Why Do People Install Stair Runners Instead Of Having Carpet Cover The Entire Stair – Add texture and a beautiful look to your stairs with stair runners. How to install a stair rail may seem complicated, but anyone can complete this DIY project. This post contains affiliate links.
I present my work from the beginning of the year. Okay… I take it back. We performed last year and a contractor came to do sheet metal and frame work to repair the roof. But since the beginning of the year, I’ve been painting, paneling, cleaning, caulking, more painting, etc. So yesterday I tackled the stairs and installed our DIY stair runner! And today I’m here to share with you how to install a stair rail! It was easier than I expected. My knees might hurt…but it’s worth it!
Why Do People Install Stair Runners Instead Of Having Carpet Cover The Entire Stair
This is what our entrance looked like when we moved in! When we bought this house, it was partitioned off by a wall because it had two floors. So if you put those two photos together and remove that middle wall, that’s essentially what we’ve done.
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We also covered that door on the right because it went into the main room, but we removed all the bar space. I will never understand what some people do! Here is a good view of her painting.
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This project was very easy and only took a few hours to install. I did it myself, but there were definitely places where an extra pair of hands would have been nice.
For this installation I used simple rails that I bought and attached. You don’t have to go out and buy a long rug. Doing it this way also opens up different opportunities without costing the broker money!
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Let’s talk about choosing the right runner! Below I break down some of the options I considered (including the one I chose).
The main thing to consider when buying runners is the pattern. It can be repeated and combined. It is possible to go with a bordered rug, but you will have too much left over for that. I went all the way to the edge of the carpet where the pattern went. It made plating everything so much easier!
The next factor to consider is the material. The stairs creaked. Especially if you have children and pets. I finally chose an indoor/outdoor polypropylene carpet. Another popular choice for stairs is wool. Wool is known for its durability and is a great choice if you can’t find a pattern you like on an indoor or outdoor rug. I would definitely avoid cotton as it doesn’t stand up to the constant lifting and lowering of your feet and can be difficult to clean.
Last but not least, consider the choice of colors. I didn’t want anything with really bright colors because I actually have kids and pets so I’m sure it would get a little dirty!
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I shared this process in my IG stories, watch the video if it’s easy to understand. I’ve saved it to my highlights so you can check back if needed!
Before you start installing the stair rails, the first thing you need to do is clean the stairs. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I have been preparing stairs here and there. Here are some options: paint the treads and risers, paint the risers, repair the wood, or install a rail on the stairs. I decided to leave my steps as they were. The largest piece of clothing is in the middle where it covers the carpet.
However, I did a lot of deep cleaning and scrubbing. There were also some paint spots that I removed with a razor (very carefully). But really this step is a lot of elbow grease for me!
I then removed each string and marked the center with painter’s tape. It’s a good idea to have this already in place when you start laying the base. You also need to decide how you will find the center. Most of the stairs are open and end with walls on both sides. If this is the case and some of your stairs have different widths, you need to figure out what looks best. I have a new post below and it affects the two steps below. I focused on the upper levels themselves. But you have to analyze how to manage yours.
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To measure and cut the quilting, I first measured the width of my actual rug. I wanted the quilting to be 2″ smaller than the rug (1″ on each side). This allows the carpet to be joined and ensures that no padding remains.
To measure the depth of the pad, I measured from the back to the front (before the tread is turned). I removed 1/2″ so the rug would sit nicely on the stairs. I also left about 1/8″-1/4″ on the back of the quilting so it didn’t sit up against the riser, allowing the stirrups to drop the rug nice and tight into the corner.
Once you’ve determined the dimensions, cut them out of the carpet backing and begin centering and attaching them with stair staples with 1/2″ staples. Make sure you are the same distance from both sides of the pillow to check your center. Always prime from the middle so you end up with bubbles.
Next comes the installation of the stair rails. Starting at the top, if your deck is anything like mine, it has a nice folded edge to start with. I placed it under the edge of the floor (on the first riser) and started splicing at the top. Again, start in the middle and work outwards. I also switched sides on the way out. Make sure you start straight, because you’ll be going straight down, and if you start at an angle, the runner will slowly move to one side. In the picture you can see where I started.
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*Tip: Before you start stapling, use a sharpie to paint the top edge of the staples black to match the carpet.
Once you have that top edge in place, pull the guide and use the mat to get it as far into the corner as possible. Start in the middle and place the main one. Then continue to use your carpet to lift it and bring it together towards the edges. Make sure you stay straight as you descend. You should have the same amount of exposure to the ladder on each side of the carpet. Check on each step because it’s easier to go down a little.
I decided not to wrap the carpet around the edge of my steps and dropped it straight into the crack. If you want to wrap it around the edge, use a staple pad to pull it tight under that lip and at the bottom. Make sure you use the correct size staples for this and that they don’t go over the top.
Once you’ve pushed it into the back corner to secure it, go back to the step you just completed and staple along the finished edges of the rug to make sure the shoulders don’t move.
Everything I Learned About Stair Carpet Runners And What We Ended Up Installing (including What It Cost)
The biggest question I got when I shared this on IG Stories was if you could join multiple rugs together or if it had to be one long piece. You can certainly join the runners. I used a guide for this until I got to where the rear corner of the riser would put it. Then I cut off the excess. Then you take a new strip, cut it to match the pattern, fold the raw edge and join the back corner.
When you reach the end, cut off the excess, fold it over and staple it to the top edge of the ornament.
Installing the stair runners was actually a little easier than I thought. It is literally tucking in and firmly joining the mat.
Don’t forget that I shared the process of how to install the stair rail in my IG stories, please watch the video if it’s easy to understand. I’ve saved it to my highlights so you can check back if needed!
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Ashley is the mother of three beautiful children. She and her husband recently moved home
