Stairs take more punishment than almost any other surface in the home — and fitting them correctly requires more skill than a flat room. Here is what you need to know.
Carpet on stairs
Carpet remains the most popular stair covering in the UK. It is warm, quiet, slip-resistant and comfortable. A fitted stair carpet includes gripper rods and underlay on each tread. Cost: £150–£350 for a standard single flight, depending on carpet quality and number of winders or turns.
LVT on stairs
LVT can be fitted on stairs using a stair-nose profile that protects the front of each tread. It looks sharp in open-plan homes where you want the stairs to match the ground floor. Cost: £200–£450 for a standard flight.
Engineered wood on stairs
Engineered wood stair treads give a high-end look with purpose-made nosings. Fitting is skilled work. Cost: £300–£600+ for a standard flight, depending on wood species and profile design.
Stair runners
A runner is a strip of carpet or hard flooring that runs down the centre of the staircase, leaving painted or timber sides visible. Very popular in period properties. Cost varies widely based on material and how the sides are finished.
What makes stairs harder to fit?
Winders (triangular steps at turns), bullnose treads, open risers and split-level landings all add complexity and cost. Your fitter will assess the staircase when they quote.
Safety
Whatever flooring you choose, ensure it has adequate grip on the leading edge of each tread. Discuss anti-slip nosings with your fitter if any household members have mobility concerns.