Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Hardwood on stairs, new home

my home is being built now. I'd like hardwood on the stairs but the builder says it's not possible.

Any suggestions on what I should do ?

Should I ask that no carpet is installed on stairs ?
The first floor is all hardwood. the second floor will have a berber carpet.
Thanks

It is possible to put wood on the stairs. It can be pretty expensive to do. I wouldn't recommend wood stairs. They are more slippery and get worn down pretty fast and within a short time they don't look very good. I do hardwood and refinish my floors almost every year and I still wouldn't do the stairs. If you have little kids I really would say don't do it. Ever see a child fall down the stairs? Carpet at least pads a little. If you want the wood to tie it all together then go with the end caps. That would make your stairs look like they were wood with carpet run up the middle.
Later
Duneslider

It depends on the look you are going for. The stairs in my house are hardwood. I have an oriental runner over 2/3 of the stairs. The hardwood is visible on the sides. I love the look way better than if I had carpeted the whole space. It will be costly to install but it is a personal choice.

I forgot to add that I would add a berber runner. wood will show on the sides.

What should I tell the builder to do. put the stairs and that's it ?
I then get someone to tack on hardwood steps to the bare steps ?


Thanks

If the builder won't do the stairs like you want (can't figure why since he would make more $ on top) then you'll have to do what he wants. Sometimes the building inspector won't let you get away with unfinished stairs so you may have to let the carpet go down and then pull it up and add wood after closing. No matter what approach, the finished product will be the same.
Later
Duneslider