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How to Install Stair Runners

Stairways don’t have to be just another way to get from one floor to another. They can be an opportunity to let your interior design preferences shine with stair runners. Combining style, warmth, safety, and a touch of luxury to your stairs, these long strips of carpet deliver a wide variety of benefits to your home, including preventing slips, reducing noise, and protecting your stairs from wear and tear.

A large staircase with white steps, a modern stair runner, and sleek black railings at Window Accents & Flooring near Princeton New Jersey (NJ)

If you’ve been admiring stair runners and want to give your staircase a makeover, our Window Accents & Flooring team shares fives steps on how to install stair runners.

Step 1: Choose Your Stair Runner

The most exciting part of the process is selecting the stair runner’s materials and designs that complement your home. While we believe any style you love is the way to go, we encourage you to consider durability when making your selections. After all, stair runners endure a lot of foot traffic throughout the day.

Patterns are great for hiding imperfections, while solids create a sleek, modern feel that can maintain their look with proper care.

Step 2: Measure Twice, Cut Once

When it comes to custom stair runners, precise measurements are key to a polished finished product. We suggest measuring the width of each stair before deciding how much of the staircase you’d like the runner to cover. For length, measure each step's riser, vertical part, and tread, horizontal part, and multiply by the number of stairs you have.

Pro tip: Leave a few inches on either side of the runner for a balanced, visually intriguing look.

Step 3: Prep Your Stairs

Before you install your runner, it’s wise to clean your stairs thoroughly and remove any debris. This preparation will ensure that the runner fits the space properly and looks great.

If your staircase is unfinished or uneven, you can always sand and fill any imperfections. As a rule of thumb, the smoother the surface, the better the result.

Step 4: Install Padding

The next step to preparing your stairs is to add padding. This extra layer helps make your runner more comfortable and extends its lifespan.

For a quality result, cut the padding slightly narrower than the runner and staple it securely to the center of each tread and riser. Finally, leave enough room around the edges for the runner itself.

Step 5: Secure the Runner

When installing your stair runner, you can start at the bottom or top of the staircase. No matter where you decide to begin, line up the runner with your measurements and staple it along the edges of the tread and into the crease where the tread meets the riser.

Afterward, pull the runner taut as you move to each new step, ensuring a smooth, wrinkle-free application. Finally, trim any excess material and revel in your work. You just successfully installed your stair runner!

Shop High-Quality and Stylish Stair Runners Near Princeton, New Jersey

From learning how to install stair runners to selecting the perfect materials, our team is here to help you transform your staircase into a work of art. To learn more about stair runners, their benefits, or the installation process, request a consultation or call (609) 924-0029.

Window Accents & Flooring is located in Princeton, New Jersey, and proudly serves all of Central New Jersey, including Somerset County, Mercer County, Hunterdon County, Morris County, and Middlesex County.

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