Carpeting the stairs is something many people embrace in their homes. If you have contemplated doing the same to your space, there are things you should know. The decision to carpet your staircase should be one that you have given a lot of thought to. It is essential to look at both the advantages and disadvantages before calling up a professional to do the installation. Here are some pros and cons you should consider when thinking about getting your stairs carpeted.
Pros
Affordable and quick fix
Worn-out stairs can dull out your entire space and downgrade the curb appeal of your home. Unfortunately, they are the one thing a film of paint cannot fix, but a carpet would work wonders. Carpets fall in the most affordable flooring choices, so if you want to spruce up your home while keeping things under budget, this is a great option. Carpets vary in quality, and so do their prices; thus, finding one within your budget is possible.
Extra comfort
When carpeting, think, of warmth and fuzziness. Some flooring materials can be uncomfortable, especially if you have kids or furry friends in your space. Carpeting your stairs will provide you with a soft underfoot, which is more comfortable and cozy.
Noise reduction
Some flooring options will do you no favors when it comes to noise absorption. Creaking stairs are annoying and noisy and thanks to carpeting, you can finally do soothing about them. Staircase carpeting is something worth considering if your home is experiencing the same. Instead of replacing the risers, carpeting is a more affordable option to provide that extra layering that will absorb sounds.
Notch higher of style
If carpets are one thing, it is stylish. Carpeting your stairs can zhuzz up your space and bring together the home décor perfectly. The greatest part is that there are numerous designs, colors, and textures you can explore to find one that matches your home.
Cons
Higher installation costs
Carpeting an even surface in the room and a staircase are not the same. The material needs to be measured and cut out perfectly to fit the stairs. The complexity of the installation makes its costs to be higher. Installing a high-quality carpet is also typically more costly than a low-quality one.
Reduced grip depending on texture
Carpets differ in texture, with some like polyester being very slippery. Materials like these greatly reduce the thread edge, which makes you more prone to slips and falls. As you know, staircase falls can cause a lot of damage to your body, and sometimes carpeting may not be the best choice.
Damage to existing flooring
To keep the carpet well-fitted, you may need to use glue, nails, and staplers to hold it in place. Applying glue to the existing floor could damage it, especially if it is material like wood. When the day comes when you want to do away with the carpet, patches of dried glue or where the staples went through will; ruin the floor’s aesthetics.
Some carpets are not vision impairment friendly
If you have elderly persons in the home or residents with vision problems, carpeting your stairs may do them more harm than good. Because of the options in design, some carpets come in patterns that aesthetically elevate your space. These patterns, however, are sometimes more complex for people who have problems seeing well, and they may misjudge where they step, leading to serious falls and injuries.
They can bunch up with time
Lengthy exposure to foot traffic makes the carpeting on the stairs come loose and begin to bunch up. These folds are a ticking time bomb that can easily lead one to trip or fall down the stairs.
Can be hard to maintain
The carpet material makes it easy for it to trap dirt, fur, and dust, and hard to get rid of them. Occasional sweeping will not be enough to keep the carpet clean; to deep clean, you will have to keep up with regular vacuuming. In case the carpet stains or spots, the carpet will require special cleaning to remove it.
The decision to carpet or not carpet your staircase ultimately lies with the needs of your home. If carpeting your stairs poses more harm than good to you and those you care about, it is best to stay away from it. Hopefully, this article provides more insight into what to expect when you carpet your staircase. Take time and make the choice that is best for you.
