Stair and landing carpets in Broxbourne and East Hertfordshire

What are the main ways to carpet stairs?

There are three common styles, and the right one depends on the look you want and the shape of your staircase:

• Waterfall: the carpet runs over the front edge of each step, the nosing, and drops straight down to the back of the tread below. It is quick to fit and very common.
• Hollywood, also called upholstered or tailored: the carpet is wrapped tightly round each nosing and fixed underneath it, so it follows the shape of every step. It takes longer but gives a neat, tailored finish.
• Runner: a narrower strip of carpet runs up the middle of the stairs, leaving wood or paint showing on either side. It is held with gripper and is sometimes finished with decorative stair rods.

Curved stairs, winding steps at a turn and open-riser stairs all take more time and more carpet than a straight flight.

Why do stairs wear out faster than other carpet?

Stairs take a lot of concentrated traffic, and most of it lands on the nosing. That edge is where stair carpet usually shows wear first. A dense, hard-wearing carpet with good underlay on each tread will generally last better than a soft, long pile.

Some carpets behave differently on stairs. Loop piles and some thinner carpets can open up at the nosing and show the backing as they bend, which fitters call grinning. Long, shaggy piles can feel less secure underfoot. If you have chosen a carpet already, ask the fitter whether it is suitable for stairs before you commit to it.

Do patterns and stripes cause any problems?

They take more planning. A stripe or pattern needs to line up from one step to the next and look straight from the bottom of the stairs, and it should carry on sensibly onto the landing. Matching a pattern uses more carpet than a plain design, and winding steps make it harder still. Plain and subtly textured carpets are the simplest choice for stairs with turns.

Should I do the landing and hall at the same time?

It is often worth it. Carpet is made in batches, and two orders of the same colour made at different times can look slightly different. Fitting the stairs, landing and hall together means the carpet comes from the same batch and the joins between them can be planned properly.

If you only want the stairs done now, keep a note of the carpet name and colour, and ask the fitter how the top and bottom steps will be finished where they meet the existing flooring.

What do I need to know about runners?

Because a runner leaves the edges of the stairs on show, the wood or paint at the sides needs to be in good condition. If you plan to paint or varnish the stairs, it is usually best to do that before the runner is fitted. Decide how much of the stair you want to show either side, and whether you would like stair rods. Rods are mainly decorative, and the runner should still be held firmly by gripper. Runners are usually narrower than a roll of carpet, so ask the fitter whether they can supply one or bind the edges of a carpet you have chosen.

Is a newly carpeted staircase safe to use straight away?

In most cases you can use the stairs as soon as the fitter has finished. Stair carpet must be fixed firmly so it does not move or ruck, because loose carpet on stairs is a trip hazard. If any carpet on your stairs feels loose after fitting, contact the fitter and keep the stairs clear until it is sorted.

What should I tell the fitter?

Say how many steps there are, whether the staircase is straight or turns, and whether there are winders, a half landing or open risers. Mention the style you are thinking about and whether the landing and hall are included. For a business, a block of flats or a rented property, say so, because shared stairs often need a tougher carpet.

What happens after I send an enquiry?

With your consent, we send the details of your stairs to one local carpet and flooring fitter who covers your postcode. We do not send it to a list of firms. The fitter contacts you, will usually want to see the staircase and agrees any price with you directly. There is no pressure to go ahead.

Asking is free and carries no obligation. We are an independent enquiry service, not a carpet shop or fitter, and the fitter may pay us a fee for the introduction.