Carpet and wood are popular stair materials that can add style, beauty, and class to your home. If you’re building or redesigning your staircase, you may be in a dilemma regarding which material to choose. “Should I carpet my stairs, use hardwood, or mix both? In this piece, we’ll examine the pros and cons of both materials and other factors to consider:
Pros and Cons of Carpet Stairs
Pros
Safety - Carpet stairs offer traction that makes it safe for people and pets to go and down without the risks of tripping and falling.
Sound absorption - The noise of footsteps as you climb up and down the stairs can be inconvenient. Carpet stairs absorb some of the sounds, reducing noise.
Less expensive - If you’re on a tight budget, go for carpet stairs. It’s a lot cheaper than using wood for your stairs.
Cons
Maintenance - Carpet stains more readily than wood. It also collects pet hair, dust, foot, odors, and other particles easily. In addition, carpet stairs are more of a challenge to clean.
Aesthetics - While carpets are very aesthetically pleasing, wood stairs are in a league of their own.
Durability - Over time, the carpet can begin to pull away from the stairs, which may require you to replace it. At this point, the carpet also becomes less safe.
Pros and Cons of Wood Stairs
Pros
Aesthetics - Wood stairs are better looking. So your home will look a lot better, especially if your flooring is made of wood.
Maintenance - It’s easy to wipe up spills and remove stains, dust, and other particles from your wood stairs. It doesn’t trap odors, and you can also clean wood stairs less frequently than carpet.
Durable - Wood stairs last much longer. You can easily sand and refinish existing wood stairs, which saves you a lot of money.
Cons
Expensive: Installing wood stairs can be very expensive compared to carpet stairs.
Noise: Walking on wood stairs is noisy, which can be inconvenient for anyone working or sleeping in nearby rooms.
Unsafe: It’s easy to slip and fall on wood stairs, making them less safe than carpet stairs.
Existing material
If the current material is wood, it’s much easier and cheaper to go for wood stairs. Refinishing the existing wood is also less expensive than switching to carpet stairs. However, you can consider switching after considering other factors.
Cost
The initial cost of installing wood stairs is considerably higher than their carpet alternative, especially if you’re using high-end wood. However, they’re much easier and cheaper to clean than carpets - you won’t spend much on ongoing maintenance. If you don’t lump initial payment, then a carpet staircase are a better option. Keep in mind, though, that you may need to replace it later.
Aesthetics
Both wood and carpet stairs will be visually pleasing, so you can go for either, depending on your preference. However, a wood staircase is generally more aesthetically pleasing than a carpet staircase, especially if it is visible from the living area. But that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve a great look with carpets. There are various styles and designs you can play with that can complement your existing decor.
Durability
Wood stairs are covered by a polyurethane layer that protects them from damage, making them very durable. However, wood is still susceptible to scratches from sharp objects, requiring sanding and finishing. Carpets aren’t as durable. Foot traffic can easily cause wear and tear, so you may have to buy a new carpet as time goes on.
Cleaning
If you’re busy or don’t want to spend money on hiring a cleaning company, a wood staircase is a clear choice. They don’t stain, and spills and other particles can be easily cleaned off.
Whichever you choose, your home should be unique and an extension of your personal style. Here are Bilger Railing & Stairs; we’re set to help you achieve it! Request a quote today to get started.