Carpeted stairs to hardwood, vinyl or laminate

The parts of a staircase we cover

Treads

The flat surfaces you step on. How many you have is the first thing the estimate asks.

Risers

The upright face between two steps. Covering them is optional, and roughly doubles the pieces cut and fitted on each step.

Nosing

The front edge of each step, finished with a stair nosing piece.

Open sides

Where the ends of the steps show instead of meeting a wall. An open side needs a finished end on every step, which is more material and a slower fit.

Square or rounded front edges

The shape of the existing front edge decides the method. A rounded (bullnose) edge has to be cut back square or wrapped in a flexible nosing before a plank will sit flat on it, which adds work on every step. If you can't tell which you have, the estimate accepts “Not sure”, and a photo of the stairs settles it.

Taking up the stair carpet

Carpet on stairs is its own tear-out, priced with your quote, and it is the part most often forgotten until install day. So the estimate asks what is on the stairs now: carpet, wood, laminate or vinyl, bare or unfinished, or not sure.

Why stairs are quoted by hand

Stairs are not in the instant price range for a Floorrable installation. Every tread and riser is a custom cut, the front edge decides the method, and labour per step varies more than anything else on a job, so a price given before anyone has seen the staircase is one we might not be able to honour.

Instead, add your stairs to an estimate and it asks five things: how many steps, treads only or treads and risers, square or rounded front edges, what is on the stairs now, and whether the sides are open or against a wall. It also takes one optional photo. We price the stairs once an installer has measured them, and send that price with your quote.

Questions about stairs