Because of the numerous advantages that carpeted stairs provide, many homeowners are now interested in having their stairs covered with carpet. So, how much does it cost to carpet stairs?
Cost To Carpet The Stairs
An entire carpet installation will probably cost around $200 to $4,000, depending on the stairs, the carpet design and quality, and the project size. The cost of carpeting materials would be $1 to $3 per square foot on average. But this can even be higher for more sophisticated styles and quality.
The cost of padding will be at least $1 per square foot, depending on the thickness. There are also carpets that are sold unbound.
If you were providing the materials and would only be hiring an installer, the cost of labor would usually be $5 per square yard. The cost of carpet will differ depending on the pattern, the texture, and the color.
Additional Costs
Aside from the installation cost of carpet on the stairs, there are other services that will be involved in the project. Many carpet subs offer carpet repair services for only $100 to $300 depending on the damage to the material, but it could go as high as $1,000.
They also provide carpet cleaning for only $60 and rug cleaning for $160, but that could go as high as $500 in combination with other services such as dyeing or re-stretching. However, it could go up to $2,000 if it involves water damage.
The stair carpet installation price may not include the removal of old carpet, and you would have to pay an additional fee of $1 to $2 per yard, up to as much as $3.00 per yard. They may also charge you a dump fee of $10 to $50, which will depend on the amount of carpet that was removed.
Add-on services such as furniture removal, Berber carpet, and special cuts will be charged separately per square foot. Depending on your carpet subs, they may have a different rate for a wall–to–wall carpet, and the carpet for the actual steps.
One estimate would be $4 per step for a wall–to–wall. On the other hand, you would likely pay $8 per step to run carpet up the middle of the steps as well as tailor both edges. It would cost around $6 per step to go in contradiction of one wall and roll or tailor one of the edges.
There is also an additional fee for installing tack strips over concrete, and this will cost $1 per yard, while the fee for installing a tack strip on wood is cheaper at 25 or 50 cents per yard.
If your house has an existing tack strip but it is damaged and needs a replacement, you would need to pay at least $2.00 for the removal and installation, or around $100 to $250 per project that includes patching if there are missing sections.
Factors Affecting Cost to Carpet Stairs
The overall cost of carpeting your stairs would be dependent on several factors, such as the following:
- Number of stairs – the number of stairs will determine how much carpet will be needed to finish the project.
- Type of carpet – the type and quality of the materials that you prefer to use for your stairs will determine the range of the cost you will have to spend.
- Location – there will be price differences in the cost of materials and labor per location due to the cost of living and cost of doing business.
- Existing material – you also have to consider the removal of existing materials, if any, from the stairs, as this will be charged separately prior to carpeting.
The Advantages of Carpeted Stairs
Many homeowners would choose to have their stairs carpeted as it provides many advantages. The cost to install carpet on stairs has been widely discussed among proprietors, as they would want to know how much they need to save up for this type of project.
If you carpet your stairs, it will give you, your family members, and guests a better footing while going up and down. It will limit the chances of slips and falls as the friction between the carpet and your sole will serve as a shock absorber, which will greatly help the joints of older people.
There will also be a minimal sound of thumping as people inside the house pass on the stairs, and well-carpeted stairs provide a great aesthetic for the house.
Cost Saving Tips for Carpet Stairs Installation
You can install your own staircase carpet if you have the time and the patience to do so. What you would need are the following:
- Tape measure
- Carpet knife
- Hammer stapler
- Straightedge
- Wall trimmer
- Stair tool
- Carpet
- Pad
- Tackless strips
- Hot-melt seaming tape
- Seam sealer
Before you start installing your carpet, you will need to repair and level the stair risers and treads, as well as remove the old carpet if there is any. Now that you have a clean surface, it is time to install.
First, you need to precut the carpet to the correct shape and size for the stairs. The next step is to apply the carpet padding to each step using the hammer stapler.
If your carpet tack strips are in good condition, then you can go ahead and install your pre-cut carpet. The process should be bottom-up.
Start from the lower section and work your way to the top. You should use your stair tool to tuck the bottom portion of the carpet and use the knee kicker to tighten the carpet across each step.
If the carpet is tight and in place, use your pneumatic staple gun to lock it down. Continue to repeat the process until you reach the top step.