Until a few decades ago, Australian homes almost always had carpeted stairs. They were spongy underfoot, deadened noise, and they helped keep the interior warm. However, various homeowners start lamenting the selection to maintain carpet on their stairs over the years.
Carpeted staircases can be more trouble than they’re worth; from maintenance issues to looking like a time capsule in a lot of places. Increasingly today, homeowners have been ditching the traditional step for timber, glass, or structural staircase varieties for a more modern, clean finish.
Carpets Do Not Wear Out as Quickly as You Might Think
Stairways get a lot of foot traffic every day. At least with carpets in the bedroom or a living room, you can walk on the areas that are not as popular and they will still look great.
Over time, this can lead to:
- Flattened fibres
- Visible stains
- Loose edges
- Fading colours
- Unpleasant odours
No matter how high quality the carpet is, within a few years you’ll be looking a bit shabby.
This is why a lot of homeowners now choose to get contemporary staircase upgrades and trendy balustrading in Melbourne houses.
Cleaning Carpeted Stairs is Difficult
Stairs are more difficult to clean than puddled flooring. Carpet fibres tend to easily collect dust, dirt, pet hair, and other types of dirt hiding near stair fronts and corners.
Spills could also turn a problem into a nightmare. Nothing is worse than the stains which have soaked into the carpet and are quite difficult to remove completely.
Homeowners may be shocked to learn just how much time they spend cleaning stairs.
When it comes to dirt, hardwood, or hybrid flooring tends to be easier to maintain and look pristine for longer.
Expensive flooring that may Date Your Home: Carpet
Interior trends over the years have evolved a lot. If the stairs are still carpeted (which of course are way older and dingy), it can still make a home feel dark and old − especially with hockey sticks holding it up or dark colours.
Thus, modern homes prioritise:
- Open spaces
- Natural light
- Minimalist finishes
- Contemporary staircase designs
All of these reasons are behind why many are replacing old carpets with timber stairs and modern balustrading in various properties across Melbourne.
These are usually constructed by using glass panels, steel rails, and timber finishes which looks more modern and cleaner.
Hidden Damage Under the Carpet
The most surprising problem with stair carpet is that it hides structural wear and damage underneath.
Homeowners often discover this after ripping out old carpet:
- Scratched timber
- Loose stair treads
- Water damage
- Cracks or uneven surfaces
But ripping out carpet can expose the actual state of the stair treads and offer a chance for a complete upgrade.
This is where experienced staircases suppliers can assist with better staircase solutions, which are safer and more attractive.
A More Cost-Effective Option for the Long Term
While carpet may seem less expensive, its long-term cleaning, and replacement costs can be significant.
In addition, timber or engineered stair finishes typically last much longer, and also add value, often even significantly improving the aesthetics of the home.
For homeowners looking to update or sell, modern staircases are also a terrific method to improve the way a property looks.
Professional staircases manufacturers can also customise the designs to compliment both traditional and modern-day Australian homes.
Should Carpeted Stairs Ever Be Kept?
Carpet continues to work well in some homes, especially those in which softness or sound-dampening is desired.
But eventually, though, most homeowners find the cons are more than the pros. Maintenance, wear and tear are just a few reasons that people who have kept a carpet on their stairs have later regretted.
Final Thoughts
While carpeted stairs may look nice in the beginning, they become hard to clean and costly to replace as they age.
Modern staircase materials give a clearer look, require fewer recourses, and are visually superior over the long run. Those stylish balustrading stairs along with good finishes can significantly change the character of your interior.
Thanks for the help from professional staircases manufacturers, homeowners are able to create safe and contemporary staircases that can last for decades.