Has my stair carpet worn out prematurely? And if so what can I do about it?

Adelaide_Alberta

alanfp wrote: »

I'm not an expert..

but bifold seems to know what he's talking about.

I believe that some carpet warehouse retailers use Duralay crumb rubber in their show-rooms where they have a lot of foot traffic and are always moving their stands about. If it's good enough for them.... (by the way, it looks a lot more robust than the stuff that's made of old furniture innards).

Have a look online for underlay mail order.

The idea of re-doing the stairs from spare is also good...you don't need much carpet to do stairs, and it's done say 4 stairs at a time with 'off-cuts' so you may even have some spare lying about in your shed, perhaps.

I'm definitely going to look into a different kind of underlay. Also need to check how much spare carpet I have in the loft and also consider using the carpet in the spare room too. Thanks for the suggestions.

Adelaide_Alberta

ListysDad wrote: »

Its my understanding, but bifold will let me know if I'm wrong, that carpet is a) generally only as good as its underlay and b) the best underlay is still felt with a granulated rubber bottom. From what fitters have told me, that type is still the only one that will last and not breakup/down over time.

For a superb source of such underlay, try ........ I bought 10 rolls when we moved into our house and have fitted it under laminate flooring AND real oak flooring so it's both toastie and quiet!

Thanks. I will check out your online underlay site recommendation when I get ready to order. (Sorry had to remove the link or I couldn't quote your post as I am a new user.)

Adelaide_Alberta

MRSTITTLEMOUSE wrote: »

I must be odd because I think four years is around the lifetime of a carpet especially on the stairs.
I have the same type of carpet on the stairs as the OP and have just had it changed after three and a half years.
There are only the two of us live here too and we don't wear shoes in the house but there are two particular stairs that seem to wear out more than the others.
This time round I bought a few extra mtrs of carpet so I can have those stairs re-laid when necessary.
I reckon that should save me quite a lot in the long run.

Interesting to hear another point of view. I really expected my carpet to last way longer. I will bear in mind your suggestion of buying extra carpet for replacing the stairs next time.