The potential problems with removal of runner are dependent upon how the runner was installed. Some dearies actually tack the runner to the steps, tread and riser. Ouch, because removal leaves those holes to be filled and stained to match (very difficult to conceal). An alternative method is to use carpet bars which come in wood or metal, in an assortment of finishes. This is slightly more expensive but imo, also *looks* more luxurious. The carpet is barred at the back of the tread where it meets the riser; best practice has the runner tacked beneath each tread rather than slanted from top-front to the back of the next lower riser. Note that under-tread tacking also uses the most running feet of carpet, so the most finished appearance is going to cost. There are several other methods, so discuss intent with the installer before s/he does the work. One thing for sure, is to not use any sort of sticky-back tape: it either doesn't hold well, or holds too well and removel is labor-intensive. Because of the carpet pile height, if possible choose treads that are slightly deeper than usual so as to maintain fully safe depth.

I’m adding my input since these posts were helpful when I was choosing. I love mine. I’ve got the Roomba 960. Maybe they’ve improved over time or it’s the specific model I have, but I’m not experiencing problems. I’ve got area and throw rugs and it has no problem with them. My area rug is a thick jute rug and it climbs over the edge fine. My bot has saved my back that cannot tolerate vacuuming and with a 90 lb lab I don’t want to wait for my DHs weekly regular vacuum. My house has three levels and bot does one per day so each area gets two bot vacs and one regular vac weekly. I am thrilled that I can easily keep up with the dog hair without having constant back pain. The most effort I have is moving and cleaning bot prior to starting. Occasionally I’ll have to empty the bin during a clean but not usually if I keep to my schedule. My battery lasts through the each level fine, but I’m sure that will change with time. I let it go around chair legs and have my cords hidden. I do have to get my curtains off the floor. To me that is much less effort than vacuuming. So it all depends on your needs, but I’ll always have a bot in my home and will make sure I design a permanent spot for it to reside when we build our next home.

I really appreciate these updates! It looks like the Bona products have really held up as far as color is concerned. We have LVP throughout and just purchased white oak stair treads. I tried and tried to match with stain but the yellow kept bleeding through. I’m now considering the Bona finish on my treads and keeping the natural oak look. Unfortunately the Bona is only sold in large sizes and I will probably use less than half of it. Your treads look really good! You said they were stained with minwax weathered oak. Do you happen to know if there was a sealer applied first or what the top coat was if any? I think that’s where I may be going wrong. Any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated! Thanks again for taking the time!

I saw your comment about having small children. My two cents- When we moved into our new home, it had a blonde colored (like maple?) laminate. I hate it. I'm a real hardwood sort of girl- and I prefer a slightly busy hickory. So not my cup of tea. But you know what, we had young kids too- and cats. And no more money to replace all the floors. So we decided to live with it and bought a big carpet to cover the living area. (You can go to carpet stores and have a custom sized carpet cut with the ends finished which is a bit cheaper than buying enormous rugs). I've now lived with that stupid laminate for 10 years. There's been paint spills and cat puke, and dog accidents (they joined the family later), and scuffs and I just don't care because these floors are NOT precious to me. I still don't like the floors- but when we recently remodeled to add a wing to the house, we didn't bother to replace them - it still didn't feel worth the money. Instead, I spent the money on finally replacing our sofas (now that I don't have to worry about kids destroying furniture). Long story short- don't feel too bad if you feel like 8.5k is too much right now and end up having to live with it. Either you'll discover it's not that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things, and will be grateful you don't like the floors every time red kool-aid is spilt, or you will have the chance to know in your heart of hearts that you really and truly can't stand those floors - which means it will be worth every penny and the hassle to replace it with no regrets.