The right way to Set up a Stair Runner: 4 Simple DIY Steps for Novices

Give your stairs an entire new look while you learn to set up a stair runner! It’s simpler than you suppose so as to add a carpeted DIY stair runner, and a stair runner rug will make your stairs quieter and extra comfy to stroll on.

What makes putting in a stair runner difficult? How a lot time does it take to put in a stair runner? What different steps are concerned in putting in a stair runner? Get the solutions right here.

You’ll additionally wish to take a look at 17 Inexpensive DIY Staircase Makeover Concepts That Look Like a Million Bucks and The right way to Add a Slide to Your Stairs.

I’m unsure in the event you have been round after we reworked our stairs YEARS in the past. They went from regular to grand, and oh how lovely they have been. Whereas we LOVED THE LOOK, I can say that fairly shortly (particularly with younger youngsters round), I did need carpet again, for the protection and luxury of carpet on stairs, although I cherished the look of simply the wooden stair treads.

So, in the event you determined to tear out the carpet and strip your stairs down to reveal wooden, and form of remorse it now… you’re in good firm.

Are your picket stairs trying a bit boring or (what bothered me essentially the most) are they actually slippery?

Including a carpet runner not solely offers you the chance so as to add a mode to your stairs, but in addition supplies a safer floor to stroll on with these slippery stocking toes! And you continue to get the detailed look of wooden stairs so win/win!

It’s additionally a lot inexpensive to put in a DIY stair runner than to pay to re-carpet the steps.

The very best information is that DIY stair runner fashion choices are limitless (and we’re sharing some nice choices beneath so check them out below!) and you may add the consolation of carpet and security again to your stairs in 4 easy steps.

We’ll information you thru the method of putting in a DIY carpet runner in your picket stairs. From measuring your stairs and selecting the right runner to attaching them to the steps and ending off the look. We’ve acquired you lined (and your stairs!). So, let’s dive in and switch these boring stairs into a classy characteristic in your house.

For the needs of this tutorial we’re going to assume that your wooden stairs are utterly completed. If you wish to paint the risers or make any adjustments to the colour of your wooden end, or contact up the sealant or polyurethane on the treads that must be accomplished earlier than putting in the runner.

DIY Carpet Runner For Wooden Stairs in 4 Easy Steps

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DIY Stair Runner Provides and Instruments

Supplies

Instruments

Don’t have a pneumatic staple gun or a giant ol’ chisel instrument or any of those different instruments? and never prepared to speculate but? Use one in all Jenny’s prime ideas for getting DIY executed on a finances: ask a good friend in the event you can borrow theirs! (Simply one more reason it’s good to make pals with fellow DIYers, too! 😉)

Step 1: Measure Your Stairs

Earlier than you begin selecting a runner, that you must measure your stairs. Measuring accurately is essential to make sure that your runner matches completely and appears nice. For this primary step collect your easy instruments: a measuring tape (or bendable stitching measuring tape, see my notice beneath), a pen, and paper.

Determine Out Runner Width

Begin by measuring the width of your stairs, so you recognize what width of runner will match. You wish to discover the thinnest level of width of your stair general in order that the runner matches the entire manner up the staircase.

Measure from wall to wall, or railing to railing. If in case you have a bigger newel put up, then measure from newel put up to newel put up (or wall) as this can be the narrowest level. You should definitely take just a few measurements, in case your stairs change in width even just some inches.

Needless to say it’s good to have about 3″-6″ inches of wooden displaying on both aspect of your runner. In case you desire much less of a wooden reveal, you’ll be able to put the runner all the way in which to at least one edge towards a wall.

Elements of a Stair

As you measure the steps to find out the stair runner size and width, listed below are some phrases to know:

TREAD: the horizontal step part of the stair

NOSE: the slight overhang of the stair tread above the riser

RISER: the vertical a part of the stair

Measure the Size of Your Runner

Now that you must determine the size of your stair runner.

Measure the peak of the riser (the half that lifts the stair greater) and the depth of the tread (the place you step) of the stair.

In case your stair tread has a nostril, measure the tread size from the again of the stair all the way in which across the backside of the nostril. Observe these measurements down on a paper.

