You are talking about cap and band install. Stringy/exposed backing is the "smile" . I would urge you to select a flatter denser, nylon "twist" for ALL of the bedrooms, and choose a different patterned , tight flat complementary something in nylon for the stair.

You really DON'T want a shaggy dust trap anywhere, and especially not from the local big box. You will have grunge/crush/mat in that order.

Hi Jan Moyer. You are right exactly--don't want to create extra work and definitely don't want any more dust! Thanks for the suggestion. I figure I needed flatter, but I was only familiar with berber style carpet. Is that similar?

This reply is to ILikeFriday. There's some type of technical glitch going on. I could read your comment on my phone but was unable to reply, and I don't see your comment here on the thread (via my laptop).

I'm not doing the install. There was a promotion on installation at the store, so one of their contractors will do the job. From my experience in dealing with these stores, sometimes the burden falls on the customer for not having chosen the right or better product. The guys in the carpet department have been there a couple of years, but they don't have technical experience, and I won't be able to communicate with the contractor until after I have made my purchase.

You really should go to a higher end specialty carpet store...........and get a carpet education there. They will spend s little time showing you the best value for budget and longevity. Then go to a big box if you must. Even higher end stores, will often have bought large discontinued rolls. Frankly? I'd put hardwood IN the bedrooms and just get nice area rugs : ) Far easier to make changes up the road.

Mara S. - Yes, I Googled and realized that I didn't know what I was talking about. So I decided to delete my response. :-) I didn't realize that thick carpets could not be put on stairs.

OK, thanks for reaching out! :-)

Jan, Thanks for the suggestions. I did start out at specialty store when I was working on a hardwood project, so I think that's a good idea. Also, point well taken about hardwood floors and area rugs.

Super!! Thanks for the image!

Please don't go to the specialty store for your tutorial and their knowledge and then buy the carpet at the big box store. The specialty store provided a service in educating you about carpets and stairs and they deserve to be compensated for it: buy your carpet there.

That is not what I said. I said they often have advantageous pricing on deals THEY have gotten, with far better quality. Most shops are happy to dispense the knowledge, especially if they can sell you the appropriate runner with a bit of education. . I stand by my other point. Do it once and do hardwood. Kids don't get cold, they have enviable circulation! They need area rugs only and a hard surface is super for play and "accidents" in the night. You can find wonderful wools in remnants for a master! - !2' x whatever feet, and have it cut and bound!

The worst "investment" over time? Edge to edge carpet.

You "learn" nothing in the Big Box. Nor are the installers so super duper. : (

You go to the big box, when you already KNOW what you need to know. Carpet is a touch/feel/on site endeavor.

You will find a LOT of wonderful, thick, chunky stuff at that specialty. Braided , resembling a fisherman knit sweater! Guess what? They know the trend is and has been to hardwood. And in many of these shops, chunks of space are being devoted to LVP. for just that reason. Then they make you an area rug in some wonderful chunky .........: )

Educating someone is oftentimes how a sale is made. In fact? Most of the time.

I appreciate the dialogue.

Lisa, having worked as a contractor, I know what it's like to have one's brain picked and not get compensated, so I am sensitive to it. I thought of reaching out to the local shop that did my hardwood floors on the main level.

Jan, again as a contractor, I have used education as a way to establish rapport. So, indeed, good relationships cultivate sales.

As a customer, I have spent the extra money to get the individual attention I feel I deserve, and will do it willingly if there's good rapport.

FYI: The issue with the upstairs flooring is budget-related. I know hardwood is probably good for resale, but it would be a budget buster if I tried to match what's on the first floor. And it's likely to cost a bit extra to ensure we don't hear footsteps from the upper level.

I like to see a pattern on the stairs and a solid color in the rooms.

Beverly, I hadn't thought of that! Thanks!