairs, we recommend using a carpet with a low pile height. This will help to prevent accidents and make the stairs less slippery and minimize matting.  High pile types tend to crush down on stairs over time. Synthetic nylon carpet or polyester carpet with a pile height of less than ½ inch are better options for stairs.

Cut vs. Loop Pile

There are two different types of piles: cut and loop. Cut pile is made up of fibers that are cut at the top, while loop pile is made up of fibers that are continuous.

When it comes to stairs, loop style carpets will be more durable, but less comfortable. Both options are acceptable but consider a looped style if your stairs are very high traffic.

Color

Not only do you want your carpet to be durable and safe for your stairs, but you also want it to be a color that will complement your home. There are many different colors and styles of carpet to choose from, so it can be difficult to decide which one is best.

When choosing a carpet for your stairs, we recommend sticking with neutral colors like beige, gray, or black. These colors will match any décor. Choosing a darker color will do a better job of hiding dirt and stains from foot traffic. No matter how clean you keep your stairs, they are bound to get dirty over time, so it is important to choose a color that will hide these stains well.

Another way to mask dirt is choosing a carpet with patterns or a heathered look. We recommend avoiding monochrome carpets or light colors as they are more prone to showing dirt and stains.  A patterned carpet can also add a statement to your stairs.

Carpet Pad

Another thing you will want to consider when getting your stairs carpeted is the type of carpet pad that you will need. A good carpet pad will provide insulation, noise reduction, and cushioning for your feet.

Carpet pads come in all kinds of thickness, but we recommend keeping your pad to a 3/8-inch thickness or less. This will help to prevent your carpet from becoming too bulky and difficult to walk on.

It’s also important to choose a high-grade pad that is designed to withstand long-term foot traffic. A good carpet pad will help to extend the life of your new stairs carpet.

Brand

When it comes to choosing a carpet for your stairs, it is important to consider the brand too. Not all brands make carpets that are designed for stairs, so you will want to look for a brand that specifically makes carpets for this purpose. Also, some brands offer stain resistant carpet that would be well suited for a stairway.

Some of the best brands for stairs carpets include Shaw, Masland, and Anderson Tuftex. These brands offer a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from, as well as high-quality carpets that are designed to last.

Carpet Runner vs. Fully Carpeted Stairs

Another thing to consider is whether you want a carpet runner placed on top of your stairs or if you would like to have the entire staircase covered in carpet.

Carpet runners are generally more expensive than fully carpeted steps because of the cutting and binding.  A custom stair runner takes longer to install than wall to wall stairs, but looks great with a wood reveal on staircases.  While both runners and fully carpeted stairs can help prevent slips, fully carpeted steps offer greater safety as there is less opportunity for a wrong step to cause you to slip.

Installation

A carpet is only as good as its installation team! When choosing a carpet for your stairs, make sure to choose a company that has experience installing carpets on stairs. This will ensure that your carpet is installed correctly and will last for years to come.

Turn to Virgin Carpets and Flooring for Stair Carpet Installation!

If you are in the market for new stair carpeting, you can count on the Virgin Carpets and Flooring team for the best installation and products available. We have decades of experience in the flooring industry and service the entire greater Pittsburgh area.

We are confident that we can help you find the perfect carpeting solution for your home. Not only do we offer a wide range of carpets to choose from, but our installation team is second-to-none.

Call us today at 412-653-3424 or contact us online to arrange a free measurement. Learn why Virgin Carpets and Flooring is the best carpet installation company in Pittsburgh! We can’t wait to help you get started!