[clasek]

Hello all, this is my first post here.

Hubby and I had twins in October and their nursery will be on the second floor but our stairs scare the hell out of me! They're dark (no light at the top) and narrow (well 33" but it feels claustrophobic), and really, really slippery.

We need to do something about the slipperiness. My first thought is carpet, but I'm open to suggestions. We have about $1000 for this project and want to hire a pro. We don't want to mess with stairs, plus the lack of time and sleep with twins... :yawn:

We were going to go to Home Depot because we have a 10% off coupon, but after reading a couple of posts here, I'm changing my mind. From what I understand, carpeting stairs is more expensive than carpeting a room. And a strip down the middle is more expensive than wall-to-wall, but looks nicer in my opinion. The first floor is hardwood so I'm afraid wall-to-wall on the stairs would look odd.

So I guess the advice I'm looking for is:
1) Would you all recommend carpeting, or some other solution? (Is there something that wouldn't have to cover up the nice looking hardwood?)

2) If carpet, what type would be best for high traffic? It's also right across from our front door, so we'll probably track dirt and crap up there.

3) We'd like to avoid Home Depot, Empire Floors and National Floors Direct. Can anyone recommend a place in Connecticut, Hartford/Manchester area? I was thinking of Dalene Flooring.

Thanks for any suggestions! :yes:

 

[ccarlisle]

Consider a carpetted runner down the middle about 24"-30" wide (order the length you need) and held down with metal rods...they make ready to install runner that size and you'llsee the hardwood at both sides.

Safer, quieter and almost a DIY project. Professional installation of w-to-w is great but not needed. Carpet stores sell that. Too small a job for HD :wink:

 

[dan wylde]

I would have a carpet runner installed, this way you still see thre hardwood on the sides and its safer for the young ones. You could have the edges bound on a carpet remnant, and installed for around $500 or less, depending on the quality of the carpet. I would recommend a low, tight piled carpet or a Berber. They will hold up better than a long piled plush. Hope this helps. ps I have been installing carpet for 21 years so this is not just anyones opinion. Cheers Dan Oh and any small carpet store will be glad to do this for you. And don't use the rods, as the carpet will never stay tight and could cause a fall witch you dont want on stairs!

 

[rusty baker]

Whatever you decide on, I would you suggest you use a professional. You don't want it coming loose and causing a fall.

 

[ccarlisle]

Dan:

An olefin is not what you want on stairs...olefins are not resilient enough IMO to withstand constant crushing in the same spots - like at the edges where the foot lands. In a short time you will notice a wear pattern that won't come out.

Nylon is better for that,, and of course wool. How about an oriental?

So IMO 'berber' (what most people refer as "berber" is an olefin) is out althought the weave pattern isn't bad. You want a weave that retains its memory and the best at doing that are the naturals, and then nylon.:yes:

 

[Floorwizard]

The best way is with runner and stair rods.
But remember, you will have to damage the hardwood to get them on.

If you want something durable, easy to clean, won't damage the wood and easily replaceable, then here is an idea.
Take a wool or nylon carpet and have them cut into custom size squares and have no slip grip glued to the backing then bound on all sides.
You can then just place them on each individual step and remove easy to clean.
It's not the cheapest way or the most expensive way either.

www.carpetone.com to find a store near you.

Manchester is nice...visited for the first time last year....
Love the brick buildings-

 

[clasek]

Thanks!

Thanks for all the replies! I found Dalene Carpet One in Manchester and they'll be installing a berber runner with a 5-year texture retention warranty and 15-year wear warranty. That's long-term enough for us. No rods, waterfall cascade. This carpet also has a 60-day replacement warranty, so if we don't like it for ANY reason, they'll rip it out and install another one for no charge. And I'm happy I didn't go to HD. Total for the job is $645 because I chose one of the top carpets.

 

[Floorwizard]

Nice.

That store is owned by one of the founders of Carpet One.
It's a nice store...saw it last year.

Enjoy the beautiful guarantee!