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Yes, carpeted stairs are generally considered safer than stairs with hard surfaces like wood, vinyl, or tile. Carpet provides more traction, which helps reduce the chances of slips and falls, and its cushioning can lessen the severity of an injury if a fall does occur. Hard surfaces often lack the friction needed for a secure tread and can be quite slippery.

However, it's worth noting that some carpets can also be slick, particularly if they are brand new, dirty, or made from certain materials. If any stair surface feels too slippery, traction treads can be added to most materials to increase grip and improve safety.

In most cases, you do not need to put padding or underlayment under carpet tiles. Unlike traditional carpet, which requires a separate pad, carpet tiles are designed to be installed directly onto a firm subfloor like plywood, concrete, or tile. Many carpet tiles come with a built-in underlay and attach with peel-and-stick adhesive, double-sided carpet tape, or glue. For a more comfortable, cushioned feel, especially in residential settings, you can opt for padded carpet tiles that have a thicker underlay attached. While it's generally not recommended to install a separate pad, a compact underlayment might be used in some situations, though this typically requires professional installation. An acoustic underlay may also be considered in commercial spaces or multi-level homes where noise reduction is a priority.

Costs depend on carpet type, labor rates, and additional services like padding or transitions.

The cost to install carpet is $1,780 on average for 330 square feet, the size of an average living room. This cost could range from $200 to $5,000, depending on the amount of carpet, material, and type of carpet. 

If you need 500 square feet of carpet, it’ll cost $1,500 to $5,500, while 1,000 square feet of carpet costs $3,000 to $11,000. Polyester is one of the more affordable options, ranging from $1 to $3 per square foot. Wool is a more luxurious option, ranging from $4 to $20 per square foot.