QUICK TIP: a bendable stitching measuring tape (that you simply use to take physique measurements) is simple to wrap from the again of the tread, right down to the underside of that riser in a single simple measurement. This ensures you’ll be able to measure the curvature of the stair nostril and nonetheless be extremely correct, so pull it out of your stitching field if in case you have one out there.

Rely the variety of stairs stairs (not together with the highest touchdown or backside flooring). Needless to say you might have 1 additional riser since you’ll possible not begin the runner within the high walkway however quite on the riser of that stair ending once more on the underside most riser (see picture beneath).

Multiply your (Riser + Tread) measurement by what number of stairs you’ve gotten plus one additional riser and about 3 inches per finish, for extra fold over. This gives you the size of the runner you want. And since I do know that not all artistic DIYers love doing math, let me offer you an instance:

Stair Math: 3 Stair Instance (Pictured Under)

• Riser (6 inches) plus Tread (11 inches) equals 17″ of size for every step.
• 17″ inches multiplied 2 stairs (bear in mind I’m not counting to high touchdown) offers you 34″ in size.
• Add one additional riser to achieve the highest: 34″ + 6″ = 40″
• Add only a little bit of size (not less than 3″ on every finish) to fold extra over to cover uncooked edge: 40″ + 3″ + 3″ = 46″ complete

Most runners could be lower to size, or you’ll be able to fold over an additional inch or so on every finish, so that you don’t have to stress about getting a runner the precise size you want — only a runner longer than your minimal size wanted.

Do You Have Landings?

If in case you have a touchdown or flip in your stairs that you must resolve the way you wish to deal with this part. There are just a few choices for including a runner rug to a stair touchdown, relying in your choice and rug sample:

• Reduce and miter the rug at a 45-degree seam.
• (or) Set up a 90-degree seam the place the 2 sections of rug butt up towards one another (perpendicular).
• (or) Skip the touchdown and go away the touchdown naked wooden (like pictured above). Finish the runner underneath the underside stair nostril above the touchdown and start once more underneath the stair nostril beneath the touchdown.
• (or) Use a small matching space rug (or make your individual) on the touchdown. The small rug could be connected utilizing the identical double-stick tape because the runner.

I counsel a miter at a forty five° diploma angle, from the nook of the flip. (Observe that you will want extra runner size to get this look, however it should look the perfect with out requiring a {custom} stair runner.) That is what that will appear like beneath.

It is advisable add size A (plus 2″) and Size B (plus 2″) to know the overall size you will want. I add the few additional inches simply to be protected when slicing and so on as a result of relying on the runner you select it’s possible you’ll have to fold over the mitered edge to make this design work. Matching a sample might also require extra inches.

In case your touchdown is only a straight stretch of house, then be at liberty to measure it as you’ll a tread, simply the complete size and add that to your complete.

You should definitely double test your measurements, as a result of this half is essential to ensure you get full protection. Typically I discover it useful to attract just a little sketch to double test I’ve lined all my bases… or stairs on this case.

Step 2: Select Your Runner

Earlier than you’ll be able to set up a stair runner, that you must select the right one that enhances your property decor and elegance.

Options to Think about:

• Sturdy development and materials to face up to heavy foot site visitors and common cleansing. Cotton rugs are comfortable however much less sturdy than wool or acrylic. Seagrass or sisal rugs are lovely however are inclined to shed closely.
• Non-slip backing can add additional stability, however will not be completely obligatory (because the runner shall be stapled in place). It’s also possible to individually set up non-slip rug pad for additional cushion beneath the runner.
• Thinner rugs shall be simpler to control and bend when putting in, whereas tufted rugs with just a little longer pile will conceal the staples higher than a flatwoven rug.
• You’ll be able to select from a wide range of supplies together with wool, nylon, polypropylene, or sisal, relying in your choice and finances.
• The sample and coloration of the runner can match or distinction with the encompassing aesthetic relying in your fashion.

Let’s be trustworthy, choosing out the runner may simply be essentially the most enjoyable a part of this undertaking so after all I went round and located some lovely choices. For additional cushion and sturdiness, order some cheap rug padding with the rug as properly (see step 3 beneath).

