Are wood stairs cheaper than carpet?

Are Wood Stairs Cheaper Than Carpet?

Are wood stairs cheaper than carpet? – Comparing Costs, Maintenance and Long-Term Value in UK Homes

When renovating or building a home, one of the many decisions homeowners face is how to finish their staircase: with warm and tactile carpet or sleek and stylish timber. While personal preference plays a significant role, many people ask the practical question — are wood stairs cheaper than carpet?

The short answer is: it depends on your budget, design goals, and long-term expectations. In this article, we’ll explore the key factors influencing cost, compare initial and long-term expenses, and help you decide what’s best for your staircase in a UK home.

1. Initial Installation Costs: Timber vs Carpet

Let’s start with what most people are looking for — upfront price comparison.

Carpeted Stairs (Initial Cost)

Carpeting a staircase in the UK typically costs £350 to £800, depending on:

• Quality and brand of carpet (budget vs premium wool)

• Underlay and grippers

• Number of steps (typically 12–14 in a standard staircase)

• Labour and fitting charges

Basic synthetic carpets are on the cheaper end, but higher-end wool or patterned carpets can bring the cost closer to (or even beyond) the cost of timber.

Wood Stairs (Initial Cost)

If your home already has a timber staircase (most UK homes do), you may only need to sand, stain, or refinish it, which can cost £250 to £600. Installing a new hardwood staircase or replacing carpeted treads with solid oak treads may cost significantly more — anywhere from £1,000 to £3,000+, depending on:

• Type of wood (oak, ash, softwood, etc.)

• Staircase design complexity (straight, winder, cut-string, etc.)

• Finishing (lacquered, oiled, painted)

• Labour

So, if you’re comparing a full timber upgrade vs basic carpet fitting, carpet often appears cheaper initially. But that’s only part of the story.

2. Durability and Maintenance

A crucial part of evaluating cost is looking at how well each option holds up over time.

Carpet Durability

Stairs are high-traffic areas. Even high-quality carpet will eventually:

• Flatten or wear on treads

• Show stains and dirt easily

• Require replacement every 5–10 years, particularly in busy households with pets or children

Replacement adds ongoing cost. Even a mid-range carpet that lasts 7 years and costs £500 will require re-fitting every decade, not to mention cleaning costs along the way.

Timber Staircase Durability

Well-maintained timber staircases, particularly those made from oak, ash, or similar hardwoods, can last 30–100 years. They may need periodic refinishing or resealing, but not full replacement.

A hardwood staircase is much easier to clean, more hygienic (especially for allergy sufferers), and less likely to harbour dust mites or smells.

3. Aesthetic Appeal and Property Value

Carpet: Comfort and Warmth

Carpeted stairs offer a soft, non-slip surface, which makes them popular in homes with young children or older adults. They’re also quieter and feel warmer underfoot — something to consider in colder UK climates.

However, aesthetic trends are shifting. While carpets were once the default in British homes, many modern and period renovations now lean toward exposed wood.

Timber: Timeless Elegance

Wood stairs (especially in oak, walnut or painted softwood) offer a classic and premium appearance. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional Georgian look or a sleek, contemporary feel, timber works across styles.

Estate agents often note that timber staircases can add value or appeal during resale — particularly in character homes or period properties.

4. Safety and Comfort Considerations

Carpet: Pros and Cons

Carpet naturally provides more grip and cushioning, which helps prevent slips and softens the blow in a fall — a key advantage for families with small children.

However, over time, carpet can bunch or loosen, creating tripping hazards if not properly maintained.

Wood: Can Be Slippery — But Customisable

Timber stairs can be slippery if not treated with the right finish. But you can mitigate this by:

• Adding anti-slip stair treads or runners

• Using matt sealants or grip-enhancing finishes

• Installing a carpet runner down the centre — a best-of-both-worlds solution

5. Cleaning and Upkeep Costs

Cleaning costs also factor into overall affordability.

• Carpet: Regular vacuuming is essential. Spills often require deep cleaning or professional stain removal.

• Timber: A quick sweep and occasional mop is usually enough. Timber doesn’t trap odours, allergens, or dirt the same way carpet does.

From a long-term hygiene and allergy perspective, wood wins hands down.

6. Environmental and Sustainability Factors

Many homeowners are now choosing building materials based on eco-friendliness.

• Carpet production often involves synthetic fibres, adhesives, and dyes that are less sustainable and harder to recycle.

• Wood, when sourced responsibly (e.g., FSC-certified oak), is natural, renewable, and biodegradable. Timber stairs also last longer, reducing overall waste.

If you’re aiming for a greener renovation, timber makes a better long-term environmental choice.

7. The Middle Ground: Carpet Runners on Timber Stairs

A popular compromise in many UK homes is to fit a carpet runner on top of a timber staircase. This gives you:

• The warmth and safety of carpet

• The elegance of exposed timber

• The ability to replace only the runner in future — cheaper than a full re-carpet

Runners can be customised in width, style and colour, and fitted with decorative stair rods for a traditional touch.

Final Verdict: Is Wood Cheaper Than Carpet?

In terms of initial cost, basic carpet is often cheaper than installing hardwood treads or replacing a full staircase. However, over a 20-year period, timber stairs typically become the more cost-effective option, thanks to their:

• Exceptional longevity

• Minimal maintenance

• Lower replacement and cleaning costs

• Potential to add property value

So while carpet might save you money upfront, wood stairs are a smarter long-term investment — especially if you already have a staircase that simply needs stripping and refinishing.

Summary Table: Timber vs Carpet Stairs (UK Perspective)

Final Thoughts

Choosing between wood and carpeted stairs depends on your priorities. If you’re on a tight renovation budget and want comfort now, carpet may make sense. But if you’re thinking about value, durability and aesthetics over the long term, investing in timber stairs — or restoring your existing ones — is likely to pay off.

Before you decide, always get quotes for both options and consider the design of your home, your lifestyle needs, and your renovation timeline.

If you’re considering restoring your timber staircase or upgrading to a new one, consult a local specialist who understands period homes and sustainable timber options. The right choice can elevate your home both visually and financially for decades to come.

If you need a new loft room wooden staircase, contact us today or use our online staircase builder.