Learn how to install stair runners! Now that the carpet has been removed and the stairs are looking good with paint and stain, it’s time to add one more layer of style.
Why are most stair runners so ugly? Have you seen the ones in stores? Even the special order ones aren’t great. I’m here to say, “No more crappy stair runners!” Shout it from the rooftops!
But, did you know that you can use regular floor runners on stairs? For a fraction of the price, you can have pretty stair runners. In a few hours, we were able to install stair runners that added a unique look to our stairs.
The ugliest part of our house is now the happiest!
What are stair runners?
Stair runners are installed over wooden or tile stairs to provide extra cushion. It is a width of carpet that doesn’t cover the entire stairs.
This tutorial uses runner rugs, which are typically used in long spaces such as hallways.
Why add a runner on stairs?
But you might be wondering why we installed runners on our stairs to begin with? Didn’t we just rip out the carpet?
- The carpet was gross, old and stained. It had to go no matter what.
- Without the carpet, the stairs are loud. We have kids and a rambunctious dog, so cutting down on noise is always nice.
- It adds to safety. A bare staircase can be slippery.
- It’s soft underfoot. I’m still amazed when I walk on them first thing in the morning!
- To add more color. Not sure if you noticed, but neutrals aren’t really my thing.
- And lastly, because I prefer a more-is-more approach to decorating. It makes my heart sing and these aqua runners just take the stairs from cool to amazing.
Do you need carpet padding on stairs?
Carpet padding is added to make carpet softer.
I chose not to add it for these runners because they’re already pretty thick.
If you use thinner rugs, feel free to add it. Make sure that it’s cut a few inches smaller than your width so that it doesn’t show on the sides.
How to Install Stair Runners
Supplies Needed
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- Runners (I used 3) (similar or similar)
- Staple Gun
- Staples (You will use a lot! Make sure they go through the rug into the stairs.)
- Measuring tape
- Utility knife
Note 1: I bought my runners from RugsUSA on Black Friday, but I didn’t open them until almost April. They are accidentally two different patterns, but I love the result. Look for sales to get the best price. Home Goods also has good prices on runners.
Note 2: I used 2 different staplers, but it’s not necessary. It could have been done with a handheld stapler (it would hurt your hands, but it would still work). I used 2 because I have a favorite but it was too large to fit under the treads. ( I used an upholstery stapler and a regular pneumatic stapler.)
PS. Big thanks to my lovely husband for being my hand and arm model.
How to Install Stair Runners
- Our 2nd floor landing has carpet, so we had to address that first. If you don’t have a carpeted landing, skip this step. When I removed the carpet from the stairs, I used a utility knife to cut off the carpet, leaving just enough carpet to staple to the bottom edge of the landing. Using a staple gun, attach the carpet to the edge by stapling upwards. You will want to push up firmly to get the staples in. We probably used 20 staples to secure it firmly.
- Position the first runner in place. Center it on the stairs. Our runners covered all but almost 2″ on each side.
- Hold the top of the runner against where you stapled the carpet and staple along the top edge. The runner that we used was thick enough that the staples do not show at all. Just like with the carpet, be generous with the staples. You don’t want the stair runners coming off!
- Measure as you go, making sure your runner is staying straight. Staple along the corner where the treads and risers meet. Be sure to staple on the sides as well.
- For each tread, fold the carpet over and hold it tightly in place. Staple up into the bottom of the tread.
- Continue stapling the runner, changing direction as you go. If you staple one set of steps starting at the right side, start the next set on the left. This helps keep the runner straight. Measure as you go! Your walls will NOT be straight, so try to split the difference.
- Continue until you get close to the end. When you get near the end, go ahead and staple it into the bottom of the tread. Use a utility knife to cut the rest of the runner in the corner.
- Butt the edge of the next runner to the top of the tread and staple in it place, keeping it aligned.
- Keep going and repeat the process as necessary. Our stairs needed 2 1/2 runners.
- When you get to the end, staple it in place.
- Use the utility knife to cut off the excess runner. The cut portion can be covered with a piece of quarter round (which I still need to do.)
- Admire your lovely handiwork! Now that I know how to install stair runners, I wish I had more stairs! Wasn’t it easy!
Use a utility knife to cut the rest of the runner in the corner. 
Installing stair runners was pretty easy and definitely made a big impact in my home. Want to see the finished staircase remodel?
You might also like:
- How to Paint and Stain Stairs
- Painted Vinyl Floor
- Acid Dyed Concrete Floor
- Coordinating Rugs in an Open Floor Plan
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How to Install Stair Runners
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Ariel says
I’ve actually been wondering about this! You answered my question then – totally able to add runners for the stair carpet. Good to know! You did a great job too <3
Emy says
Thanks Ariel. I’ve seen it done with the thinner flat weave rugs, but I figured I could make it work with enough staples. 😉
Tatiana says
Fabulous!!! I wonder how I could do this in a curved staircase…thoughts?
Emy says
You would need to buy more runners with a simple design. It would have to be cut for every tread and riser and then stapled down. So it could technically work, but it would be harder and cost more. If I figure out a better way, I’ll let you know.
Sally says
Your stair runner is beautiful. How is it holding up after almost a year? I have been thinking about removing the carpeting and putting in a stair runner on my stairs. What size staples did you use? did you use the special staples for carpet? Also, are there any electric staplers that you can recommend for this job? I have four boys running up and down the stairs (no shoes), so the stairs get a lot of wear, and the carpet is impossible to clean, and prevent from looking matted and trampled down. Thanks.
Emy says
Hi Sally! After a year, our runner still looks great. I was just telling my husband how happy our staircase makeover makes me on a daily basis. When I realized that we had 2 different rug patterns, I thought it was going to drive him crazy (he can be a bit OCD about such things.) But so far, so good. The patterns really help hide spots. We have a black lab who sheds a lot and it disguises the hair pretty well. There have been a few spills, but they’ve cleaned up easily. I have 2 kids and a dog, so maybe not as much wear as 4 boys! We used pneumatic staple guns that work with an air compressor. I’ve used handheld staplers before and they would work fine, but your hand is definitely going to be sore. I’ve never used an electric stapler before. I’ve heard they are easier, but not quite as easy as pneumatic. We used 3/8″ staples.
I would go with a pattern to hide wear and tear from kids. And go with dirt color or darker. 😉 So no light colors (I’m betting your carpet is very light beige, almost white like mine was.) I have no regrets with this project. Good luck! Let me know if you have any more questions and I will try to help.
Sally says
Thanks very much! Yes, you guessed right, my carpet is beige almost white, and was put in in 2006, when the house was built. I obsessively clean it with my carpet cleaner in all the bedrooms, but stairs are horrible to keep clean. My family room has the same carpet in it, and it is a nice contrast to the dark tiger wood (reddish wood) floors in the rest of the house. I am not much of a DIYer (painted rooms, laid down new laminate floor in a basement room), but now that my youngest is 7, I have more time on my hands. My favorite colors are red, orange, black and jewel toned green, so I might pick a red or black runner. My stairs are open and have black wrought iron rails, and should be easy to tackle, since they are straight. Like you, I have found most stair runners to be ugly. I like your idea of using normal runners. The pictures of your house look so beautiful, and you have amazing DIY and decorating skills. Once again, thanks!