A professional's advice on how to take accurate stair-carpet measurements

When it comes to home decorating, many people wonder how to measure stairs for carpet. Because, once you've worked through your staircase ideas and selected the material, style, and shape, the finishing touches can be just as difficult. A well-chosen staircase carpet can transform boring staircases and landings into eye-catching features while also setting the tone for the rest of your home.  

When it comes to installing new carpet, calculating how much carpet you'll need for your staircase can be difficult. That is why it is critical to get the measurements correct.  

This general guide will show you how to measure your stairs, what carpet materials to consider, and how much money you should budget.  

How to Measure for Carpet on Stairs

(Photo courtesy of Alternative Flooring)

We always recommend hiring a professional carpet fitter to do your measuring and fitting after you've decided how to decorate a staircase. But if you want to get the tape measure yourself, keep reading.  

'While stairs may appear to be a difficult area to measure, the process is surprisingly similar to that of measuring a standard room,' says Punam Chada, Buyer at Carpetright. (Opens in a new window)  

'Begin by measuring and adding the height and depth of each step. This will provide you with the length. Then, multiply the two figures by the width of your stairs. This will provide you with the area for each individual step.

'To determine how much total area your stairs occupy, multiply this figure by the number of steps in your staircase.  

'We recommend adding 10% to this total to account for any unexpected errors.'

'If you are unsure, hiring a professional measurement service will ensure that you order the correct size of flooring.' Alternatively, our virtual designs service provides the same great expert advice from the comfort of your own home,' Chada adds.  

(Image courtesy of The Floor Room)

Step 1 Simply measure the height and depth of one step in inches and add the numbers together to determine the square footage required for carpet on stairs. Allow an inch to wrap around the nose.  

Step 2 Multiply that by the number of flights of stairs.  

Step 3 To calculate the number of feet, divide that number by 12 and round up.  

Step 4 Measure the width of your stairs and round up to the nearest foot. To calculate the square footage, multiply this number by the number calculated in Step 3.  

How much does carpeting stairs cost?

(Photo by Paul Raeside)

Carpet installation can be costly depending on the type of stairs and the material used.  

Carpet will cost between £15/$20 and £20/$27 per square metre on average. And an underlay will set you back between £4 and $5. 50 and £10/$13 60 pence per square metre  

The average cost of an authentic woven carpet, such as Axminster or Wilton carpets, is £60 per square metre. This type of carpet is popular due to its high quality and durability.  

If you're on a tight budget, a tufted carpet may be a better option. The piles on these carpets can be looped or cute. A tufted carpet is created by inserting pile yarns with needles into a pre-made backing fabric. Prices can vary greatly depending on the material chosen. A basic synthetic carpet can be purchased for a few pounds per square metre, whereas a basic wool carpet can be purchased for £12/$16 per square metre.  

A carpet fitter should cost around £300/$400 to install the carpet. The cost will vary depending on which area of your home you are carpeting.  

How long does it take to lay carpet on stairs?

(Photo by Roger Oates)

The time it takes to install a carpet is determined by the amount of carpet being installed and the quality of the installation. However, each step should take about five minutes, making the overall job of installing stair carpet relatively quick.  

What is the best carpet for stairs?

(Photo by Anna Stathaki)

The two most common types of carpet in the UK are woven and tufted. Woven carpets are more expensive because they require more labor, whereas tufted carpets are less expensive because they are easier to produce.  

'Over their lifetime, stair carpets see a lot of use,' says Punam Chada. 'A strong loop or twist style design is a good choice.' The specially designed fibres are long-lasting and can withstand minor spills. They can also be easily cleaned with a mild cleaning solution. ’

How often should stair carpet be replaced?

(Photo by Simon Bevan)

'The longevity of your stairs will be determined by a variety of factors, including the frequency with which they are used and the type of flooring installed,' says Punam Chada. 'On average, a good-quality carpet paired with the right underlay in a relatively low-traffic home will still look great ten years later.' ’ 

'It's always worth investing in underlay to increase the longevity of your carpets because it increases insulation, reduces wear on the flooring, and, most importantly, helps create a softer, more sumptuous feel.' It ensures the carpet retains its quality by acting as a shock absorber, protecting the flooring from the comings and goings of a normal household,' adds Chada.

How do you calculate the cost of carpet for stairs?

(Photo by Laurey Glenn)

Simply measure the height and depth of each step and add the numbers together to get the length of carpet for the stairs. Then multiply the two figures by the width of your stairs. This will provide you with the area for each individual step.

Simply multiply this figure by the number of steps in your staircase to calculate how much total area your stairs take up - this is an important equation in staircase carpet ideas.

How much does it cost to cover 13 flights of stairs?

(Image courtesy of Carpetright)

To calculate the cost of covering 13 stairs, first determine how much carpet you will require. Take the following steps:

Step 1 Measure the height and depth of each step and add the results to get the total length.  

Step 2 Calculate the area of each individual step by measuring the width of the stairwell and multiplying the two figures.  

Step 3 Multiply this figure by the number of steps in your staircase (13 in this case).  

The average cost of carpet is between £15/$20 and £20/$27 per square metre, but the price you pay will be heavily influenced by the material you choose.  

You can expect to spend between £80 and £100 on average to cover a straight set of stairs. However, the cost will vary depending on the materials used, the type of staircase, and whether or not an underlay is required.  

How much does it cost to carpet a 12 x 12 room?

(Image courtesy of Crucial Trading)

To determine how much it will cost to carpet a 12 x 12 room, first determine how much carpet you will require.  

To begin, use a tape measure to measure the width and length of your room. The area in square feet is then calculated by multiplying the width by the length. 12 x 12 equals 144 square feet. Then divide your total by 0. 09290304 to determine the square metre So 144 x 0 09290304 = 13 37,780,776 square meters  

The cost of the carpet will vary depending on the material chosen, but the average cost of carpet will be between £15 and £20 per square metre. As a result, for a 12 x 12 room, the carpet should cost around £200/$270.