Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Teresa Merelman, Broker, Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VTPhone: (802) 793-5171
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Carpet has been a popular cover for stairs for decades and continues to endure in modern trends. There are many benefits to carpet on stairs, including noise reduction and extra cushioning. However, carpet on stairs is not for everyone. If you’re considering an alternative to carpet on the stairs in your home, here are the best options to consider:
Wood is the most common and traditional building material for stairs. No matter what you have on the surface, wooden stairs are probably underneath. Hardwood makes a great material for stairs because of its durability. You can also stain or laminate it for a specific look and finish. The major disadvantage of hardwood on stairs is that it can be slippery. The best way to mitigate this is with strips of anti-slip tape at the end of the stair tread.
Tile is an incredibly versatile and popular option for stairs. Because tile comes in a plethora of colors and textures, you have an enormous amount of freedom in terms of design. There are stone and ceramic tiles for a classic, luxurious feel and smaller artistic mosaic options. With tile, you can make your staircase a statement in your home rather than a purely functional feature. Textured tiles are a great way to prevent slipping.
Solid stone or concrete stairs are common in industrial or commercial buildings. While they’re virtually indestructible, they are heavy enough that you’ll need to make sure your foundation can support them in your home. Stone and concrete stairs will stand the test of time and provide a cool industrial style to your home. However, this is one of the more expensive options available, which is why many designers recommend using stone veneer as a cheaper alternative.
Cork is an excellent alternative to carpet because it provides cushion and comfortable texture. It looks like natural wood but is low maintenance and durable. The texture also has built-in protection from slipping which increases the safety of the stairs. Cork is also a sustainable material option for those interested in making green choices in their home renovations.
Leather is an up-and-coming trend in stair coverings. It’s soft like carpet but has a more luxurious finish while staying comfortable underfoot. Leather stair treads come in plenty of colors and textures to fit your style needs, including some with special designs and borders. Leather requires regular maintenance to keep looking and performing its best. Protective finishes to prevent staining and moisture damage are crucial.
While there are many styles of carpet available for your stairs, these alternatives might be a suitable option. Keep these materials in mind if you’re considering making a change.
Teresa's beginnings were at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She was child #5 of 8 and born into an Air Force family that moved all over the United States but usually ended up back in the Washington, D.C. area. Teresa attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and received her bachelor's degree in business from George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia. Some of her prior careers include: computer buyer in Fairfax, Virginia; Deputy Clerk at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado; Police Officer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Bed & Breakfast owner in Stowe, Vermont. Teresa obtained her license as a Realtor® in 1998. She has been through many ups and downs in this profession and continues to learn every day. She very much enjoys the real estate profession and the wonderful people she has met and assisted along the way. In order to serve her clients and customers, Teresa continually attends classes and seminars. Some of her Designations and Certifications include:
Teresa has also served and continues to serve on several boards:
In 2007, Teresa was named Vermont Realtor of the Year.Teresa and her husband, a local attorney, moved to Stowe in 1987. They had two sons and Stowe has been their home for the past 36 years. She still feels the Stowe area is a wonderful place to raise a family, there's always something going on. Teresa can often be found behind the lens of her camera documenting the beauty of the area and its many events.As an update, Teresa's older son is now a Doctor/resident at the University of New Mexico's Emergency Management Program. Her younger son graduated from James Mason University and currently resides in Chicago, IL as a supervisor for OKTA.
