Best carpet for BTL property with steep slippery stairs?

Best carpet for BTL property with steep slippery stairs?

8:41 AM, 8th October 2015, About 9 years ago 5

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I’ve just inherited a tenanted Victorian terraced house in reasonably good condition. When I asked the tenants if there were any problems or niggles with living there, they said that they had all slipped down the steep stairs at some point. One of them had done it a handful of times.carpet

The treads are typically quite narrow. There is a sturdy handrail, so I’m covered from that angle, but something obviously needs to be done. The carpet doesn’t look worn and is well fixed, but is just a bit too ‘slippy’ – I guess some carpets are better suited than others when it comes to staircases.

I’m wondering what other experienced landlords have used on stairs in their BTL properties, and what I should be looking out for?

Many thanks

BR


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Comments

Neil Patterson

8:46 AM, 8th October 2015, About 9 years ago

Hi BR,

We always recommend felt backed, bleach cleanable polypropylene carpet because it is hard wearing and easy to clean.

However, the staircase sounds like it could be dangerous. Had you considered replacing it with a spiral staircase if space and incline is an issue?

Bournemouth Runner

10:18 AM, 8th October 2015, About 9 years ago

Thanks Neil. I don't think it warrants replacing the stairs, they're typical of terraced house staircases in thousands of properties up and down the country. I've lived in a few myself (and slipped down those myself!) and they do require a bit of extra care when traversing. I just don't think this current carpet is helping matters.

Harlequin

11:23 AM, 8th October 2015, About 9 years ago

Put rubber nosings on the edges. Also protects the edges of the carpet that will wear quickly.

Hard to believe a spiral staircase is being suggested this comes with all sorts of building control issues and impossible to get furniture up and down and generally needs far more care in use - if they fall down these they'll certainly have an issue with spiral and a very expensive thought! In my view of course.

Steven Burman

11:37 AM, 8th October 2015, About 9 years ago

Hi,

Rubber or non-slip nosings are the cheapest, most cost effective solution. Any decent carpet installer should be able to advise.

SB

AnthonyJames

12:01 PM, 8th October 2015, About 9 years ago

I agree: a spiral staircase is a nightmare when moving furniture, and there would be building and fire regulation and health and safety concerns in a rented property.

I also agree that the best approach is to use low-slip stair nosings: they were a requirement when I built a block of four flats and they work very nicely, albeit some people might feel it would give an institutional feel in a normal house. Search for "Gradus stair nosings" in Google.

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