How much does it cost to carpet stairs?
How much does it cost to carpet stairs?
$15 – $55 average cost per step
$180 – $880 average installed cost
Average cost to install carpet on stairs
The average cost to carpet stairs is $15 to $55 per step or $180 to $880 total, depending on the carpet type, number of steps, and stair shape. The total cost to replace carpet on stairs is $22 to $65+ per step, which includes removing the old carpet materials and installing the new ones.
| National Average Cost | $530 |
| Minimum Cost | $100 |
| Maximum Cost | $2,500 |
| Average Range | $180 to $880* |
*For 12 to 16 steps; including labor and materials.
Most residential staircases have 12 to 16 steps.
Installing carpet on curved, spiral, or U- or L-shaped stairs costs more than average.
Carpeted stairs provide traction and cushion, which can prevent slip and fall accidents. Plain wood stairs have a longer lifespan than carpet but result in more injuries.
Cost to carpet stairs by number of steps
Most homes with stairs have 12 to 16 steps in a staircase, depending on the design. Split-level homes may have fewer steps per level but typically have about as many total steps as a traditional two-story home. The table below shows the average cost for carpeting straight stairs:
| Number of steps | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| 11 | $170 – $600 |
| 12 | $180 – $660 |
| 13 | $200 – $720 |
| 14 | $210 – $770 |
| 15 | $230 – $830 |
| 16 | $240 – $880 |
| 17 | $260 – $940 |
Cost to carpet stairs by material
Carpet prices are $1 to $5 per square foot on average for materials only, depending on the type and quality. Builder-grade nylon or polyester costs $0.50 to $9.00 per square foot, while higher-quality materials cost up to $21 per square foot.
| Carpet material | Price per square foot (materials only) |
|---|---|
| Nylon | $0.75 – $9.00 |
| Polyester | $0.50 – $6.00 |
| Polypropylene / olefin | $0.70 – $5.00 |
| Sisal | $1.50 – $9.00 |
| Wool | $3.00 – $21.00 |
| Polyester blends | $1.50 – $7.00 |
If you have children or pets, you may want to invest in a high-quality material that’s easy to clean, especially in high-traffic areas. Choose a non-loop texture if you have pets, as loops are more likely to snag and fray on claws.
Nylon
Nylon carpet costs $0.75 to $9 per square foot for materials only and is the most durable option for high-traffic areas. This material is easy to clean and hypoallergenic. Nylon lasts 3 to 15 years, depending on the quality and level of foot traffic.
Polyester
Polyester carpet costs $0.50 to $6 per square foot before installation and typically lasts 5 to 15 years. Polyester is hypoallergenic and ideal for low-traffic areas like bedrooms and playrooms. Polyester resists color fading and typically has the biggest color selection.
Polypropylene / olefin
Polypropylene, or olefin, carpet costs $0.70 to $5 per square foot for the materials and lasts 3 to 10 years. Like polyester, this synthetic material resists water-based stains, mold, mildew, and color-fading. It’s hypoallergenic and best for damp spaces and low-traffic rooms but not rooms prone to oil stains.
Sisal
Sisal carpet costs $1.50 to $9 per square foot for materials only and is made of natural agave plant fibers that are more durable than wool. You can use sisal in high-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, and offices, but since it tends to have a rough texture, it’s not suitable for kids’ playrooms or bedrooms.
Wool
Wool carpet material prices are $3 to $21 per square foot. Wool is a hypoallergenic, stain- and flame-resistant natural fiber. Wool lasts 8 to 20 years but sometimes absorbs moisture that causes mold and mildew in humid areas.
Polyester blends
Polyester blends like Triexta, Smartstrand, or Sorona cost $1.50 to $7 per square foot before installation. This material is stain-resistant and ideal for homes with young children and pets. It’s also good for moisture-prone areas like basements and lasts for 10 to 20 years.
Cost to carpet stairs by shape
Your staircase’s shape can affect the cost because shapes other than straight are more complex and take longer. Carpeting for curved or spiraling stairs requires custom cutting. The following table shows the cost to install carpeting on about 12 to 16 steps:
| Staircase shape | Average total cost* |
|---|---|
| Straight | $180 – $880 |
| U- or L-shaped | $400 – $1,000 |
| Curved | $500 – $1,300 |
| Spiral | $800 – $1,500 |
*Including labor and materials
Carpeting a straight staircase costs $180 to $880. It’s easier to install carpet on straight, single-level staircases than other shapes since the installer won’t need to cut the materials to fit any unique or custom shapes.