Our Favourite DIY Stair Runner Rugs

In case your stairs are lengthy and you’ll want a number of runners, then that you must do a little bit of figuring. Simply ensure you have sufficient runner to overlap some with a bit to spare. It’s significantly better to have an additional foot than to be brief a foot.

In case you’ve chosen a runner that has an finish sample that must be lower off, don’t overlook to subtract that lower from the overall size you want.

Upon getting selected the right runner, positioned the order, and your rug(s) have arrived — hooray! Collect all of the provides and instruments. It’s time to maneuver on to the following step of the undertaking: the stair runner set up.

Enjoyable Stair Concept: Set up a Stair Slide

An indoor play space could be so simple as including a stair slide!

Step 3: Putting in Your Anti Slip Pad

Now comes the DIY enjoyable half. Anti-slip pad isn’t required to put in a stair runner however will make for a softer foot pad on hardwood stairs, in addition to lessening noise. The final professional rule is to make use of a carpet pad to elongate the lifetime of the runner and add consolation — however as with every DIY, you’ll be able to select to put in a runner with or with out a carpet pad!

In case you’ve simply eliminated the carpet out of your stairs, this can be a nice probability to reuse the previous carpet pad if it’s salvageable! #reducereuserecycle

Even in the event you aren’t putting in the additional carpet pad, you’ll wish to mark the stair runner location.

Mark the Location of the Runner with Painters Tape

First, mark the place your runner will sit on the steps utilizing painters tape.

With a view to be certain that your runner is put in straight down your staircase and doesn’t meander round, that you must decide the location of your runner, and mark the skin edge with painters tape.

Discover the middle level of your stair, then measure from the middle level of the stair half the width of the runner out on each side, and tape on the *outdoors edge* of the place the runner will sit. (This fashion the tape can keep there when you set up and also you received’t have any issues eradicating it later- which means it received’t be taped UNDER the runner- however quite on the skin fringe of the runner.)

I desire this to marking with a pencil since eradicating tape is less complicated than erasing a pencil mark (particularly if I simply put the work in to redo my wooden stairs!)

Prep and Set up The Anti Slip Padding

Determine if you need the anti slip rug padding to run the entire size of the staircase or if you need to chop them into particular person squares and simply place them on the tread.

My private thought is that this: I’ve observed that through the years these carpet stair pads are inclined to bunch up. So I’d counsel you connect the padding as a full runner itself, the entire size, wrapping the steps the place the rug will go completely to assist preserve the pad tight and from bunching up in little segments.

Taping in three places (high, backside, and sides) on every tread as proven beneath retains the cushion from transferring round.

This carpet padding could must be trimmed so it doesn’t poke out of the perimeters of the runner. Fortunately, the cheap rug pad is simple to chop with scissors – I like to recommend a pair of sharp material scissors. Measure your carpet runner width (in actual life – as a result of generally these widths will fluctuate barely). As soon as you’re positive of the width, lower the padding to be 3-4 inches narrower than the carpet itself.

To connect the rug pad to the steps, heavy responsibility double sided tape is fast and simple. Reduce the double sided tape for every step as you go. Begin on the high and work your manner down, ensuring to remain centered inside your painters tape traces. I’d counsel you place tape like proven within the determine above on every and each step. If you’re working with padding the complete size of the steps, I’d roll it up upfront of beginning, in order that it’s simpler to work with and simply unroll a step at a time as you’re employed your manner down.

Step 4: Prep and Set up the Runner

Now begin on putting in the stair runner. That is the place it will get fairly!

Relying on the fashion of runner you select — and the way choosy you’re concerning the design — it’s possible you’ll want to put out the runners, and resolve the place you need it to start out and if that you must take away any patterning that doesn’t make sense.

For instance : This blue rug has a border, and it’s possible you’ll not need on the highest of your riser, (since not one of the different risers could have it. So earlier than starting to put in it’s possible you’ll wish to use your T-square, field cutter and therapeutic slicing pad to get a pleasant straight edge to start your runner. Don’t be afraid! Carpet cuts fairly simply, particularly with sharp blade.

