I have a raised ranch with carpeted stairs upon entry. Any alternate suggestions?

I would like to get rid of the carpeting that is on the stairs from the lower level to the slate landing and the stairs up to the main level. I need something that can handle a lot of foot traffic. Part of my problem is that the carpeting on the main floor(living room, hallway) is the carpeting that continues down the stairs. I have thought of hardwood floors (presantly under the carpet, so I'm told), but it's rare to find a runner long enough for my hallway. I would like to keep the living room carpeted. In addition I have to work on the landing. The slate is all broken. I am told that ther is hard wood under there too. I don't know if the hard wood can hold up to heavy traffic. Removing shoes upon entry is not an option.

Answers:
Tile would be your most durable choice - however I would say that hardwood would be a close second. We have tile in our entry and then hardwood stairs up the the hardwood main level even in the kitchen. It has held up beautifully for the past 12 or so years. Keep in mind that with hardwood you will get dings and marks on it, but I think that's part of the beauty of wood. Just make sure that the floor is very well sealed - otherwise you will have moisture problems (we've never needed to seal ours again since it was originally done). Also, consider that if you ding up the floor and don't like it - you can sand and re-finish it. And you certainly cannot do that with tile.

As far as getting a runner that's long enough - that shouldn't be a problem. Most carpet stores, or Lowe's or Home Depot I think, have a limited selection of runners on a roll - so you can have whatever length you need.

Other answers:
Go for tile. Nothing smooth, though, but with lots of texture so it won't be too slippery when wet.
If you need to put an entry rug in front of the door.

There are lots of tile options to choose from at Lowe's, Home Depot, and other home remodeling stores.
Go for tile. Nothing smooth, though, but with lots of texture so it won't be too slippery when wet.
If you need to put an entry rug in front of the door.

There are lots of tile options to choose from at Lowe's, Home Depot, and other home remodeling stores.
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