Stair Carpets

Measuring stairs can be a tricky task, and getting it right is key. You need to consider the upper landing carpet, ground-level carpet, and the carpet pile direction. If your measurements are even a tiny bit off, your carpet may not fit properly on your stairs, and you could be left with too much carpet or not enough. Here’s everything you’ll need to measure to know what size carpet you need.

1. Start by measuring any straight steps.
2. Calculate the total height of the stairs. Combine the tread width and the riser height, add 5 cm to allow for fitting and trimming, and multiply by the number of stairs.
3. Measure the stair width. Measure left to right across the width of the main steps, remembering to factor in an extra 5 cm on either side to allow for trimming the carpet.

Measuring winding staircases

• Winders need to be measured individually, at their widest point. Record your measurements for each winder from the top of the stairs down.

Measuring mid landings

• These also need to be measured individually, and the riser needs to be included in your measurement.

Upper landing and pile direction

• Remember the top riser is part of the upper landing carpet, not the stair carpet, so this will need to be measured too. The upper landing carpet will fold over to create the top riser, so allow for this in your calculations. Pile direction is a key consideration, as you will need to ensure the pile (and any pattern) runs across your landing, down the stairs, and across your hallway in the same direction.

Once you’ve taken all the measurements you need, create a simple drawing of your measurements and send them to us. We’ll calculate how much carpet you need for your stairs. Read our full guide on measuring stairs and landings for carpet for visual diagrams, more in-depth steps, and the drawing template you need for us to calculate your carpet size.

Stairs receive a lot of foot traffic, and so need a carpet that’s both durable and safe underfoot. Twist pile carpets are a popular choice thanks to their tightly twisted fibres, which bounce back easily from heavy use. Loop pile styles are also great for a stair carpet, due to their strength and texture that hides footprints and wear. If you’re looking for extra comfort, look for a low- to medium-pile height that won’t flatten or cause any trips.

Hallways see some of the most foot traffic in a home, so it’s best to go for a hard-wearing, easy-to-clean carpet. A durable polypropylene twist pile or loop pile works really well here, as they resist flattening and can easily handle muddy shoes or pets. Patterned or flecked hallway carpets are also a smart option, helping disguise dirt between cleans and keeping your hallway looking fresh.

Patterns with subtle texture or movement tend to work best. Striped designs are a classic choice for stair carpets and hallway carpets, as they draw the eye upward and make the space feel longer. Small-scale patterns or heathered designs are ideal for hallways, helping to hide marks and add character without overwhelming the space. If you’re after a simple design that still has an impact, neutral tones with a bit of texture strike the perfect balance between style and practicality for your staircases and hallways.

A full stair carpet covers the entire width of each step from wall to wall. A stair carpet runner covers only the central portion of the stairs, with the edges of the tread left exposed. Both are practical and durable choices, so the decision is largely down to aesthetic preference. Full-width stair carpets give a more traditional, fully carpeted look, while stair runners suit homes where the underlying stair material is attractive enough to display.

Yes, our hard-wearing stair carpets are specifically selected for durability. Polypropylene is the most practical fibre choice for stairs: it's stain-resistant, bleach-cleanable in many ranges, and resistant to the compression and friction that stairs create. Polyamide (nylon) is even more resilient and is a good choice if longevity is the priority. Both hold their appearance well in high-traffic conditions.

A low-to-medium pile of between 5mm and 12mm is the recommended range for stair carpets. This is because lower pile heights sit more securely on each step and create a more even, stable surface underfoot. Very deep pile, 20mm and above, is not recommended for stairs as it can create an uneven feel on the nosing of each step and may compress unevenly under constant traffic.

For narrower hallways, striped hallway carpets are a classic choice; the lines draw the eye forward and make the space feel longer and more open. Small-scale patterns and heathered or flecked designs also work well, adding visual interest without overwhelming a compact area. Lighter neutral hallway carpet shades can make a narrow space feel brighter and airier, while mid-to-dark tones in a patterned or flecked design disguise marks and everyday wear more effectively, which is particularly useful for one of the busiest areas of the home.

Not all carpets are suitable for stairs. For example, very soft, deep-pile Saxony and shaggy styles are not recommended, simply because the pile can fold over the nosing of the step, creating an uneven surface that can be a trip hazard. We recommend twist pile, loop pile, or low-profile cut pile styles. If you're unsure whether a particular carpet is suitable for stairs, our team is happy to help. Contact us today for any help you might need. 

Underlay is recommended for most stair carpets fitted over action or hessian backing because it adds comfort underfoot, reduces noise, and helps the carpet wear more evenly over time. Felt-backed carpets have some cushioning built in, so underlay is less critical for these.