Laminated Stair Styles With Partial Carpeting

Laminate and Carpet Stairway Styles

• A partially carpeted laminate staircase can become a focal point of your entrance foyer. In addition to straight stairs that can be split with a landing for a U-shaped or L-shaped stairs there are stair designs that may be more interesting to the eye. Stairways with the first few steps flared out give the appearance of a curved staircase. A true curved staircase follows a consistent arc for a dramatic, curved look, while spiral staircases are useful for small spaces. While some people cover each stair in carpet totally, there are several ways to carpet laminate stairs partially so that the wood-like laminate is exposed on the sides.

Carpet Runners on Laminate Stairs

• Carpet runners may be used on laminate stairs to enhance the staircase with an opulent look and add an element of safety to stairs that can be slippery. Carpet runners are narrow pieces of carpeting that extend down the center of the staircase while leaving the laminate on both sides of each step exposed. Runners can deaden echoes and the noise of footsteps — especially important for staircases with high traffic. Because carpet runners are specifically designed for stairs, they generally include an attractive border.

Stair Rods and Carpet Runners

• If you elect to install one long carpet runner for a continuous flow up to the top of the stairs, you may add to the visual impact by accenting the runner with decorative stair rods. These rods are made from a range of materials, including brass, iron, wood and plastic.

Stair Tread Carpet on Laminate Steps

• Stair tread carpets are individual pieces of carpet that fit onto each stair tread, leaving the wood-like laminate exposed on either side. Treads are available in a variety of materials, including natural fibers, and some feature a border. Carpet treads protect the stairs and can add beauty to your interior decoration. Stair treads are typically backed by rubber or another non-skid material.