Stair Carpet Calculator
Wall-to-wall carpet covering entire tread and riser
Estimated Total Cost
$312 – $780
$24 – $60 per step (13 steps)
Total Steps
13
Carpet Needed
~63 sqft
Material Cost
$189 – $378
Removal Cost
$26 – $65
Tip: Stairs experience 5–10× more wear than floors. Choose carpet rated for high traffic (25+ oz face weight, nylon fiber).
Not included: Landing areas (add as additional sqft), nosing/edge trim, stair tread repairs, or hallway carpet.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Stair Carpet Cost Breakdown
| Style | Cost Per Step | 13 Steps Total |
|---|---|---|
| Full Coverage | $22 – $55 | $285 – $715 |
| Stair Runner | $40 – $100 | $520 – $1,300 |
| Runner with Rods | $55 – $120 | $715 – $1,560 |
* Includes carpet, padding, and labor. Straight staircase. Old carpet removal adds $2–$5/step.
Cost by Stair Shape (13 Steps, Runner)
| Shape | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | $520 – $1,300 | Standard installation |
| L-Shaped | $650 – $1,625 | +25% for 90° turn |
| U-Shaped | $730 – $1,820 | +40% for switchback |
| Curved / Spiral | $910 – $2,275 | +75% custom fitting |
* Complex shapes require custom cutting and more labor time.
How We Calculate
Our stair carpet calculator estimates cost based on number of steps, carpet style, stair shape, and carpet grade. Total = (steps × style cost × shape multiplier) + removal cost.
Coverage calculation: Each step needs ~3.5 sqft for tread + riser. Runners use less material but require more labor for precise fitting.
Carpet Styles
Full Coverage ($22–$55/step) — Wall-to-wall carpet on entire tread and riser. Most affordable option. Stair Runner ($40–$100/step) — Carpet strip down center, exposed wood edges. Classic look. Runner with Rods ($55–$120/step) — Traditional runner with decorative metal rods at each step.
Stair Shape Factors
Straight stairs have standard pricing. L-shaped adds 25%, U-shaped adds 40%, and curved/spiral adds 75% due to custom cutting and complex installation.
Carpet Grades
Builder grade ($1–$3/sqft): 3–5 year lifespan. Mid-range ($3–$6/sqft): 7–10 years. Premium ($6–$12/sqft): 15+ years. Wool and premium nylon are best for high-traffic stairs.
Data Sources
Pricing from HomeGuide, Angi, Fixr, and flooring contractor surveys (February 2026).
Last updated: 2026-02-05
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to carpet stairs? +
Stair carpet costs $22–$55 per step for full coverage or $40–$100 per step for a stair runner, including labor and materials. A typical 13-step staircase costs $285–$715 for full carpet or $520–$1,300 for a runner installed.
How much carpet do I need for stairs? +
Each step needs about 3.5 sqft of carpet (36" wide × ~18" for tread + riser). For 13 steps, you need approximately 45–50 sqft. Add 10% for waste and cuts. Runners need 20–25 linear feet for a standard staircase.
Is a stair runner cheaper than full carpet? +
No — stair runners typically cost more per step ($40–$100) than full coverage ($22–$55). Runners require more labor for precise installation and often use higher-quality materials. However, they use less material overall.
How long does stair carpet last? +
Stair carpet lasts 5–10 years on average — less than floor carpet due to higher foot traffic. Premium nylon or wool can last 15+ years. Budget polyester may show wear in 3–5 years. Runners can be flipped or replaced more easily.
Can I install stair carpet myself? +
DIY stair carpet is possible but challenging. You need a knee kicker, stair tool, and patience. Full coverage is easier than runners. Allow a full day for 13 steps. DIY saves $80–$260 in labor but mistakes are costly on stairs.
What type of carpet is best for stairs? +
Choose nylon carpet with 25+ oz face weight for stairs. Nylon is durable and resists crushing. Avoid loop pile (snags on stairs) and polyester (wears quickly). Low pile or cut pile works best. Consider stain resistance for families.
Do I need padding under stair carpet? +
Yes — padding extends carpet life and adds comfort. Use thin, firm padding (8lb density or higher) for stairs, not the thick padding used on floors. Thick padding creates a safety hazard on stairs.
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