What's the Best Carpet for Stairs?

Stairs and landings take more foot traffic than almost any other part of the house, so choosing the right carpet here is critical to ensuring your flooring looks good for years rather than months.

We generally recommend a shorter, denser pile for stairs rather than a deep plush saxony. This helps reduce flattening on the treads and keeps the edges looking neat and sharp over the nosing of each step. A 'Heavier Domestic' or 'General Commercial' rating is what you should look for.

Bleach-cleanable polypropylene carpets from ranges like Cormar Primo and Apollo are very popular for stairs because they're durable and easy to maintain. However, if you prefer wool, a 80/20 wool twist offers the best bounce-back and longevity for a high-traffic staircase.

The underlay you choose is just as important as the carpet. For stairs, we recommend a high-density underlay (rather than a soft thick one) as this provides more support for the carpet's backing and prevents it from 'walking' or stretching under the heavy pressure of climbing feet.

On a home visit we can show you options that balance comfort with durability and explain how we allow for overhangs, winders and landings when we measure to ensure a safe and professional finish every time.