Stairs: wrapped treads, boxed carpet, and runners

Plank can be wrapped over the tread and riser so the stairs match the floor they connect. It is the most labor intensive option because each step is cut and fitted individually, and the nosing detail has to be right for both looks and safety.

A boxed staircase, closed on both sides, is the straightforward case. An open-side staircase, where one edge is exposed to a room or a rail, requires the carpet to be finished and wrapped around that edge cleanly. Ask to see how an installer handles that edge before you book.

A runner leaves the outside of each tread exposed and puts carpet down the center. It is the compromise for homeowners who want the traction and quiet of carpet without covering the whole staircase.

Every step is its own small project: measure, cut, fit, fasten, finish. A straight flight of thirteen and a flight with a winder turn are very different amounts of work, so we count steps at your estimate rather than guessing at a room rate.

Nosing profile, pad firmness, and fastening all affect how a stair feels underfoot. Firm pad on treads, a consistent nosing, and tight fastening are non-negotiable on a staircase, whatever the surface.