To safe that lower fringe of the rug, take the double sided rug tape (that you simply used to connect the padding to the steps) and place it alongside the whole fringe of the lower (on the again aspect). Then fold again (again aspect to again aspect) to safe that new edge. This new completed edge will assist to keep away from fraying. You’ll be able to apply this easy carpet binder tape as an alternative in the event you desire, which can be a greater choice for a thicker rug.

Begin putting in on the high riser nostril proper underneath the highest touchdown.

Line up the rug straight with the steps beneath, with the aspect of the runner lined up with within the painter’s tape. (Once more, it’s possible you’ll wish to roll it up for ease of controlling it on the steps when you work.) Safe a row of staples into the completed (or lately taped) edge.

Then, use your flooring chisel to carry the runner tight into the nook of the tread and riser, and staple securely on each the riser and the tread. I’d add a staple about each 3″. You’ll be able to add a pair staples alongside the sting of the runner in the event you like as properly.

Observe : In case you really feel just like the staples are too seen, you may spray the highest of your staples with the same coloration spray paint or coloration them with a everlasting marker. You simply might have to do that step 24 hours upfront of the set up to offer the paint time to dry in the event you do the spray paint choice.

Proceed your manner down the steps.

Waterfall vs. Wrapped Edge Stair Runner

As you put in your DIY stair runner, you’ll have to resolve in the event you desire a waterfall fashion or a wrapped edge on the nostril of the stair.

A WATERFALL stair runner is connected on the fringe of the stair tread, then flows straight right down to the underside of the stair riser and is connected to the again fringe of the following stair tread. It’s not connected to the riser, which leaves a small “waterfall” hole between the rug and the stair. This provides a pleasant clear and basic look to your stairs.

A WRAPPED EDGE stair runner is rather like it sounds — carefully wrapped across the complete profile of the stair tread and riser (generally known as a Hollywood fashion). When wrapping a stair nostril with a runner, you’ll staple the runner alongside the highest of the tread, then wrap the carpet round to the underside of the stair nostril and safe it there. Then the carpet is put in flat towards the riser utilizing staples, and continues on to the following tread. This give a extra tailor-made look to your stairs because it matched the contour and profile of the steps.

Neither fashion is correct or unsuitable — simply what you like. For DIYers, in case your stair nostril is sq., a waterfall edge is likely to be simpler. If in case you have bullnose stair treads, a wrapped edge will look nice, too.

If in case you have an extended stairway and that you must add a second runner, proceed the primary runner both to the underside of the stair nostril (1-2″ down the riser) or to the underside of the riser (about 1″ overhang onto the tread) — see the diagram beneath. Safe the nook and edge with staples.

Reduce any extra rug that’s too lengthy. You don’t desire a massive bump in the course of a stair tread! Tape/bind that that edge.

Then, begin putting in the following runner within the nook, Both underneath the bullnose or on the again nook of the tread in order that the seam is hidden within the nook.

Overlap the lower inch or two of the final runner edge by attaching and stapling such as you did on every step above, and work your solution to the final step.

Pull the runner to the purpose you need it to complete, add 1-2 inches to that size (for folding underneath and ending the sting) and lower the surplus.

Use the double sided tape technique to safe the tip after which staple in place on the backside of the final riser.

Putting in a DIY Stair Runner on a Touchdown with a Nook

If in case you have a touchdown, I’d counsel you begin on this mitered seam (angled lower fringe of the rug) as the primary level of set up. Then work your manner up and down from this seam with the two joined runners.

Relying on the house in your stairwell, it’s possible you’ll wish to create this seam on the ground in a extra open house. In case you resolve to do that in place, remember to mark the location of the runners, with painters tape to maintain issues sq. and straight as you put in.

To find out the mitered seam, lay out the rugs face up of their correct place perpendicular to one another with a full sq. of overlap. (The form will appear like an L and the nook of the L could have two layers of runner overlapping.)

Fold again the corners which can be overlapping, and create the 45 diploma fold down the middle, just like the diagram exhibits. You can be seeing 2 triangles of the again aspect of the runners, while you fold them again.

These triangles will must be trimmed off to take away the added bulk. How a lot you trim is decided by the thickness of the carpet itself or how a lot the runner will unravel after being lower.

