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Lay stair flooring & carpet.
Stairs trimmed, runners or full carpet fitted — proper grippers and bound edges where needed.
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Carpet wear at nose
The tread nose takes the most wear. Specify cut-pile (twist) over loop for stairs.
Loose tread carpet
Wrong stretching technique leaves carpet that ripples. Premium fitters use a power stretcher.
Wood tread squeak
Cheap install glues treads with wrong adhesive. Use polyurethane (Soudal or similar).
Runner slips
Without proper rods at each tread, runners walk down the stairs. Each rod must be properly screwed.
Costs & timeline
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Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Standard carpet per stair (mid-grade)Including underlay
£30–£70
Premium wool carpet per stairIncluding underlay
£50–£120
Oak tread cladding per stairSolid oak tread, riser, nosing
£80–£180
Engineered wood treads per stairPre-finished engineered
£60–£140
Runner with stair rods per stairPlus rod cost
£50–£150
Brass or chrome stair rods (each)Per stair
£15–£50
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Flooring explained
Stairs need their own approach — high-traffic, visible, and a safety risk if wrong. Expect to pay £35–£250 per stair fitted in the UK depending on whether you're carpeting, wood-cladding, or fitting a runner. A typical 13-step staircase costs £450–£3,250.
What Does the Work Involve?
Carpet: gripper rod fixed to nose and back of each tread, underlay laid, carpet stretched and tucked. Wood treads: existing tread cladded with new oak or engineered wood, riser faced separately, nosing piece mitred. Runner: central strip of carpet over wood treads, secured with stair rods. Spindles and newel posts must be cut around carefully for runners — bespoke work.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard carpet per stair (mid-grade) | 30 | 70 | Including underlay |
| Premium wool carpet per stair | 50 | 120 | Including underlay |
| Oak tread cladding per stair | 80 | 180 | Solid oak tread, riser, nosing |
| Engineered wood treads per stair | 60 | 140 | Pre-finished engineered |
| Runner with stair rods per stair | 50 | 150 | Plus rod cost |
| Brass or chrome stair rods (each) | 15 | 50 | Per stair |
| Full staircase carpet fit (13 steps) | 450 | 1,500 | Bound stair carpet |
How Long Does It Take?
Carpet a 13-step staircase: 4–6 hours. Wood tread cladding: 1–2 days for 13 steps. Runner with rods: 1 day.
DIY or Professional?
Professional only. Stair carpet is the highest-skill carpet job — corners, wraps and tucks all show on a stair. Wood tread cladding requires careful templating around spindles. Runner installation needs precise centring.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
A carpet fitter with stair experience (not all carpet fitters do stairs). For wood treads, use a carpenter — preferably one who has done stair work before. Brass stair rods from Brass Crafts, Heritage Brass, or Tudor House.
UK Regulations
Building Regs Part K (stairs and ramps) — minimum tread 220mm, maximum rise 220mm, max pitch 42°. Adding tread thickness must not breach these requirements. Listed buildings: heritage stair retention.
Common Problems
- Carpet wear at nose: The tread nose takes the most wear. Specify cut-pile (twist) over loop for stairs.
- Loose tread carpet: Wrong stretching technique leaves carpet that ripples. Premium fitters use a power stretcher.
- Wood tread squeak: Cheap install glues treads with wrong adhesive. Use polyurethane (Soudal or similar).
- Runner slips: Without proper rods at each tread, runners walk down the stairs. Each rod must be properly screwed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best stair carpet pattern?
Patterned carpet hides wear and dirt; plain colours look more modern but show every mark. Stripes can make stairs feel longer or shorter.
Wood or carpet on stairs?
Carpet: quieter, safer (less slip), warmer. Wood: more architectural, modern look, lasts longer. Runner is the compromise — wood underneath with central carpet runner.
How much carpet do I need for stairs?
Allow 5 cm per stair (tread + riser). 13 steps = approximately 6.5m running length plus 0.5m for tucking. Plus landing area.
Are stair rods just decorative?
Both decorative and functional — they hold the runner in place and create the heritage look. Modern alternative: hidden gripper system.
Can I add wood treads over existing carpet stairs?
Carpet must be removed first. Wood treads then fit directly to the existing structural treads. Check Part K rise/tread compliance.
Painted vs varnished stair?
Painted: traditional cottage look, hides cheap timber. Varnished: shows wood grain. Painted treads with stained risers (or vice versa) is the heritage combination.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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