I would have suggested wood or the more durable composite timber alternative. Composite timber decking looks fantastic, it's got a long guarantee period and is low maintenance. Built on the same framework as a timber deck I think it looks better and will withstand the weather well - there are so many more suppliers now that I think it is a competitive solution.

Sounds like a big project - let's see what our community think!

Carpeting the stairs will probably be cheaper than a runner! It isn't a style flop at all - it's just the norm and the colour of the carpet can be used to tie the tiled hallway to the upstairs, thus drawing the eye up and making the space feel larger (as the eye goes from one colour to another.) I too love bare stairs but soon found them an inconvenience with the cleaning! A quick vacuum and carpet stairs are done. With wood it's a brush and pan, then a wipe over with a damp cloth or disinfectant. Dare I say this... at the end of the day it is your home. I have regularly helped my neighbours and almost pandered to them - it gets one nowhere. I recently returned home and found my neighbour had been having her workmen park their vans on my drive as she thought I had gone away. No apology and she didn't clean the cigarettes, dirt or nails away either. Don't feel bad in apologising and buying a pair of quality slippers or slipper socks! I imagine the noise comes from wearing shoes?

Great article! Thank you so much for sharing.