Best Carpets for Stairs (2025 UK Guide)

Stairs are notoriously the hardest working area of flooring in any home. Every time you walk up or down, your full body weight is concentrated on the edge of each step. This means the carpet you choose for your hall, stairs, and landing needs to be significantly tougher than what you might put in a bedroom.

The most critical factor for stair carpets is density, not just thickness. A thick, fluffy Saxon carpet might feel nice, but it will flatten quickly on the nosing of the stair. Instead, look for tight twists or loop piles with a high pile density. Manufacturers often label these as 'Heavy Domestic' or 'Extra Heavy Domestic'.

Material choice is also key. Wool is naturally resilient—its fibers spring back into shape after compression. A typical 80/20 wool twist (80% wool, 20% nylon) is the gold standard for stairs, offering the resilience of wool with the durability of nylon. For budget options, look for high-quality polypropylene twists, but ensure they are short and dense.

Striped carpets are incredibly popular on stairs because they elongate the staircase and hide dirt effectively. However, pattern matching on winders (curved steps) requires expert fitting. Ensure you hire a fitter experienced with complex stair work to get a seamless finish.

Finally, don't skimp on underlay. On stairs, the underlay takes a beating. Use a specialized high-density underlay (9mm-11mm) designed for stairs. It acts as a shock absorber, protecting the carpet backing from the hard edge of the step and extending the life of your flooring by up to 40%.