Choosing the right carpet for your stairs is essential. Stairs are one of the highest-traffic areas in any home, so the carpet you select needs to be durable, safe, and able to maintain its appearance over time.
Here’s a simple guide to help you make the right choice.
1. Start with a Free Home Measure
Before choosing a carpet, it’s important to know exactly how much you’ll need. Staircases can be tricky to measure because of the treads, risers, winders, and landing areas.
That’s why the best first step is to book one of our CarpetWays estimators.
We measure your stairs completely free of charge, ensuring accuracy and helping you avoid costly mistakes or unnecessary wastage.
2. Avoid Plush or Deep Saxony Carpets
SWhile soft Saxony feels luxurious, it’s not ideal for stairs. Thick, plush carpets:
• Flatten quickly
• Wear faster at the nosing
• Can be slippery
• Are harder to fit tightly
They’re perfect for bedrooms, but stairs need something stronger.
3. Choose a Hard-Wearing, Tight Pile Carpet
The most suitable stair carpets are:
• Twist piles
• Dense, short cut piles
• Durable fibres like polypropylene or wool blends
A tight, structured pile keeps its shape and looks good even in busy households.
4. Loop Pile Carpets Are Great – If You Don’t Have Pets
Loop piles are naturally hard-wearing and stylish, making them an excellent choice for stairs.
However, if you have pets (especially cats), loops can catch on claws and cause pulls.
In homes with pets, a twist pile is the safer, longer-lasting choice.
5. Be Careful with Carpet Thickness
LOn stairs, thicker does not mean better. Thick carpets:
• Don’t bend neatly over steps and edges.
• Show wear quickly
• Are harder to fit properly
A medium-thickness, dense carpet is the best balance of comfort and durability.
6. Don’t Forget Underlay
Quality underlay gives you:
• Better comfort
• Better grip
• Longer carpet lifespan
• Quieter steps
Always choose a stair-suitable, high-density underlay.
7. Pick the Right Colour & Style
For high-traffic stairs, good choices include:
• Mid-tone colours
• Heathered or flecked styles (hide marks well)
• Herringbone carpet connects upstairs to downstairs very well.
Ready to Choose Your Stair Carpet?
CarpetWays offers expert advice, a huge range of stair-friendly carpets, Free Home Measures, professional fitting, and 0% finance on orders over £300.
Visit your local CarpetWays showroom and let our team guide you to the perfect option for your home.