If in case you have a thick carpet you’ll not go away any extra however lower it precisely collectively alongside the 45 diploma angle and use carpet becoming a member of seam tape to tape the carpets butted tight collectively on the seam.

If in case you have a thinner runner, then I would depart an extra of two inches previous the folded edge. Reduce off the triangle of carpet that won’t keep leaving 2 additional inches like proven within the diagram beneath. Fold the two inch piece again onto itself underneath the face of the runner. Safe that lower edge, by including the double sided tape and folding the surplus again edge to again edge (with the tape sandwiched between).

This gives you two completed 45 diploma angle cuts. Now you need to use carpet seam tape on the again edge to safe the 2 items collectively.

Upon getting the 2 rugs in place on the steps, sq. and prepared, use the double-sided carpet tape on the perimeters of the rug to safe this piece to the wooden. Then staple alongside all edges and get the runner good and safe. If obligatory you may add some staples to the mitered seam, however these could also be very seen or felt by naked toes, so watch out.

To complete simply work your manner down the steps or up the steps from this seam, following the carpet runner set up instructions above.

In simply 4 easy steps, you’ll be able to rework your picket stairs right into a protected and trendy characteristic in your house. By measuring your stairs, selecting your runner, putting in the gripper, and putting in the stair runner, you’ll be able to create a good looking accent that enhances each type and performance.

DIY Stair Runner Ending Touches

Don’t be intimidated by a DIY stair runner undertaking – it’s simple to finish in just some hours. Take step one (see what I did there…) in the direction of creating a good looking and protected staircase and begin your transformation immediately.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson famously mentioned, “Life is a journey, not a vacation spot.” And together with your newly renovated stairs, each step on that journey shall be a good looking one.

DIY Stair Runner Incessantly Requested Questions

Can I set up a stair runner myself? Is it arduous to put in?

Sure! Even a starting DIYer can simply set up a carpeted stair runner over hardwood stairs. It takes just a little little bit of time however not quite a lot of ability and even specialised instruments — only a need for fairly stairs and a staple gun!

How do you connect stair runners to stairs?

Heavy responsibility double-sided tape and a pneumatic staple gun are the perfect methods to connect a DIY stair runner to your wooden stairs. There are different choices that professionals may use (like carpet tack strips), however we imagine in making DIY as simple as it may be and solely as difficult because it must be.

What makes putting in a stair runner difficult?

For a straight staircase, the one difficult half about learn how to set up a stair runner is measuring the steps properly — however see our tip above about utilizing a stitching measuring tape to make it simple!

If in case you have a touchdown the place the steps flip, the difficult half is “mitering” the stair runner to match the 90-degree flip of the steps. Comply with our diagram above to make it easy!

How a lot time does it take to put in a stair runner?

On a normal straight set of shorter stairs that want just one stair — putting in a DIY stair runner is definitely a day undertaking of 3-4 hours or much less. Each transition to a brand new runner or touchdown will add a while, however even on an extended staircase, one full day ought to be loads of time to put in a stair runner. Simply ensure you have all of your provides earlier than your begin, as a result of making a second journey to the shop eats up all that DIYing time!

What are another steps which can be concerned in putting in a stair runner?

We broke it down into 4 steps for you:

1. Measure your stairs.
2. Store on your runner.
3. Set up non-slip carpet pad (non-obligatory).
4. Prep and set up the stair rug runner.

Inside these steps to put in a stair runner, you’ll additionally have to make some choices about matching rug patterns (if wanted) on an extended staircase or a touchdown and whether or not you desire a waterfall edge or wrapped edge on the stair nostril.

Stair Runner Rug Inspiration Gallery

We love touring lovely properties on the Parade of Properties — listed below are among the lovely stair runners we’ve seen lately.

It’s necessary to notice that each one of those stair runners are custom-installed stair rugs in luxurious properties. That signifies that persevering with patterns, for instance, isn’t a problem as a result of the rug is {custom} certain carpet from a bigger roll. You’ll additionally discover issues like actual carpet match between a carpeted touchdown and a stair runner — once more, that’s a characteristic that’s fairly normal in a {custom} set up as you’d count on in a high-end house. In case you love that look, you will discover a solution to DIY it!

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