We’re looking to install a new stair runner up our main stairs. After hearing several sales pitches, we’d love to hear your opinions of wool vs. man-made materials (nylons). The main concern is wear as these stairs are heavily trafficked.
We’ve found patterns that we like in both materials, and the wool is higher priced. Just not sure if it’s worth the extra $$.
Thanks!
Discover a cost-effective system for applying continuous insulation that can help you achieve targeted R-values.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
My parents had a wool carpet in the hallway when I was growing up. It was very durable and showed little wear after 20 years. But I can't compare it to nylon because I just don't know.
We have 4 kids, and they make a great carpet testing team.
Our nylon carpet (good quality) needed to be replaced in certain areas after 5 years. We ahve two wool carpets that have been in really high traffic areas for 10 years, and they are basically new looking. If you can afford it, go with wool.
Thanks,
TTF
We have a wool runner (Karastan) on the front stairs, which is only a few years old and shows no wear. So far, I've only vacuumed it. The stuff is $60/foot, but we got it for about half by getting a roll end from Abbey Carpet.
On the back stairs off the kitchen and down to a family room, we have an upper mid-grade commercial carpet, nylon. it's been there since 1987, and we and our three kids have used it constantly. It's just now starting to show a wear pattern. Commercial carpet has a tighter weave. Ours is a combination of loops and pile. I usually clean it with a home Bissell carpet cleaner.
The carpet dealer told us that higher grade nylon doesn't have the tell-tale nylon shine.
Just a tip on carpet on stairs. Apparently their is a correct way, at least with non-wool carpet, which I can't address, to lay it. One direction of the nap gives you a "grin", an area at the edge of the tread that shows the backing a bit.
On a personal note, I regret my oatmeal color on the stairs, it's carpet, not a runner. The idea was to match it to the adjoining room carpet for a cohesive look. This turned out to be a bad color choice for me on the stairs. I wouldn't call it an extremely high traffic area. Also it's heck to try to vaccuum stairs, but it could be me and my back. I found a squeegy type floor tool (seen on TV, but purchased locally and it works very well to remove surface gunk, like dog hair, on all carpet, but is very easy to use on stairs if you shorten the handle. Not a regular maintenance item, but good in the interim.
Are you using the rods that I see in magazines that looks so attractive? Just curious.
We don't have the rods. There are also little brass corner dust covers available, but taking the carpet off after 25 years and having the stairs and hall refinished was a big project for us. I also stripped and varnished the handrail. It was the first of several cosmetic projects, mostly diy.
Well, your hard work sounds lovely and you should show it off! Best of luck on selecting a durable, good looking runner. Post a photo when done, as I'd love to see your hard work and the finished project!
Go with the wool. I splurged on it ten years ago and the carpet still looks new- be sure to select a color that will hide the dirt- mine is a green and taupe stripe and it doesn't show a bit of dirt. Good luck!
My house had 50-year-old wool berber that's just now having to be replaced. It started showing wear in high-traffic areas just a few years ago.
Amazingly durable stuff. To bad it was royal blue!
Leigh
I am a domestic goddess! I deserve three ovens (and two dishwashers)! I am a domestic goddess! I deserve three ovens (and two dishwashers)! I am a domestic goddess! I deserve three ovens (and two dishwashers). . .