November 3, 2025
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Construction

CountBricks: Cost to Install Carpet on Stairs Explained

James Miller
Head of Sales

Are you a construction professional? Use AI to build and edit full estimates, quotes and bids.

The Real Cost to Install Carpet on Stairs

Homeowners often ask, “What is the true cost to install carpet on stairs?” Because staircases combine complicated angles, high-traffic durability needs, and safety considerations, pricing is rarely straightforward. CountBricks brings clarity with instant AI estimates that factor in local material pricing, labor rates, and project complexity in seconds.

Why Stair Carpeting Costs More Than Flat Flooring

Stairs demand meticulous trimming, pattern alignment, and secure fastening on every tread and riser. That precision drives labor hours higher than a standard room install. CountBricks recognizes these nuances and loads them directly into our cost engine so you’re never surprised by line-item charges.

Main Cost Drivers

• Carpet type and quality grade

• Staircase size, shape, and number of turns

• Existing floor removal or repair needs

• Specialty nosing, padding, or underlayment

• Local wage rates for finish flooring installers

Typical Price Ranges in Residential Construction

Based on thousands of CountBricks takeoffs nationwide, most homeowners spend between $45 and $75 per stair for mid-grade carpeting. A straight 13-step staircase averages $585–$975 installed. Curved or pie-shaped stairs can push the figure to $90 per stair because of extra cutting waste and edge binding.

Cost Breakdown Example (Straight 13-Step Staircase)

1. Tear-out of old covering: $75–$120

2. Mid-grade nylon carpet (30 sq ft): $120–$210

3. 7/16" pad (30 sq ft): $30–$45

4. Labor to install carpet on stairs: $400–$550

5. Waste & trim materials: $40–$50

Total: $665–$975

Material Options and Their Impact

Polyester: Lowest upfront cost but less durable in high-traffic areas.

Nylon: Balanced price and resilience, CountBricks’ most popular choice for families.

Wool: Premium, natural, flame-resistant; expect 2–3× nylon costs.

CountBricks.com/services lists current square-foot prices updated daily, allowing you to swap materials in real time and see immediate budget changes.

Understanding Labor Costs

Unlike large carpet rolls that span rooms quickly, stair pieces require:

• Precise measurement of each individual tread and riser

• Hand cutting, pattern matching, and binding exposed edges

• Stretch-in or waterfall technique to secure carpet without wrinkles

• Careful stapling around balusters and stringers

CountBricks’ labor database pulls residential construction wage data by ZIP code, so your estimate mirrors local conditions rather than a generic national average.

Hidden or Frequently Overlooked Charges

• Furniture or railing removal before installation

• Disposal fees for old carpet and pad

• Sub-floor repairs if squeaks or rot are discovered

• Custom nosing or metal edge profiles for modern designs

• Additional warranty costs when using premium carpet lines

When you generate a quote through CountBricks, these optional items appear as selectable toggles, ensuring total transparency.

How CountBricks Calculates Your Stair Carpet Estimate

1. Say the word—literally. Our voice interface captures onsite measurements and project notes while you walk the stairs.

2. AI maps a digital twin of your staircase, identifying each tread, riser, landing, and turn.

3. Realtime pricing APIs pull carpet, pad, and trim costs from regional suppliers.

4. CountBricks’ labor algorithms assign crew hours based on staircase geometry and attachment method.

5. The platform produces a detailed pdf quote, ready for e-signature, in under three minutes.

Maximizing ROI on Stair Carpet Projects

Staircases command attention in an entryway, so upgrading the finish pays aesthetic dividends as well as safety benefits. Non-slip carpet adds cushioning for kids and pets, dampens noise, and protects expensive hardwood from daily wear.

Smart Savings Tips

• Schedule installation alongside other flooring upgrades to leverage volume discounts

• Select stain-resistant nylon to reduce long-term cleaning expenses

• Opt for neutral tones that won’t date quickly, safeguarding resale value

Ready for a Precise Number?

Use the free calculator at CountBricks.com/services or book a voice-enabled walkthrough. In minutes you’ll know the exact cost to install carpet on stairs in your specific home, complete with material images, timeline, and payment schedule.

CountBricks: Your Residential Construction Partner

From AI blueprint takeoffs to automated invoicing, CountBricks streamlines every phase of residential construction. If you’re a contractor, add our white-label tool to your workflow and watch change orders shrink. If you’re a homeowner, gain confidence that every nail, staple, and square foot is accounted for before work begins.

Our AI app can generate costed estimates in seconds.

Case Study: From Verbal Idea to Signed Contract in 6 Minutes

A Houston homeowner wanted plush nylon on her 15 curved stairs but feared ballooning costs. Her contractor opened the CountBricks app, walked the staircase while speaking measurements, and selected a mid-grade nylon from the real-time catalog.

1. Voice capture lasted 90 seconds, automatically mapping each tread and riser.

2. CountBricks’ engine surfaced three carpet selections with live supplier pricing: $52, $61, and $74 per stair.

3. The homeowner toggled premium padding, instantly seeing a $120 line-item adjustment.

4. A branded pdf quote hit her inbox before she reached the front door. Total project: $915, including tear-out and disposal.

She approved on the spot, impressed by cost clarity and speed. Installation finished two weeks later, on budget.

Pro Tips for Stairs That Wow

• Choose a low-pile carpet on winder steps to prevent edge fraying

• Upgrade to moisture-barrier pad if pets frequent the staircase

• Ask CountBricks to model contrasting stair rods for a luxury finish—pricing appears instantly in the quote

Why Contractors Love CountBricks

• Fast, precise material takeoffs slash pre-construction hours

• Automated change-order tracking reduces billing disputes

• Integration with popular accounting software turns accepted quotes into invoices in a click

Whether you manage dozens of projects or one personal remodel, CountBricks provides the tools, data, and support to nail every stair-carpet installation—on time and on budget. Explore more success stories at CountBricks.com/portfolio and see how effortlessly you can transition from rough idea to finished staircase.