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How do I choose the perfect carpet for my staircase is a common question here at Art of Flooring. To help you make the right decision we've put together this article to give you some guidance on selecting the most suitable carpet for your needs.
Carpeted stairs offer enhanced safety compared to hard surfaces like wood, reducing the risk of slips and falls, especially important for households with elderly members or young children. This article on What is the best flooring for my stairs might help you understand more about this.
Carpets help dampen noise levels and this is particularly beneficial on stairs to minimise impact noise as people move up and down. Quality underlay further enhances this noise reduction.
Carpets add a cosy warmth to any space, including stairs, providing a soft and comfortable surface underfoot.
Now that you know why you might put carpet on stairs, let's consider some other key factors to help you decide which carpet to choose for your stairs:


While initially appealing for their affordability, stain resistance and lush feel, synthetic carpets may flatten and dull over time (as the video here demonstrates) On the other hand, durable wool fibers maintain their appearance and texture. Therefore, opting for a wool or wool-blend carpet is recommended for longevity and resilience. This article on What carpet is best for stairs elaborates on this.
Assess the carpet's behavior when bent at a nearly 90-degree angle to ensure it will maintain its appearance on stairs. Cut pile carpets are generally suitable, but it's essential to perform the "grin test" to avoid gaps forming between rows.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQdHXFvWA-o
Consider the width of the carpet rolls, typically 4 or 5 meters wide. Choosing a wider roll can be more cost-effective, allowing you to utilise excess carpet for other areas. It is advisable to ask a carpet fitter to help you with measurements to ensure you get the best value for money when you choose your width.
Discuss the carpet grade with your flooring expert, opting for a slightly better grade and pile density to ensure longevity. Investing a little more upfront can yield better returns in the long run.
If you have pets, consider their claws and nails, which can easily catch on loop pile carpets. A cut pile carpet or slightly shorter pile is often more suitable for households with pets.
Don't overlook the importance of underlay, which significantly impacts the carpet's lifespan. Rubber crumb underlay offers excellent protection and noise reduction, ensuring a comfortable, long lasting and durable carpet for your stairs.
For further inspiration, you can explore our past stair installations and case studies here.
