Choosing The Best Carpet For Your Stairs

Choosing The Best Carpet For Your Stairs

Tired of slipping and sliding every time you walk up and down your stairs? It’s time to start thinking about a carpeted staircase! 

Carpeted stairs are an excellent design feature for most homes. Not only do they add traction and grip underfoot while your family is climbing up and down, but they also make your journey to the second floor that much more comfortable and quiet thanks to the added cushion. Additionally, stair runners add an element of beautiful decor. But because it is such a heavily trafficked area, choosing the right carpet for your stairs may require a professional opinion. 

That’s where Home Carpet One comes in. We’re here to help. Read on for more information on how to choose the best carpet for your stairways, plus tips and tricks for your installation to keep your home clean and your family safe. 

Things to keep in mind while choosing carpet for your stairs 

The carpet on your stairs goes through unique challenges that the carpet in the rest of your house may not. As a result, there are certain factors to keep in mind while you’re shopping for your new carpeting. 

Durability 

The stairs in your home are subject to lots of foot traffic throughout the day, which means that the carpet you choose should be highly durable to handle it all. While choosing a carpet for your stairs, look for materials and styles that can handle constant use without wearing out too quickly. Some key factors that can impact carpet durability include:

  • Material type: Wool carpet can withstand most wear and tear for the long term while lending itself to extra comfort and plushness. Synthetic options like nylon or indoor/outdoor materials are also a good choice for heavily trafficked areas since they can hold up to frequent use. 
  • Density and pile: A carpet’s density refers to how closely packed its fibers are, while its pile refers to how tightly woven and thick a carpet’s surface is. Low-pile, tightly-woven carpet, like wool flatweaves, works best on stairs since they wear down more slowly than high-pile or shag carpeting. You should also look for a dense carpet since they are more durable and less prone to flattening over time despite heavy use. 

Slip resistance

Safety is one of the most important factors to consider while you’re shopping for your carpet. Stairs are inherently more dangerous than flat surfaces no matter what kind of material is on them, so make sure to choose a carpet that provides plenty of traction and grip. Consider staying away from thick high-pile or shag carpets that may present more of a tripping hazard as you walk up and down the stairs. 

Style and appearance 

Aside from safety and functionality, carpeting your stairs also presents a prime opportunity to add flair and personality to your home. Look for carpeting that complements your home’s decor and fits the overall aesthetic that you are curating in your space. Some considerations here: 

  • Color: Choosing a dark carpet color is a good choice for people who are looking to hide the natural wear and tear that occurs on carpeted stairs over time, and can also add a moody ambiance to your home. However, light colors are a good option for brightening up your stairways, creating a more open and inviting space. 
  • Patterns and designs: Patterns are a fun way to add personality to your stairway.
  • Runner vs. full coverage carpeting: You’ll also need to decide if you want a full carpet that covers the entire stairs (known as wall-to-wall stair carpet) or a runner that leaves the edges of the stairs exposed. Runners can add a sophisticated touch to your stairway

Recommended reading: Guide to rug & runner edging options.

Installing carpet on your stairs 

Installing carpet on your stairs can be a trickier endeavor than installing it on a flat surface, thanks to all its inherent angles and edges. Proper installation is key for ensuring that your carpet performs well, holds up over the years, and keeps your household safe. 

Methods for installation 

The two most common methods of carpet installation on stairs include:

  • The Hollywood Method: The Hollywood method involves tucking the carpet tightly around the edge of each step. This can create a more polished stairway look that is well-suited for design-oriented homes where a sleek, snug fit is preferred. 
  • The Waterfall Method: As the name suggests, the waterfall method involves having the carpet flow directly over the edge of each step, dropping down to the next step without being tucked in. This method creates a continuous look throughout your entire staircase. 

Some stair styles may not work with either the waterfall or the wrapped method. For example, if your home has open (or “floating”) stairs, you may need a special install. Additionally, it’s important to remember that your carpet needs to be installed correctly to maximize its safety. It’s important to talk to a professional, like Home Carpet One, who can properly install your carpeting. 

Conclusion 

Your stairway is a vital piece of your home, and installing a nice carpet on it presents an opportunity for style and safety. If you’re ready to start your carpeting project, Home Carpet One is ready to hear from you! We have a huge collection of carpeting and flooring for all of your home needs, along with a team of experts who can help you make your custom home ideas a reality. 

