If you are building a new home or renovating your current one, choice of floor covering is a major decision. Going with carpet, wood, laminate or other options in your living spaces makes a significant impact on both the looks and functionality of a space. For homes with multiple levels, stairs are a part of this equation. While some people may opt for carpeting on the stairs, others may wish to avoid it entirely. To help you decide, here are the key pros and cons of carpeting your stairs.
Carpeted Stairs: Pros
Noise Reduction - One of the biggest advantages to carpeted stairs is the noise dampening effect the carpet has. If you have a home with young children or an especially sizable amount of foot traffic, adding carpet might create some needed peace and quiet.
Softer Underfoot - Carpeted stairs are more comfortable to walk on. Even without a pad underneath, carpet provides cushioning on top of hard surfaces like wood or concrete. It also keeps the stairs warmer during cold weather by protecting bare feet from cold surfaces below.
Easy Fix for Purely Functional Stairs - Many homes and buildings have stairs that are purely functional and completely lacking in aesthetic appeal. You can upgrade your purely utilitarian, builder-grade stairs dramatically by adding carpet. Not only will it soften the look of the staircase, it will give you opportunities to add color, pattern and texture to fit your personal style.
Carpeted Stairs: Cons
Slippery - Carpet can make stairs potentially hazardous by making them easier to slip off of. One reason for this is the carpet softens the curve of the stair tread. The hard edges of stair treads help stabilize your feet when traveling up and down a staircase and unfortunately, carpet erases that functionality. Carpet also decreases the depth of the tread by a small amount, which gives you less surface area to stand on.
More Difficult to Clean - Carpet collects dust and dirt more easily than hard surfaces and is also more difficult to clean. The best option for cleaning carpeted stairs is with a hand-held vacuum. Even with the most advanced and convenient models of vacuums on the market, this can make for an uncomfortable and tedious task. If you have pets who shed frequently, you will need to clean the stairs just as often as the other floors in your home.
Wear & Tear - Carpet won’t last forever and can even become detached. Low-quality carpet and sloppy installation can mean needing to pay for repairs or complete replacement after only a few years of normal wear and tear.
These are all important factors to consider when deciding whether you want to add carpet to your stairs. If you’re building a new home or thinking about renovating your current home, keep these things in mind to help you make the best decision.
About the Author
Rossy Figueroa
“Real estate” means so much more to me than simply buying or selling property...I believe it’s all about the people behind those transactions. A house would never be a home without them. That is why my first question to you will always be “what are your goals and how can I help you get there?”
Helping someone to plan and achieve their goals is just as important as listening to what they are. I know first-hand from over a decade of experience just how much it can take to make it happen. With honesty, diligence, and resilience, however, no hurdle is unconquerable. I can guide you through the entire process, always making you feel comfortable, informed, and in control. Like I said before, you are always the first priority.
I chose to partner with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Time Realty because, just like me, they realize that real estate agents are much more than salespeople. Every person and every goal is just as important as the last - and Berkshire Hathaway has all the tools and resources to get the job done.
It’s been an absolute privilege to meet some of you and help you achieve your goals. I can’t wait to meet the rest. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or both, I am confident that I am the last agent you’ll need. A better future awaits...give me a call and let’s get started!
