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Calculate carpet cost for stairs per step. Supports straight stairs, L-shaped staircases, and winders. Choose full-width carpet or a stair runner with custom width. Instant material and labor breakdown.
| Stair Type | Standard Carpet | Premium Carpet | Per Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight stairs (full-width) | $150–$350 | $350–$700 | $12–$54 |
| Stair runner (27" wide) | $80–$200 | $200–$500 | $6–$38 |
| L-shaped / landing | $200–$450 | $450–$900 | $15–$69 |
| Winder stairs | $250–$550 | $550–$1,100 | $19–$85 |
| Spiral staircase | $300–$700 | $700–$1,500 | $23–$115 |
Common Questions
Stair carpet costs $12–$55 per step for full-width installation including carpet and labor. Breakdown: carpet material $4–$20/step, padding $1–$3/step, labor $8–$15/step. A stair runner costs $6–$38/step. Winder and spiral stairs cost 30–60% more due to complex cutting and fitting.
For stairs, prioritize durability over softness: Berber loop pile (most durable, resists crushing), Nylon cut pile (durable, comfortable, stain-resistant), Frieze (hides wear, less formal). Avoid velvet plush on stairs — the high pile compresses rapidly under foot traffic and shows wear within 1–2 years. Minimum face weight for stairs: 40 oz/sq yd.
For 13 straight stairs (36" wide): each step needs about 27" of carpet (18" tread + 9" riser). Total = 13 × 27" = 29.25 ft length × 36" wide = 87.75 sq ft ÷ 9 = 9.75 sq yd. Add 15% waste = ~11.2 sq yd to order. For a runner (27" wide): about 8.4 sq yd + 15% = ~9.7 sq yd.
Carpet rods are decorative brass or chrome bars that hold stair runners in place without tacks. They cost $8–$25 per rod (one per step) = $100–$325 for 13 stairs. They allow repositioning the runner 6 months to even wear. Traditional tack strips are more secure but permanent. Rods are preferred for premium runners and traditional homes.