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Effective Ways to Cleaning Carpet Spills & Removing Stains Guide

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As a trusted Chicago carpet provider, we at Home Carpet One know a thing or two about keeping carpet looking its best. Our customers are always asking for the best way to clean up spills and get rid of stains, and the truth is, it depends on what you spilled and how long the stain has had to set. There’s more than one effective way to clean stains, and of course some stains (pet accidents, red wine) are more common than others (Pepto Bismol, for example). When it comes to cleaning carpet stains, trial and error can be risky, and some products that claim to be safe for carpets can end up doing more harm than good. Between Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Mother’s Day, we get lots of customers calling in asking about how to get rid of chocolate stains in carpet, so we thought we’d offer some advice on the subject. One of the best options is to use a non-flammable dry cleaning solvent or spot removal solution. When using a solvent, be careful not to pour it directly onto the carpet. Instead, apply the solvent with a clean cloth, sponge, or gentle brush. If the solvent reaches the backing of the carpet, it can damage the latex that connects the primary and secondary backings, so exercise caution. There are several acceptable solvents out there, including Capture, a brand that we carry at Home Carpet One. If you don’t have a solvent on hand, you can use a solution of liquid dishwashing detergent and water. Use one cup of warm water and no more than a quarter teaspoon of detergent. Using a stronger concentration can damage your carpet. Never use bleach detergents designed for automatic dishwashers, as these will almost certainly leave permanent stains and can destroy fibers. Also avoid laundry detergents. Although it may seem sensible to use laundry detergent on carpet, these detergents often contain fluorescent dyes than can dye the carpet fibers. If you do use a detergent solution, rinse the area thoroughly afterward to remove potentially harmful detergent residues. Another option is to use a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts of warm water. This simple solution is generally effective and is less likely to cause color changes than other common solutions such as ammonia solutions. If none of these methods solves your problem, you can always call a Chicago carpet cleaning professional. Professional cleaners have specialized equipment and powerful cleaning products that can remove stains too stubborn for conventional methods. As with any stain, chocolate stains can become more stubborn with time. If you aren’t successful in removing the stain yourself, do not hesitate to bring in the big guns as soon as possible.
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When it comes to installing new carpeting, area rugs, or stair runners, the carpet pad (also known as carpet cushion) you choose can make a big difference in comfort, durability, and overall performance. There are several types of carpet pads available, each with their own unique benefits and best use cases. In this article, we'll explore some of the top carpet pad options to help you select the right one for your home. Healthinex Memory Foam Pad  Description: The Healthinex Memory Foam Carpet Pad is a 3/8 inch thick, 10lb high-density foam pad that conforms to the shape of your feet for incredible comfort. It has a breathable moisture barrier and built-in anti-microbial protection. It’s our most popular carpet pad at Home Carpet One Use cases: Wall-to-wall carpet, hallway runners, and stair runners of any construction Benefits: Incredibly comfortable, waterproof, sound absorbent, and lowest VOC emissions of any pad Example product for this pad: Hera Carpet   Healthier Choice Memory Foam Pad  Description: The Healthier Choice Memory Foam Carpet Pad is a 1/2 inch thick, 10lb high-density foam pad that conforms to the shape of your feet for incredible comfort. It has a breathable moisture barrier and built-in anti-microbial protection. It is a thicker option than Healthinex, but isn't suitable for looped or woven carpets Use cases: Wall-to-wall carpet, hallway runners, and stair runners that aren't looped or woven Benefits: Incredibly comfortable, waterproof, sound absorbent, and lowest VOC emissions of any pad Example product for this pad: Hera Carpet   Ultra Magic Pad Description: Ultra Magic Pad is a 3/8 inch thick, 8lb bonded foam pad that extends the life of carpet while providing comfort and insulation Use case: Wall-to-wall carpet that is not machine woven or hand loomed Benefits: Comfortable, sound absorbent, and made from 100% recycled materials Example product for this pad: Favorite Path Carpet   Luxury Pad Description: Luxury Pad is a 7/16 inch thick, 6lb bonded foam pad that extends the life of carpet while providing comfort and insulation Use case: Plush wall-to-wall carpet Benefits: Comfortable, sound absorbent, and made from 100% recycled materials Example product for this pad: Jazzy Carpet   Felt Pad Description: Felt Pad is made from compressed wool or synthetic fiber that extends the life of carpet while providing comfort and insulation. It has a firm feel that is required for woven carpets, stair runners, and commercial projects Use case: Hand loomed and machine woven wall-to-wall carpet, hallway runners, and stair runners Benefits: Comfortable, durable and mold-resistant Example product for this pad: Addington Carpet   Super Move Not Pad Description: Super Move Not Pad is made of synthetic fibers with rubber, non-slip backing that extends the life of area rugs while providing comfort and insulation Use case: Area rugs Benefits: Comfortable, sound absorbent, and no slip Example product for this pad: Ashford Area Rug   Tred Mor Pad Description: Tred Mor Pad is a 1/4 inch thick, dense pad made from compressed synthetic fibers that extends the life of carpet while providing comfort and insulation Use case: Commercial or high traffic carpet Benefits: Extremely durable, resists mold and moisture, and long-lasting Example product for this pad: Grand View Carpet   Recap No matter if you're installing carpet in a high-traffic living room, creating a custom rug for a cozy bedroom, or covering your stairs, the right carpet pad can make all the difference. From supportive memory foam to water-resistant rubber, there are plenty of options to meet your needs and budget. Let us know if you have any other questions as you review the different carpet pad choices available.
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