Carpeting an L-shaped or U-shaped staircases costs $400 to $1,000. These staircases have two sets of stairs separated by a landing, which creates an “L” or “U” shape.
Carpeting a curved staircase costs $500 to $1,300. Installing carpet on curved stairs is harder than on straight stairs since your installer will need to take more time to cut the carpet.
Carpeting a spiral staircase costs $800 to $1,500 or more. These staircases have the trickiest design for carpet installation as they have at least one tight curve all the way up to the next story.
Cost factors for carpeting stairs
The cost to carpet stairs is notably higher than the cost to carpet a room due to the extra work involved cutting, shaping, and securing the materials to the stairs. Several other factors also impact the cost, such as your stair type, which materials you use, and whether you have spindles.
| Factor | Average cost per step* |
|---|---|
| Carpet material cost | $5 – $25 |
| Carpet padding cost | $4 – $10 |
| Labor cost | $6 – $20 |
| Total cost | $15 – $55 per step |
*Not including removing old carpeting and padding.
Factors that affect the cost of installing carpet on stairs include:
Carpet design / texture: Unique patterns or designs usually cost more than simple solid carpet. Loop, cable, and shag carpet textures typically cost slightly less than plush, multi-level, or velvet textures. Berber carpet costs $2 to $9 per square foot installed and is a popular looped carpet.
Shape & size: The more unique the staircase shape, the more time it will take to complete the installation. The size of your staircase also affects both material and labor costs.
Landing: If you have two staircases connected by a flat landing space, you may have to pay an additional $50 to $100 to carpet the landing.
Spindles: Carpeting stairs with spindles often adds $10 and $20 per step to the installation cost. Spindles are vertical rods that connect your stairway to the handrail, and the installer must cut the carpet and navigate around them.
Maintenance: Carpet cleaning costs $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot on average, depending on the material and condition. Carpet repair costs $150 to $300.
Carpet runner: A carpet runner, or stair runner, costs $500 to $2,000 installed and only covers the middle portion of each step. Most carpet runners require 20 to 25 linear feet.
Labor
The labor to install carpet on stairs costs $6 to $20 per step on average, depending on whether your staircase has spindles and whether your stairs are a shape other than straight. Local labor rates vary and often cost more in urban areas.
Cost to replace carpet on stairs
Replacing carpet on stairs costs $22 to $65+ per step and includes removing the old carpet material, removing worn or damaged padding, and installing the new materials.
Carpet removal costs $0.70 to $1.60 per square foot or $7 to $10 per step. If your carpet is glued down or has a complex shape, removal costs up to $25 per step.
How to save money on carpeting stairs
There are a few different ways to save money on carpeting stairs:
Remove any existing carpet yourself.
Opt for cheaper synthetic fibers like olefin or polyester.
If possible, use carpet remnants instead of brand-new rolls.
Install a carpet runner next to spindles instead of under or around them.
Carpeting stairs FAQs
Can I DIY install carpet on stairs?
You can install carpet on your stairs yourself, but the installation may be more challenging than you expect. If done incorrectly, it may result in wrinkled or bubbled carpeting and incorrect measurements. Hiring a professional will save you time and only costs $6 to $20 more per step.
Why is it so expensive to carpet stairs?
Staircases are more expensive to carpet than flat floors because the installer has to measure the carpet more precisely and attach it firmly to each step so the carpet doesn’t come loose.
Are wood or carpet stairs safer?
Carpeted stairs are safer than bare wood stairs. The padding and carpet material provide enough traction to prevent slipping, and if you do fall on carpeted stairs, there’s more of a cushion than on wood stairs.
What kind of carpet is best for stairs?
The best type of carpet for your stairs depends on your budget, preferences, and if you have pets or kids at home. If your house has very high traffic, you’ll need a more durable material like sisal or wool. If you’re more concerned with cost, choose synthetic materials like polyester or nylon.
Getting estimates from stair carpet installers
Follow these guidelines when searching for carpet installers near you:
Compare 3 or more estimates from experienced carpet companies.
Read customer reviews on HomeGuide and Google and look at photos of their work.
Beware of the lowest estimates, which often indicate poor-quality work.
Ask for a contract and warranty before any work starts.
Don't pay in full until the task is done, and you’re happy with their work.
Questions to ask carpet contractors
Ask these questions to help choose the best possible carpet installer:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How much experience do you have installing carpet on stairs?
Can I see a portfolio of stairs you’ve carpeted?
How long will it take to install the carpet?
What kind of carpet material do you recommend?
What kind of textures and colors do you have on hand?
Can I see carpet samples in my home before choosing?
Do you offer a warranty on the carpet? What does it cover?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.