Your staircase is usually the focal point of your hallway, so it needs to look its best.
If yours has seen better days or it no longer suits your interior after you’ve redecorated, it’s worth taking some time to think about what you can do to bring it back up to date with the latest trends, while setting the perfect tone for your home.
Simple things like adding a lick of paint to your stairs or swapping old stair parts for new ones are sure to give them a new lease of life – but your choice of flooring can have a huge impact, too.
So, should you opt for carpeted or wooden stairs?
Here, the staircase specialists at Abbott-Wade discuss the pros and cons of each option and the factors that will help you make an informed decision for your home.
Safety
If you share your home with children, pets, or elderly relatives, you want to trust that they can walk up and down the stairs without slipping and hurting themselves.
Carpet is typically softer than wood – meaning that, if you take a tumble down the stairs, you’ll have a little extra cushioning when you land.
Wearing slippers or going barefoot will help to reduce your risk of falling on wooden stairs – offering a little extra grip.
Are wooden staircases safe?
You may have concerns about the safety of wooden treads on a staircase.
Most slips on wooden staircases occur when wearing socks without shoes. If you’d prefer wooden treads, then wearing slippers or going barefoot will provide more grip. Additionally, you should never polish the wooden treads of your staircase, as this will make them extremely slippery.
If you have young children or pets, it’s safer to have your staircase carpeted to avoid the risk of accidents.
READ CASE STUDY: Understated Open Tread Oak with Glass Balustrade
Noise
Wooden stairs are notoriously noisy when compared with carpeted stairs.
Carpet and underlay provide underfoot comfort and absorb the vibrations from little ones (and four-legged friends) running up and down the stairs – ensuring minimal disruption.
However, asking everyone to remove their shoes before using your wooden staircase will help to keep volumes to an absolute minimum.
If your stairs are creaky, keep an eye out for loose stair parts. These may need replacing, or you might be able to tighten them back up with screws.
Are wooden staircases noisy?
They can be. If you have a busy household, with people running up and down your stairs constantly, then it’s important to consider this when deciding whether or not to add carpet.
Carpeted treads will muffle the sound of members of your household ascending and descending your wooden staircase.
Maintenance
Wooden stairs are (hands-down) easier to clean than carpets.
Carpets are more likely to harbour dirt and bacteria – meaning you’ll need to vacuum them regularly. Plus, any spillages need to be dealt with quickly, or they will stain your sumptuous floor covering on the stairs.
To keep wooden stairs looking great, all it takes is a quick sweep with a brush to pick up any loose dirt, dust, and debris.
If you spill anything on the wooden treads or notice the handrail is sticky, 9 out of 10 times, it can be wiped clean with a slightly damp cloth.
Are wooden staircases easier to clean?
Wooden staircases are definitely easier to keep clean than carpeted ones. Carpeted stairs trap dust and stain far more easily than wooden staircases, and vacuuming can be a real headache.
If your family members are prone to wandering around in muddy shoes, then wooden treads may be the best option for you.
Finish
A wooden staircase can make a charming addition to almost any traditional or contemporary home – offering a sense of grandeur and authenticity.
There are various types of wood to choose from – each providing its unique characteristics and easily stained to complement other wooden fixtures or features in your home.
Carpet, on the other hand, offers more options in terms of colours, textures, and patterns. It’s a cosy option for the staircase – guaranteed to blend in effortlessly with the style of your property.
Are wooden staircases more durable than carpeted ones?
Your wooden staircase will inevitably see a lot of foot traffic – serving as a vital link between floors.
The centre of your staircase will be used far more than the edges. So, if you opt for carpeted stairs, you’re likely to notice that the centre starts to look worn more quickly, causing an uneven appearance.
Using carpet that is specifically designed for areas of high foot traffic can help to counter this effect. However, once the carpet on your stairs wears out, it will need to be replaced.
Need an expert opinion?
Call us biased – but here at Abbott-Wade, we love the warmth and timeless appeal a wooden staircase can bring to your home.
Our team has been designing, manufacturing, and installing wooden stairs for decades, so we are confident that we can help you rejuvenate your tired and outdated structure.
For more information about the services we provide, and to discuss your style, taste, and budget requirements in full, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01744 634 442.
